Top Recruits Who Will Be Impacted by Result of the Florida-Florida State Game

While rivalries are always hotly contested among fanbases, most prospective recruits don’t share the same fervor until they actually pick a school. 

For example, there will be a number of recruits at this weekend’s matchup between Florida State and Florida who are considering both schools. 

Both schools will fight desperately to earn a victory over their hated rival, but for most recruits, the final score will have a minimal moment on their final decision.

However, that’s not to say the result can’t have an impact.

A win by Jimbo Fisher and the Seminoles would reinforce their standing as the most dominant program in the state.

On the other hand, the Gators—who were the last team to defeat the ‘Noles back in 2012—will look to erase the frustration of a two-year spell filled with disappointment by sending outgoing coach Will Muschamp off with a victory.

Which top recruits will be watching the action between the Seminoles and the Gators closely?

*Recruits listed in alphabetical order. 

Byron Cowart

Florida’s decision to let go of head coach Will Muschamp is one that has had a ton of impact on a few top players in the 2015 class. 

Chief among that list is 5-star defensive end Byron Cowart, who was high on Florida but named Florida State his leader shortly after Muschamp’s departure was announced, per Josh Newberg of Noles247 (subscription required). 

“Behind the scenes, I’ve kind of always had a back up plan,” Cowart said. “If he (Muschamp) stays maybe I go there, or if he doesn’t stay, well now they go down on my list, like Florida State number one,” he said.

Cowart has since backed off of naming the ‘Noles his leader, but it’s clear that he’s heavily considering heading away from Gainesville. 

Considering that defensive end is one of Jimbo Fisher’s most pressing needs to finish the 2015 cycle, Cowart will be among the recruits in attendance paying close attention to the happenings on the field between the ‘Noles and the Gators.

Ryan Davis

Receiver is another position that both the Gators and the Seminoles are looking to load up on in 2015.

One uncommitted target with offers from both schools is 3-star in-state pass-catcher Ryan Davis.

His older brother, Chris, played receiver at FSU from 2003 to 2006, which makes him very familiar with this rivalry. 

Considering that Davis has been a frequent visitor to the Gators campus this season, the coaching uncertainty in Gainesville could open the door for him to follow in his older brother’s footsteps at FSU.

CeCe Jefferson

Another top recruit who felt the impact of Muschamp’s departure is 5-star defensive end CeCe Jefferson.

However, a positive sign for Gators supporters is that Jefferson took an unofficial visit to Gainesville last weekend for the Eastern Kentucky game, per Chris Nee of Noles247. The fact that he would visit despite the coaching uncertainty is a decent indicator that he will give the new staff a chance to earn his commitment.

Jefferson is another prospect who Florida State will try to aggressively pursue given its need at defensive end. 

Per ESPN's Derek Tyson, Jefferson will be in Tallahassee this weekend. A strong performance by the 'Noles could give Fisher and the staff a chance to make a move with one of the nation's top pass-rushers.

Shavar Manuel

The 2015 cycle is nearing its completion, but staffs across the country are already active with the nation’s top juniors.

One player sure to have the attention of both the Gators and the Seminoles is 5-star defensive end Shavar Manuel.

The ‘Noles are considered one of the early favorites for the 6’5”, 262-pound pass-rusher, while the Gators are trailing FSU and fellow Sunshine State power Miami.

Fisher and his staff would love to put even more distance between themselves and the Gators in the race to land one of the biggest prizes available in the 2016 class.

Jalen Merrick

Credit: 247Sports

Offensive line is a position that both Florida State and Florida have targeted in the 2015 cycle.

Both schools have done well on that front, with FSU’s class having three linemen committed and Florida’s possessing four. 

Both Sunshine State powers would love to add one more prime target up front, with in-state 4-star standout Jalen Merrick being a top option. Merrick is using one of his five officials to check out the 'Noles this weekend, per Chris Nee of Noles247 (subscription required).

With the coaching situation being uncertain with the Gators, this is Florida State's chance to make a move for the 6’5”, 295-pounder.

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

Follow @SanjayKirpalani