Top Recruits Who Will Be Impacted by Result of Florida State-Notre Dame

Tallahassee enters the national spotlight again Saturday when Florida State hosts Notre Dame in a battle of unbeatens. Naturally, a matchup of this magnitude will draw interest from top-tier prospects across the country who are curious to see which powerhouse prevails.

The Seminoles and Fighting Irish are well-respected college football programs with reaches that extend far beyond regional borders. The result of this game will likely impact more than just a crowded collegiate playoff race, reverberating in the recruiting spectrum as well.

Several heralded high school stars are set to watch the contest closely—many in person—and will walk away from the showdown with an altered sense of how they feel about each team. Here's an examination of multiple players you can expect to keep a close eye on the action and why it could impact their respective recruitments.

4-Star DB Calvin Brewton (Miami, Florida)

Credit: 247Sports

Calvin Brewton, a Miami Central High School standout, committed to Florida State in January during his junior year. Despite a longstanding pledge with the Seminoles, the 6'0", 185-pound defender isn't ready to close the book on his recruitment just yet.

The team's largest threat appears to be Notre Dame, a university that drew Brewton's interest even before he announced his verbal pact. He finally spent time in South Bend earlier this month, using an official visit to watch the Irish defeat Stanford.

"It's been a goal of mine to get up there since I started picking up a lot of offers," Brewton told me. "This is a trip I've wanted to make for a very long time."

He has a chance to watch his top contenders square off Saturday, as his focus shifts to Tallahassee for an official visit. While many campus visitors still have several options in the mix, this looks like a two-team race for the South Florida star.

"I'm still solid to the 'Noles," he said. "Other than those two schools, I'm not really considering much else right now."

Brewton is rated 17th nationally among safeties in 247Sports' composite rankings.

5-Star DB Tarvarus McFadden (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

Credit: 247Sports

Tarvarus McFadden makes his long-awaited official visit to Florida State this weekend, and the pressure is on Jimbo Fisher's staff to create a strong impression on the coveted cornerback. The American Heritage High School senior once listed the Seminoles as his top choice, but Georgia seems to be gaining ground and LSU remains a strong possibility.

The 6'3", 198-pound playmaker may consider other options, though this trio has gained separation from the pack. McFadden is one of several impressive defensive backs expected in attendance this Saturday, though few can match his skills and success.

An instrumental member of a 2013 state championship run, he's rated fourth nationally among cornerbacks in 247Sports' composite rankings. His efforts led to an appearance this summer at The Opening, where McFadden shined against a group of highly regarded collegiate wide receiver prospects.

His senior season features 23 tackles and two interceptions through six games, putting him on pace to set career highs in both categories. McFadden is expected to announce a commitment on Halloween, per Safid Deen of the Miami Herald.

"After that [visit to FSU], I'll pretty much know," he told Deen.

5-Star 2016 QB Malik Henry (Thousand Oaks, California)

The top-rated junior quarterback in America is slated to spend time in Tallahassee this weekend, per Josh Newberg of 247Sports (subscription required). His presence presents an opportunity for both teams to impress on a national stage.

Malik Henry, a 6'3", 180-pound passer, is familiar with both Florida State and Notre Dame after recent visits to each campus. He traveled to South Bend in early September to watch the Irish battle Michigan and journeyed to Florida State for a camp this summer.

He named the Irish and Seminoles among his favorites in August, along with Ohio State and UCLA. Henry has a chance to watch two of his top options duel with two of the country's elite quarterbacks going back and forth.

The result could reshape his outlook on the situation and ultimately play a crucial role in determining a decision down the road. Most believe Henry will settle on a school before the end of his junior year. Considering his lack of regional proximity to either program, this cross-country visit presents a pivotal moment in this frenzied recruitment. 

5-Star DB Kendall Sheffield (Missouri City, Texas)

Kendall Sheffield, rated third nationally among cornerbacks in 247Sports' composite rankings, is among the hottest uncommitted commodities in this recruiting cycle. He continues to keep things wide open, with Texas A&M and Alabama emerging as perceived leaders at this point in the pursuit.

The Fort Bend Marshall High School star has spent significant time at College Station but seems to be serious in exploring opportunities beyond the Lone Star State. He used an official visit at Ohio State in September and now travels to Tallahassee for another exploratory trip.

Sheffield, a 6'0", 181-pound playmaker who also ranks among the country's most explosive hurdlers in track and field, could be closing in on a decision. The Aggies are sitting solid with him, evidenced by his use of Texas A&M gloves in a recent game, but he's clearly leaving the door open for other institutions.

Florida State can make inroads with Sheffield by sending him home thinking about a positive experience with the program.

4-Star 2016 ATH Saivion Smith (Saint Petersburg, Florida)

Credit: 247Sports

Saivion Smith, rated seventh nationally among 2016 cornerback recruits in 247Sports' composite rankings, presents elite athleticism and could ultimately make an impact on the either side of the ball in college. The IMG Academy junior has carved out his spot among elite 2016 prospects on Florida's Gulf Coast, which Florida State is always attempting to exploit on the recruiting path. 

He plays with Seminoles quarterback commit Deondre Francois, and the duo is coached by former Seminoles star Chris Weinke, who claimed a Heisman Trophy during his time in Tallahassee. Needless to say, there's a natural draw to Jimbo Fisher's squad with those elements in place.

He is expected to attend Saturday's game, where Smith will also get a close look at Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish extended an offer last month and would love to showcase what the team can do in front of a collection of young Sunshine State standouts like Smith, who has 43 tackles and four interceptions this season, per MaxPreps.

The Fighting Irish's efforts to land elite Florida recruits require a strong national image, and Brian Kelly has a golden opportunity to enhance his Saturday.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.