FSU Football Recruiting: Top 2015 Recruits Committed to Seminoles

Wednesday’s national signing day was the official start to the post-Jameis Winston era in Tallahassee for Florida State, and the Seminoles wasted little time maintaining their spot near the top of the college football mountain.

Coach Jimbo Fisher and his staff brought in the No. 3-ranked class in the country, according to 247Sports’ team rankings, and will look to parlay that into a national championship after losing in the Rose Bowl to Oregon this past season. 

The only way the Seminoles will realistically take home the title this season is if the first-year players contribute along the way. Here is a look at some of the top Florida State commits who could do just that in 2015.

Derwin James, Safety

Derwin James is a 5-star prospect and the No. 1 safety in the country, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.

He checks in at 6’2” and 201 pounds and features the prototypical combination of size and speed that makes him a defensive coach’s dream safety at the next level. He hits like a linebacker and covers plenty of field with his athleticism and quickness, which helps against both the run and the pass.

James will patrol the middle of the field for the Seminoles and dish out hits to receivers who dare cross his path. He can also sneak into the box and deliver those blows to running backs as an extra defender who can shut down the opponent’s ground game.

Fisher commented on James’ abilities, via Corey Clark of the Tallahassee Democrat: “The size, the speed, the instincts, the intelligence and when he hits you he hits you. He comes downhill and really hits you. But he's also got great ball skills. He's not just one of those hitters."

It sounds like the Seminoles have their safety of the future.

Josh Sweat, Defensive End

Josh Sweat is a 5-star prospect and the No. 1 weak-side defensive end in the nation, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, and he checks in at 6’5” and 240 pounds.

Let TJ Gaynor of Sporting News describe Sweat’s best trait on the field:

"

Acceleration. Sweat was born to rush the passer. His surname precisely describes what dozens of offensive line coaches will begin to do when they see him on film for the first time in the years ahead.  The “Avatar” is about as real a deal as I’ve seen in a pass rusher since Jadeveon Clowney terrorized high school left tackles.

"

That’s right, the Seminoles may have landed the best pass-rusher since Jadeveon Clowney, which should be terrifying news for ACC quarterbacks.

Sweat’s pure speed jumps right off the page when watching him play, and he should be able to blow past offensive linemen from the moment he steps on the field. What’s more, he is a powerful hitter when he gets to the quarterback, and his strong hits can take their toll on the opposing signal-caller as the game progresses.

Sweat could be something of an enforcer on Florida State’s line. 

He is also solid against the run because he uses that speed to pursue ball-carriers in the open field better than arguably any defensive lineman in the entire 2015 class. The Seminoles are going to need that type of defensive production to make up for the loss of Mario Edwards Jr. and Eddie Goldman, who could both hear their names called in the first round of the upcoming NFL draft.

Tarvarus McFadden, Cornerback

Think Florida State got the defensive side of the ball covered in its 2015 class?

Tarvarus McFadden is a 5-star prospect and the No. 3 cornerback in the nation, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, and could contribute right away for the Seminoles. After all, P.J. Williams is no longer on campus and looking forward to NFL Sundays, which represents an opportunity for McFadden to make a name for himself as a freshman.

McFadden is listed at 6’2” and uses that length to jam receivers at the line and make a play on the ball while it is in the air. That physicality will help him win battles in the ACC during his freshman campaign, and his speed will prevent him from getting beat deep on a consistent basis.

Credit: 247Sports

Gaynor also offered a scouting report for McFadden, and one passage in particular should stand out to Florida State fans:

"

Ridiculous return skills. A threat to take it the distance whenever the ball’s kicked his way. Covers an incredible amount of ground in a single bound. Superman stride length.  Despite his super strides, still able to gear down while at full speed to change lanes and get to green grass.

"

The surest way to get on the field as a freshman is through special teams. It sounds like McFadden could be responsible for some fireworks on that unit come fall. 

All recruiting rankings and information courtesy of 247Sports.

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