2011 Florida State Football: 5 Recruits To Help The Seminoles Stay In The Top 25

As the college football season is almost around the corner, Florida State football’s 2011 recruits will get plenty of reps in spring practice to showcase what type of athletes they are.

Some of those recruits will be redshirted and some will be used in a backup role, but a select few will have an immediate impact on the 2011 season.

With a central goal of collecting tomahawks to their helmets, these five recruits have the tools to begin the season first on the Seminoles depth chart at their respective positions. 

Tim Jernigan, DT

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Described as “an active defender who can be like a tornado at times” (ESPN), defensive tackle Tim Jernigan has the correct tools to be a playmaker beginning in the 2011 season.

Jernigan does have some improvements to make, but with the elite coaching available to him, he should have no problem acclimating well to the college game.

Jernigan is a disruptive force and will add some much needed depth to the Seminoles tackle position that seemed to be depleted at times last season.

As some question marks remain, such as Bjoern Werner's implementation into the starting lineup, Jernigan will have every opportunity in spring practice to prove he is worthy of a starting gig for 2011.  

Cornelius Carradine, DE

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Cornelius Carradine, or “Tank,” as he is well known as, was the No. 1 JUCO prospect in the 2011 class.

The JUCO national leader in sacks, Carradine will surely bolster the ‘Noles defensive end position and can clear up any question marks coaches Jimbo Fisher and Mark Stoops may have concerning the D-line.

Tank has the technique and size (6’4”, 250 pounds) to be the 2011 Opening Day starter on defense and will give Florida State another option if DE Bjoern Werner were to falter or succumb to injury. 

James Wilder Jr., Athlete

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Selecting FSU over UF, Georgia, ‘Bama, The U and USC, James Wilder Jr. is the true definition of a freakish athlete that can be a standout on the Seminoles offense of defense.  

Whether you see him as a linebacker or running back, Wilder’s 6’2”, 219-pound frame layered with muscle and bulk will be a huge asset to Coach Fisher and the ‘Noles.

On the defensive side, Wilder “is a natural pass rusher with his great first-step quickness, long wingspan to create separation and explosive closing burst to collapse the pocket” (ESPN).

While FSU needs to figure out its linebacking group, Wilder could be a quick option from the 2011 class to remedy all issues the midfield may have.

Karlos Williams, S

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Choosing FSU over Miami (FL), Alabama, LSU, USC and Ohio State, the 6’2”, 200-pound Karlos Williams will have the opportunity to showcase his 5-star recruiting status early on in spring practice.

Williams’ well-built frame, acceleration and overall athleticism impress his new coach, who said of Williams, “He’s one of those guys I think come around every 10 or 12 years.”

While Coach Fisher is high on Williams, expect him to make an immediate impact in 2011 by teaming up with Greg Reid, Xavier Rhodes and LaMarcus Joyner.

As per ESPN, “Williams is a supreme blend of size, range and physicality with great ball skills to top off his package. A great prospect who is ready to make the jump to the major college level and succeed.”

Nick O’Leary, TE

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Ever since big man Caz Piurowski faltered in early 2009 due to a nagging knee injury, the Florida State Seminoles haven’t really had a big tight end they could rely on to execute their offensive scheme.

Currently, Coach Fisher is working with Beau Reliford and Jabaris Little, but expect new ‘Nole Nick O’Leary to get a serious look to grab the starting position.

O’Leary comes to FSU as a genuine TE that has the ability to make plays while also being able to throw a nice block for the Seminoles running attack.

“Florida State is getting a guy that runs great routes and he has the best set of hands,” his high school coach, Jack Daniels, said. “When the ball’s in the air he has great body control. Nick is a serious matchup problem for defenses… the kid is very physical and very nasty out there,” (ESPN).

The Seminoles now have a legitimate threat from their tight end position to go along with their vicious running, passing and offensive attacks.

Look for O’Leary to make a big impact in 2011 and make the starting rotation right out of spring practice.