How FSU Can Win over No. 1 WR, Auburn Commit Nate Craig-Myers During Visit

Top-rated receiver Nate Craig-Myers committed to Auburn last summer, but he's the kind of recruit programs simply don't stop pursuing through signing day. 

The Tampa Catholic High School standout is expected to spend time at Florida State next weekend for Junior Day, per Chris Nee of 247Sports. An upcoming campus visit gives the Seminoles another opportunity to sell him on the possibility of reconsidering his recruitment process. 

Craig-Myers, considered the nation's No. 12 overall recruit in 247Sports' composite rankings, left the door open for a commitment flip with comments he made last month. 

“It”s probably at seventy percent (committed) right now,” he told Josh Newberg of 247Sports in January. “Auburn, USC, Florida State and Ohio State are probably my top four.”

The Seminoles extended an offer to the 6'2", 205-pound playmaker as a freshman. Craig-Myers collected more than a dozen scholarships before the start of his sophomore season. 

Despite early interest from the Sunshine State's "Big Three"—Miami, Florida and Florida State—the 5-star prospect has maintained a mindset that he'd prefer to relocate for college.

"You want to go out and view different parts of the world, and down in Florida I have a lot of friends and family," he told Miles Joseph of SBNation last spring. "I'm trying to get away from any potential distractions. I want to be focused and keep my head on right."

Despite that sentiment, he's developed a solid relationship with the Seminoles coaching staff and traveled to campus for the 2014 regular-season finale against Florida. 

Credit: 247Sports

Longtime Florida State wide receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey has landed plenty of premier players at the position during his days in Tallahassee and now has sights set on Craig-Myers.

“He’s a great coach and knows me the best out of anyone recruiting me," Craig-Myers told Newberg. "I love the family atmosphere at FSU, you can go there and play right away, plus it’s in my backyard.”

Florida State can certainly focus on proximity in an effort to sway his feelings toward staying on home turf.

Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher is also able to point to recent proof that he's willing to implement true freshmen on offense. Craig-Myers could be counted on to contribute immediately if he arrives on campus ready to compete.

Last season, 2014 5-star signee Dalvin Cook collected a team-high 1,008 rushing yards. Fellow newcomers Travis Rudolph (555 receiving yards) and Ermon Lane (267 receiving yards) earned roles in the receiver rotation and will enter their sophomore seasons with significant experience. 

"I want to play with the best of the best," Craig-Myers told Wesley Sinor of AL.com last month. "I want to come in and compete for a job. I don't want anything given to me."

Both Auburn and Florida State are tasked with replacing highly productive starting quarterbacks in Nick Marshall and Jameis Winston, respectively. The Seminoles signed a pair of 2015 passers last week, providing promise at the position.

Florida State already welcomed early enrollee De'Andre Johnson, Northeast Florida's all-time passing yardage leader, to campus last month. Fellow Elite 11 finalist Deondre Francois, who played for Seminoles legend Chris Weinke in high school, will join him this summer. 

Expect the coaching staff to showcase its impressive 2016 recruiting haul during conversations with Craig-Myers. Florida State currently holds the country's No. 3 class in 247Sports' composite rankings.

The group includes 5-star quarterback Malik Henry and top-rated tight end Isaac Nauta. Craig-Myers would further enhance a collection of prospects that already features serious firepower.

He tallied 16 total touchdowns as an underclassman at Pasco High School before transferring to Tampa Catholic, per the Tampa Bay Times. Craig-Myers suffered a season-ending leg injury last August in his debut with the program and will enter his senior campaign with immense expectations in place.

Auburn remains the front-runner for his signature based on a long-standing commitment, but look for Florida State to make inroads as the process continues. Junior Day represents an opportunity for Fisher and his staff to make strides with scintillating in-state star.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.