Kynon's Korner: Florida State Closing in on Recruiting National Championship
Last week was an impressive one for Florida State, as head coach Jimbo Fisher landed the state's top running back, Jacques Patrick, and 5-star cornerback Tarvarus McFadden. Patrick chose the 'Noles over Alabama and McFadden picked FSU over Georgia. If you are keeping score at home, that's 2-0 in head-to-head victories on the recruiting trail for FSU over the vaunted SEC thanks largely in part to how Fisher's staff ingratiated itself with the young athletes' families.
Judging by the 247Sports Crystal Ball, both players were expected to pick FSU, with McFadden at 85 percent and Patrick at 100 percent expectancy. However, it was closer than some industry insiders anticipated. Noles247 reporter Josh Newberg was at Patrick's press conference and tweeted this out shortly after the announcement:
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
During my time at Rivals.com, Patrick had told me repeatedly that FSU had done the best job recruiting him and his family. In fact, his brother, Javonte Seabury, was committed to the 'Noles at one point in his recruitment. FSU parted ways amicably with Seabury and he eventually signed with Western Michigan.
The key to Patrick's comfort level with FSU was the relationship built by offensive line coach Rick Trickett. At the 2013 Jimbo Fisher Football Camp, Patrick told me, "I have a great relationship with coach Trickett. My mom feels most comfortable with FSU. She has been up there a lot. So I have to say she likes FSU the most."
The same approach was used for McFadden and his family. The 6'3", 198-pound defender visited Georgia for the Clemson tilt in August. However, his parents didn't travel with him. Instead, an assistant coach from Plantation, Florida's American Heritage chaperoned his trip. On the other hand, FSU was able to get McFadden and his family on campus for one of the year's biggest games. The Seminoles edged out Notre Dame, 31-27, and McFadden called the trip "a 10." McFadden's mom, aunt and grandmother all joined him on the trip.
It was clear McFadden's family would play a huge role in his recruitment ever since Shaquanda McFadden emailed me a few weeks before the 2013 Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge in Chicago, asking me to, "Please take care of my baby. This is his first time traveling alone."
Give the 'Noles credit for identifying an important deciding factor and taking advantage of it early. That's how you beat the mighty SEC in recruiting. You see a weakness and exploit it. Well done by coach Fisher and Co.
Local 5-Star Will Be in Tempe for Arizona State-Notre Dame
Christian Kirk of Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Arizona, will head down the road to Tempe, Arizona, for an official visit to Arizona State on Friday. Kirk has officially been to campus on several occasions, but this official visit will give him a chance to spend more time with the current players.
"Obviously it's going to be a big game. Plus Notre Dame is playing real well this season," Kirk told Bleacher Report. "At first, when it came down to taking an official visit there, I wasn't going to, but after thinking about it more, I decided I wanted to take one. Even though I've been there a lot, I want to get around the players more and spend time with them. D.J. Foster went to my high school when I was a freshman and I'm close to Tyler Whiley and Manny Wilkins."
The Arizona State coaches have a clear message for Kirk.
"The coaches always stress that it's great to be able to play in front of all your family and friends every Saturday," said Kirk. "And to be able to get other big-time recruits in the state to stay home and build the program up. They are pushing that as of late, but at the end of the day, it's about what I'm looking for and where I feel comfortable."
The Sun Devils are 7-1 and in first place in the Pac-12 South Division. Head coach Todd Graham appears to have the program headed in the right direction. A win over the Irish could go a long way toward keeping a dynamic playmaker like Kirk in-state to team up with signal-caller Taylor Kelly next year, or Arizona State commit Brady White in the future.
Kirk traveled to Auburn and Texas A&M for official visits earlier this fall. The 5-star speedster is also likely to visit Ohio State and USC before announcing his decision in December. He is an early graduate, so time could be the biggest influence on his recruitment.
Peach State Athlete Darius Slayton Set for LSU Official Visit
Norcross, Georgia's Greater Atlanta Christian School athlete Darius Slayton is headed to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for the LSU-Alabama SEC West showdown.
