Jimbo Fisher, FSU Make Statement with Impressive 2016 National Signing Day

With a flurry that saw six of the nation’s top 200 prospects select Florida State, head coach Jimbo Fisher and the Seminoles were among the biggest winners on national signing day.

The flock of top prospects to Tallahassee helped the ‘Noles land the nation’s No. 2 class in the 2016 cycle—second only to defending national champion Alabama.

On a day when fans across the nation are dialed in to see where the future stars of college football will land, Fisher and the Seminoles made a statement to the strength of their program. 

With the arrival of a 25-man class comes a message: Florida State is ready for another national title run. 

Among the high-profile wins on national signing day for FSU were 4-star offensive linemen Landon Dickerson and Jauan Williams, 4-star defensive end Brian Burns, 4-star linebacker Dontavious Jackson and 4-star corner Carlos Becker.

As an added bonus, the ‘Noles were able to flip 4-star defensive tackle Shavar Manuel—who was previously committed to in-state rival Florida.

The 6’4”, 290-pounder visited FSU’s campus last weekend, and the trip went a long way toward helping him arrive at a final conclusion.

“It’s just the best decision for me. I just feel more comfortable in knowing that Tallahassee is where I want to be at,” Manuel told Bleacher Report. “So that’s kind of how I knew it was the place for me. Besides the other schools I was [considering], I’ve been visiting Tallahassee since the end of my sophomore year. It feels like another home for me, and I’m just very comfortable up there.”

Position	Player	Position Rank	Overall Rank
CB	Levonta Taylor	1	7
OT	Landon Dickerson	4	31
OC	Baveon Johnson	1	42
PRO QB	Malik Henry	4	48
WDE	Brian Burns	5	51
ILB	Dontavious Jackson	4	90
TE	Naseir Upshur	5	155

What makes this class special for Fisher is that there are potential difference-makers at every position on offense and defense. Plus, the ‘Noles added punter Logan Tyler and kicker Ricky Aguayo—both of whom were recognized as Under Armour All-Americans.

Included in the class are nine players who are rated among the nation’s five best players at their respective positions.

Additionally, needs along the offensive and defensive lines, linebacker and corner were met with quality and quantity.

This stellar group was brought in on the heels of a 10-3 season—which is well below the program’s standards under Fisher.

However, any lingering disappointments from the 2015 season are likely to give way to the optimism that 2016 could see the ‘Noles return to competing for championships.

FSU’s 2016 class is an example of the standard expected in Tallahassee for years to come. 

“They already have a head-hunting defense. I’m just ready to add to what they have up there,” Manuel said. “I feel good about the group up there, and I believe we will win big up there.”

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