Tarvarus McFadden to FSU: Seminoles Land 5-Star DB Prospect

One of the nation's most coveted defensive backs in the class of 2015 is headed to Tallahassee. Tarvarus McFadden, a 5-star defensive back out of the hallowed American Heritage School, announced his decision to attend Florida State on Friday.

Josh Newberg of 247 Sports had the news:

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Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage five-star cornerback Tarvarus McFadden has committed to Florida State. McFadden announced his decision in front of his family, teammates and classmates at his high school.

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McFadden decided on the Seminoles over Georgia and LSU. That final three came from a group of scholarship offers that included no fewer than 30 schools.

He has been pegged to stay relatively close to home throughout his recruitment. LSU and Florida State have been in hot pursuit throughout the process, while Georgia got into the fray as McFadden established himself among the nation's best.

The Seminoles were McFadden's first unofficial visit and were considered favorites throughout. A high-performing academic at American Heritage, Florida State helped its cause by enlisting the help of former Seminoles safety and Rhodes Scholar Myron Rolle.

“He was really impressive,” McFadden told Chris Nee of 247 Sports. “He was very well spoken. He treated me and my family with respect. He was a five-star who made it to the league and also did very well in school. He achieved one of the best achievements in college football (Rhodes Scholar). I think he is a big inspiration."

While academics played a huge part in his decision, McFadden also had to go where it made the most football sense. He chose FSU over other interested programs in large part because of its reputation developing defensive backs into potential pros. 

If 247 Sports' composite rankings prove correct, McFadden could have a future in the NFL.

He's considered the No. 31 prospect nationally, the No. 5 corner and has seen his profile rise as teams become more comfortable with his ability to translate to Saturdays. Initially pegged as a safety, McFadden now projects at either defensive back position, with some scouts more comfortable with him at corner at this point.

That's a boon for the stock of someone like McFadden, who at 6'3" has the height to match up against almost any receiver in the country. Although there were concerns about top-end speed, McFadden has slowly assuaged those fears and stands apart from his peers as a two-way defensive back.

He's physical enough to help against the run and drives through his tackles, while possessing the speed and quickness necessary to cover most wideouts.

There are few (if any) better all-around corners in the 2015 class. The weight room will become a second home as McFadden attempts to add bulk to his 198-pound frame, but that's the case for a majority of players hitting the next level. His football intelligence is also above-average, so he could see plenty of time as a freshman—even in a secondary as deep as FSU's.

If there are concerns, they revolve around his ultimate position. Safety would arguably allow McFadden to get onto the field sooner and may be his pro position should he reach that point. Corner will be more of a process, simply because Jimbo Fisher will need to ready him for ACC competition, but it's the more important position and ups McFadden's ceiling for effectiveness as a result.

These are all good problems to have. McFadden is joining a staff that specializes in coaxing the most out of defensive prospects and turning them into pro-ready talents. While his commitment is not official—all verbals are nonbinding until national signing day—McFadden stands to become the latest in a long line of stars.

At least, once they find a position for him.

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