Is It Time for Florida State Fans to Worry About 2016 Recruiting Class?

Considering that Florida State currently holds the nation’s No. 3 class, Seminoles fans would be unwise in worrying about the state of head coach Jimbo Fisher’s recruiting efforts.

However, over the last month, a handful of events have caused the optimism surrounding the 2016 ‘Noles class to dissipate. 

For starters, the ‘Noles unexpectedly lost a commitment from 5-star tight end Isaac Nauta in late July. 

Then, a pair of 5-star in-state prospects in defensive end Shavar Manuel and receiver Nate Craig-Myers—both of whom were believed to be leaning heavily toward Florida State—each stated that the ‘Noles were slipping in their respective recruitments.

Additionally, FSU has landed only one commitment—from 4-star running back Amir Rasul—in the last two months. 

What is the cause for these latest developments, and should fans be concerned about FSU fading down the stretch toward signing day? 

In the cases of Nauta, Manuel and Craig-Myers, each stud prospect had a different reason for their shifts regarding FSU.

Nauta told Josh Newberg of 247Sports that his desire to be closer to his hometown of Buford, Georgia, or to be in a town in which he has members of his family close by, was one of the reasons he decided to decommit.

Manuel referred to a “mess” at FSU, likely in reference to the off-field issues involving dismissed quarterback DeAndre Johnson and star running back Dalvin Cook, as to part of the reason FSU finds themselves outside of his top three.

Craig-Myers mentioned a lack of communication between he and the ‘Noles staff, which has helped rival Florida make a move on the nation’s top receiver.

However, it’s not exactly time to hit the panic button in Tallahassee.

That’s because Fisher has plenty of ammo to sell to recruits.

Over the last three years, Florida State has gone 39-3 and won the national title in 2013. In that same period, the Seminoles have set a record with 29 players being selected in the NFL draft, as noted by Scott Crumbly and Jake Hyman of Tomahawk Nation.

Year	Class Rank
2010	7
2011	2
2012	3
2013	11
2014	4
2015	3
2016	3*

Also, Fisher’s average class rank since taking over in 2010 is No. 5 nationally—which suggests that FSU should be able to shake out of its funk in due time.

While Nauta appears to be headed elsewhere, the recruitments of Manuel and Craig-Myers are far from over—which means that FSU will have time to make up the ground they’ve lost.

Additionally, Florida State already has 18 commitments, which means spots in the 2016 class are extremely limited.

The ‘Noles are heavily involved with potential impact players such as 4-star corner Trayvon Mullen, 4-star tight end Naseir Upshur, 4-star offensive lineman Landon Dickerson and 4-star linebacker Devin Bush Jr.

If recent history is any indicator, the upcoming season could give the ‘Noles a shot in the arm if they continue to win big on the field.

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