By: Robert Craft

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

Florida State football’s recruiting class came into National Signing Day with a National ranking of 20th by 247sports.com composite rankings. At the end of the day, Florida State fell two spots to number 22.

As far as the ACC (ALL CLEMSON CONFERENCE) goes, the Seminole were 4th behind Clemson, Miami and North Carolina.

This is Florida State’s lowest ranking in the history of 247sports.com. Also, the first time Florida State did not sign a single five-star player.

Florida State suffered through two straight losing seasons and a coaching change did not help them on the recruiting trail.

The past few seasons have made it clear that Florida State needs to rebuild the program from the ground up. A big part of building that foundation is making sure needs are met and there is adequate depth at every position.

Florida State coach Mike Norvell and his staff salvaged the Seminole 2020 recruiting class. Norvell, who was hired on December 8, acknowledged the difficulties of getting a late start in recruiting.

Norvell stated, “This class is critical. This class is the foundation of where we’re going.”

The Seminole staff worked very hard over the past two months in a class that features 25 signees and three scholarship transfers.

Florida State finished with 8 four stars and 16 three stars.

Norvell was able to do something Willie Taggart wasn’t able to do in two recruiting cycles, and that’s sign a quarterback. Norvell signed two signal callers in Tate Rodemaker, the 25th ranked nationally and Chubba Purdy the 7th ranked nationally.

Unofficially, Florida State has 84 players on scholarship. Given that this is a new staff and spring practice has yet to begin, that number may drop after the Spring semester. There’s still a chance that the Seminoles may add one or more players via the transfer portal.

Florida State is one of the greatest brands and tradition-rich football programs in all of college football. Kids grow up wanting to play for the Seminoles.

Recruiting is the lifeblood for any college football program. Coach Norvell was able to salvage a top 25 class and address some critical needs at quarterback, running back, offensive line and linebacker. Not bad for a guy who was late to the party.

I won’t lie to you; I was severely underwhelmed with Florida State’s recruiting class. Yes, the class meets some needs with a number of players, but the quality is below Seminole standards.

Recruits know you can win big at Florida State, just look at its history and the fact they have won a national championship in the last decade.

The Seminoles had the opportunity to get over the hump with its 2020 recruiting class but failed.

Bobby Bowden and Jimbo Fisher were great football coaches and also great recruiters.

To bring Florida State back to Elite status Mike Norvell must do a better job recruiting. Maybe next year.