"I went there once in the summertime around July, but we only [got] a brief look," Slayton told me. "Both of my parents are coming with me. My mom was with me for the summer visit, but my dad hasn't been there. I'm ready for that time and I'm excited for the game. I can't wait to see the atmosphere and get a chance to see all of the coaches. At the same time, I want to meet the players and try to get to know them better."
Assistant coach Brick Haley is recruiting Slayton for the Tigers. Slayton is working to establish a rapport with the LSU defensive line coach.
"Recently I was recruited by coach [Corey] Raymond, the defensive backs coach, but in their recruiting class they just switched me over to offense," Slayton told Bleacher Report. "So I just recently got a chance to get to know Coach Haley more. He mentioned some of the guys (Odell Beckham) [who] came to LSU and how they improved once they got there. I've talked to him on the phone and social media a couple of times. They are starting to hit me up more recently."
Auburn, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee are schools showing heavy interest in Slayton as well. He is set to head to South Carolina for an official visit on Nov. 22, but he isn't sure if he will make it to Auburn or Tennessee. Auburn wants him to visit after the season, but Slayton hasn't decided if he wants to wait that long. He told me he wants to announce his decision as soon as possible. With South Carolina possibly getting his last official visit before he makes an early call, it could be a three-team race between Georgia, LSU and South Carolina.
4-Star WR Visiting Sleeper Pac-12 School
Lavan Alston out of St. Bonaventure in Ventura, California, has arranged his second official visit to Corvallis, Oregon. Alston officially visited California for the UCLA game on Oct. 18 and saw the Bears lose a close one (36-34).
"I'll be taking an official visit to Oregon State for the Civil War game against Oregon on Nov. 29," Alston told me directly. "I've been there before for an unofficial visit. They are recruiting me hard and making me feel like priority.
"I have [a] good relationship with coaches and I know a few players on their roster. My parents will be going to the game, too."
When asked if anyone is standing out, Alston replied, "No. I'm still doing my homework. I want to make sure that I make the right decision when that time comes. I'm also expecting to take official visits to Utah, Arizona State and Washington. I'm working hard on these three right now. I'm hoping to make it to the next level at any school I choose to attend."
The 4-star wideout says he didn't have a favorite school as a kid. Alston explained, "Coming from a military family, it was a disadvantage due to constant displacement. Therefore, I had no favorite school growing up."
Look for Alston to stay on the West Coast when he makes his college announcement.
3-Star RB Javarius Davis Planning January Official Visits
Former North Carolina commit Javarius Davis from Ed White High School in Jacksonville, Florida, is planning a few official visits after the season. Davis says the Tar Heels will likely make the cut for one of those visits along with a pair of Pac-12 programs.
"I'm going to UNC the third week of January. Even though I decommitted, they still want me to come there. I like coach (Dan) Disch," Davis told Bleacher Report. "The week after that, I'm going to Southern California and probably Utah following that."
The scatback said the Trojans are pursuing him the most intently right now. "USC is recruiting me hard right now," Davis noted. "Tee Martin is the one recruiting me and we have a great relationship. He is very loyal and real cool. I feel like I can relate to him about anything."
Davis added, "I feel like it's a good opportunity there. I'm looking forward to seeing the atmosphere out there and see what the rest of the coaches are like. I've talked to Lamont Simmons, who is from Jacksonville. He said he loves it and that if I work hard, I'll play."
The Sunshine State prospect said a couple of in-state schools have him on their radar along with an SEC East power. "I'm still looking at Florida. Georgia is starting to creep in a little bit along with Florida State. Florida State is my dream school. I loved them growing up. I used to love watching Peter Warrick."
Offensive scheme and depth chart will impact his recruitment when he likely makes his choice on national signing day. He wants to pick a school that employs a spread offensive attack where he can play early. Davis said he wants to make two visits in November and he will decide between Georgia, Louisville, Maryland and Wisconsin.
Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained firsthand. Recruiting information and ratings courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.
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