​Personal Ties Bringing 4-Star WR TJ Chase​ Closer to ​Florida State

Given the success Florida State has had on offense in recent years, it makes sense that Jimbo Fisher and the Seminoles would appeal to the nation’s top skill players on the recruiting trail.

A 4-star in-state junior wide receiver, Tavares “T.J.” Chase, is one of the ‘Noles' top targets in the 2016 class.

The 6’2”, 167-pounder plays at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida—which is also home to FSU 2015 quarterback commit Deondre Francois and fellow ‘Nole target and 5-star 2016 corner Saivion Smith. 

In fact, after he caught a touchdown pass from Francois in last week’s nationally televised win over Trinity Christian, the 4-star passer celebrated with his talented teammate by throwing up the tomahawk chop.

“He whispers (about) that in my ear all the time,” Chase told Bleacher Report. “I just shake it off because I’m not making a commitment yet. I’ll be thinking about it at times because Florida State, they in the top (group) with me right now. I can picture myself there.”

Chase—who, according to MaxPreps, has 21 receptions for 423 yards and four touchdowns through nine games this season—earned an offer from Fisher after he camped at FSU in the summer, according to Chris Nee of Noles247 (subscription required).

“Jimbo was just like he appreciated me coming up and he loves what he saw during camp,” Chase told Nee. “I don't [have any favorites] but FSU will definitely be in the top when it's all said and done.”

Other powers such as Auburn, Georgia, Florida, Miami, Notre Dame and Ohio State are among the schools who have offered and are actively pursuing the No. 144 overall player in the 2016 class.

While his offer list is lengthy, there are many reasons that Chase is comfortable with the Seminoles in the early stages of his recruitment. 

For starters, he was in attendance for the ‘Noles' big overtime victory over Clemson last month.

While both programs are among his early favorites, his familiarity with Fisher’s offense is a factor that bodes well for the defending national champions.

“I like the way both FSU and Clemson spread the ball around,” Chase told Josh Newberg of Noles247 in August (subscription required). “FSU runs a similar offense to what we do here (at IMG).”

Aside from Francois heading to Tallahassee, there are a few other links between the IMG program and FSU. 

His head coach at IMG—Chris Weinke—is a former FSU legend who won the 2000 Heisman Trophy and led the ‘Noles to a national title in 1999. Also, IMG's wide receivers coach—former NFL pass-catcher E.G. Green—starred at FSU in the late 1990s.

It doesn't hurt that the rapport he’s gaining with Francois this season could benefit him should he elect to sign with the Seminoles and reunite with his good friend in college.

“In practice, it’s a great atmosphere here at IMG,” Chase said. “We (he and Francois) have our mindset to go out and go hard every rep. Before practice and after practice, we just run routes and get comfortable with each other.”

Considering the number of elite schools who have offered Chase, it’s clear that he’s a talented and explosive pass-catcher who could find success in a number of different offenses.

However, Florida State seems to provide Chase with an opportunity to ensure the smoothest possible transition from the prep ranks to big-time college football.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand, and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Follow @SanjayKirpalani