Kynon's Korner: Florida State Fans Swaying Alabama Commit, Tough Visit to Swamp
Florida State Win Impresses SEC Commit
Alabama commit Demetris Robertson was one of several big name recruits in Tallahassee, Fla. for Florida State's comeback 31-27 win over Notre Dame. Robertson came away very impressed with the 'Noles.
"I had a great time last night," Robertson told Bleacher Report. "My favorite part had to be the atmosphere and the fans. I didn't know so many of them recognized me. They showed a lot of love."
Robertson decided to commit to the Crimson Tide last July after Alabama's summer camp. Since that time Miami, Michigan, North Carolina, and USC have offered the 6'1, 165-pound athlete from Savannah, Ga. The Tide will have to fight off a long list of suitors to keep Robertson on the commitment list starting with the 'Noles.
The 5-star told me, "Their receivers are on point. Travis Rudolph caught my eye. Coach (Charles) Kelly is my primary recruiter. FSU is moving up for me."
Georgia will likely make a move too, but the Seminoles could be a major threat to Alabama for the dynamic athlete from the Peach State. We are going to keep an eye on this situation with a long way to go until National Signing Day in 2016.
Tough Visit To The Swamp For In-State OL and 5-star RB
The hot seat in Gainesville has now reached it's boiling point following the Gators 42-13 loss to Missouri at The Swamp. A couple of weeks ago I said if Florida could land 5-star defensive linemen Byron Cowart and CeCe Jefferson combined with a respectable 8-4 record then head coach Will Muschamp may want to ask for a raise. Now Florida limps into into the bye week with speculation that Muschamp may be out following a loss to rival Georgia on Nov. 1
Despite the blowout the defense played exceptional only yielding a total of 119 yards of total offense. In fact, Florida is the only school in the last ten seasons to give up less than 120 yards and lose:
Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian two-way standout Kendrick Norton took an unofficial visit to Florida for the lopsided loss. Norton said he was impressed with the defense and the environment.
"It was a great atmosphere. Even the game wasn't close the crowd stayed in it the whole time," said Norton. "The defense played great. I was surprised with how the offense turned the ball over. I figured Florida would win because of their defense and let the offense get a few field goals while holding onto the ball, but they couldn't do that."
Norton lines up at offensive guard and defensive tackle for Trinity Christian. Florida wants the 6'3, 305-pounder 4-star stalwart on defense.
"I watched Florida's defensive line and they got after them like always," added Norton. "Coach (Brad) Lawing is a great coach. He is always works with them and they have some talented guys."
When asked about the outcome of the game and Coach Muschamp's job status? Norton had this to say, "They've only lost three games, so they would have to lose a lot more for them to drop out of my top (favorites). If something happens and Coach Lawing leaves then I will have to reconsider things with Florida."
For now, Norton still has the Gators firmly in his list of top schools along with Miami and others. He is going to keep an eye on the situation in Gainesville to see if any changes will be made. He is planning his official visit to Miami for the Florida State game in Nov.
Last Friday, Muschamp made a final pitch to 5-star running back Jacques Patrick. Recruiting analyst Blake Alderman was the first to report that Patrick was on campus at Florida.
Patrick told me, "Yes I was at Florida. I'm now certain on what I needed to know and I'll make my decision next week (Oct. 27)."
Patrick will likely decided between Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Ohio State, and Texas A&M. The 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions have him as a 100% lock to FSU. However, Patrick chose to be in Gainesville over the weekend instead of FSU's game against Notre Dame. Does that meaning anything? Probably not, but give Muschamp credit for giving Florida a fighting chance.
Skylar Diggins' Cousin Visits Notre Dame Rival
On Saturday afternoon, St. John Bosco athlete DJ Morgan was at The Coliseum with his mom and little brother to watch Cody Kessler make USC history. Kessler threw a school record seven touchdowns in the Trojans win over Colorado. Morgan said interacting with players post game after the special moment was the best part of his trip.
"The excitement in the locker room was amazing," said Morgan. "After I win it was great to see everyone get along and having fun. It was mind boggling to see him go out there and throw so many touchdowns one right after the other. It was strike after strike after strike."
When asked if 5-star Bosco teammate Josh Rosen is trying to recruit him to UCLA? He replied, "Josh respects everyone and their decision about which colleges they want to go. He understands its not just a four year decision its a forty year decision."
Location will likely be a factor for Morgan. His mom wants him to stay close to home, so she can see him play. She isn't fond of traveling and prefers Morgan to be near the west coast when he makes his college decision.
The Trojan faithful let Morgan and his family know he is a priority recruit. Morgan said fans knew he who was when he was at the game.
"Some of them knew my name and they were chanting Fight On," laughed Morgan. "They were saying this is the right place to be. Its a great feeling and truly an honor and blessing to get that experience. Not everyone gets that opportunity to say the USC fan base knows you. It's a blessing."
Morgan recently picked up an Arizona State offer. The 4-star playmaker has made plans to take an unofficial visit to Tempe, Ariz. on Nov. 8 for the Sun Devils tilt against Notre Dame.
2016 4-Star John Broussard Impressed by Bama's Dominant D
Yellowhammer State star John Broussard was in Tuscaloosa, Ala. for the Tide's 59-0 romp over Texas A&M. Broussard said the defense and the secondary really stood out in the win.
"It was great and the atmosphere was cool," said Broussard. "I was watching Landon Collins and Tony Brown in the secondary. I really thought it was going to be a close game and come down to the wire, but Alabama came out strong and came out with the win. The visit was an 8 on a scale of 1-10. I loved seeing Amari Cooper play too."
Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart is Broussard's primary recruiter.
"Whenever we talk we have a real good conversation," noted Robertson. "He's a good guy."
Alabama figures to have some competition for the 4-star cover man. Auburn, Georgia, and Kentucky for the Central High School standout out of Phenix City, Ala. Broussard has been to Auburn twice this fall and each time it gets better according to Broussard.
"The stadium and atmosphere is great," added Broussard. "When you are standing up in the crowd the whole place is shaking."
Broussard said his next trip will likely be to Kentucky for the Georgia game. LSU is the other school in the fold for Broussard. He called the Tigers his dream school and said he talks to defensive backs coach Corey Raymond every two or three days.
The tough defender is planning to decide later on during his junior year. He told me if he doesn't commit in May he will probably do it on Signing Day of his senior season.
Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained firsthand. Recruiting information and ratings courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.
.jpg?w=600 "Post-Lawrence Trade Mock Draft 📝")
.jpg?w=600 "Bengals Extending Lawrence")
