Breaking Down the Huge Recruiting Weekend at Florida State

Florida State is set to host far more than simply the Miami Hurricanes this Saturday; the program has compiled a list of anticipated visitors that features several of America's premier college football recruits.

The Seminoles will welcome a collection of talent from across the country, ranging from standout high school seniors to coveted underclassmen. Set against the backdrop of a classic Sunshine State showdown, it's likely to be one of the most expansive recruiting events we'll witness all season. 

Searching for 5-star studs? At least five such prospects should be on campus, along with many athletes who also warrant consideration as top-tier talent, according to Bud Elliott of Tomahawk Nation.

While Florida State takes center stage on home turf, this is also an opportunity for Miami to distance itself from a disheartening defeat at Cincinnati in front of mutual recruiting targets. Another ugly loss, especially if the game gets out of hand, would push the Hurricanes closer to the brink of a potential coaching change. 

An 8 p.m. kickoff allows prospects and their families ample travel time and sets the stage for a packed sideline during pregame action. Here's a rundown of what to watch for during a busy weekend in Tallahassee.

Elites Come to Town

Plenty of programs would be content to welcome this volume of 5-star recruits during the entirety of a season. Florida State takes care of it in one fell swoop, welcoming the No. 1 overall prospects at three positions.

Seminoles cornerback commit Levonta Taylor and UCLA weak-side defensive end pledge Oluwole Betiku each sit atop 2016 composite rankings at their respective positions, while Auburn commit Calvin Ashley is considered the best among 2017 offensive tackles. Ashley is an in-state product, while Taylor (Virginia) and Betiku (California) are traveling from outside the area.

Credit: 247Sports

Betiku, a 6'3 ½", 240-pound senior, will make the trip with Junipero Serra High School teammate and 4-star safety Brandon Burton. The Nigerian-born defender has been a phenomenon since his 2013 emigration, racking up 90 tackles—39 for loss—and 19.5 sacks in just 17 varsity games, per MaxPreps.

“I feel like nothing is stopping me from being the No. 1 player,” Betiku told Bleacher Report's Sanjay Kirpalani. “I’m strong, I’m fast. I’m just not versatile. Even though last year was my first year playing, I’m still hard on myself."

Florida State will also welcome a pair of long-pursued local blue chips. Defensive tackle Shavar Manuel and wide receiver Nate Craig-Myers, both 5-star recruits from the Tampa area, have well-established relationships with the Seminoles coaching staff. 

Homecoming for Several Seminoles Commits

Taylor is hardly alone as a Florida State pledge previewing his future home environment. Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher can count on seeing plenty of familiar faces Saturday, several of whom will be counted on to contribute immediately as collegiate playmakers. 

Quarterback Malik Henry, who's transferred high schools from California to Florida and back again since committing, is expected on campus. A few of his future offensive weapons will join him, including wide receiver D.J. Matthews, running back Amir Rasul and tight end Naseir Upshur. 

Seminoles fans should be especially excited to see Upshur, a Philadelphia playmaker who quickly filled the void left behind by top-ranked tight end Isaac Nauta in September by committing to Florida State over Michigan. He's already put immense expectations upon himself for a bright future in Tallahassee.

"I'm going to be the best tight end and win another Mackey Award for the team," Upshur told Bleacher Report.

Linebackers Taking a Closer Look

Florida State carries a high value for linebackers in the 2016 cycle, and some of the nation's finest will be on hand. Current Seminoles commits Josh Brown, Jamal Couch and Emmett Rice each fill slots at the position and return to campus this weekend to reassess their situation.

They'll be joined by a pair of high-profile undecided prospects from beyond state borders. Dontavious Jackson (Texas) and Keion Joyner (North Carolina) are considered top-10 talents at inside and outside linebacker, respectively, in composite rankings.

Jackson visited UCLA and LSU earlier this season, while Joyner announced a top-three list featuring Florida State, LSU and North Carolina last month.

"Me and (defensive ends) Coach (Brad) Lawing have had a very good bond there ever since he was at Florida,” Joyner told Ryan Bartow of 247Sports in September. “Coach Lawing is recruiting me the hardest. He wants me to come down and see what I would like there." 

Even if the Seminoles ultimately go 1-of-2 on national signing day with Joyner and Jackson, it's a victory.

Florida State also looks further into the future Saturday with 4-star 2017 linebacker pledge Vandarius Cowan joining the crowded bleachers.

An Abundance of Uncommitted Stars for 2016 and Beyond

Less than four months shy of signing day, 2016 prospects certainly take precedence at this point. Several high school seniors will carry Saturday's experience with them while working toward the conclusion of hotly contested recruitments.

Freakish Louisiana running back Devin White, a 6'1", 258-pound battering ram with sub-4.5 speed, is among them. So is dominant North Carolina offensive lineman Landon Dickerson. 

Cornerback Trayvon Mullen, wide receiver Keith Gavin and defensive end Antonneous Clayton are among other notable 4-star 2016 prospects to monitor.

Florida State's staff is also focused on younger athletes. Highly regarded high school juniors such as running back Anthony Davis and cornerback Shaun Wade will be in attendance, along with lauded 2018 quarterback Joey Gatewood, per Elliott.

Credit: 247Sports

Tyler Donohue is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.