Early Signing Day (ESD) has come and gone and now it’s time to analyze it and dream of our rosters for next year. This series we’ll look into each team in the ACC (and Notre Dame) and go over who signed (scholarship signees only) and what my humble opinion is on each respective team’s ESD class. The order in which I will go over each team is determined by their rank in the standings after the ACC championship. This article is for one of the biggest threats to win the ACC next year, Florida St.
Biggest Need
Florida St. is losing 5 DB’s to the transfer portal and the draft – luckily Akeem Dent is coming back to give some veteran presence along with Fentrell Cypress coming from Virginia in the transfer portal. Florida St. got 5 DB’s (3 S’s and 2 DB’s) on ESD. This group is highlighted by S, Conrad Hussey, a player with great hips, good ball skills, and a knack for forcing turnovers. CBs normally don’t play early in their career, but this group has the ability to add depth behind Dent and Cypress. https://247sports.com/Video/2023-DB-Conrad-Hussey-St-Thomas-Aquinas-FL-junior-season-11057733/
Highlight
The best group in this class, by far, is the WR. Hykeem Williams (6-3) and Darren Lawrence (6-2) are both big body receivers who will pair well with fellow tower, Johnny Wilson (6-7). Travis Wilson is coming back for a reason, and that reason could solely be to throw jump balls to his basketball lineup at receiver. This group will be so much fun to watch…unless they’re playing your team. https://www.hudl.com/video/3/6137042/617fd679578e990efc14fbb2
My Favorite 3 Grabs:
• Hykeem Williams – Hykeem Williams is the lone 5 star in this group and when you turn on the tape, you see why. This kid is not only a great pass catcher, but he’s a load to bring down. Countless times he’s shifting his body out of a tackle or using his strength to break it. That may not happen as often early in his career, but he definitely has the ability. Hykeem Williams has Freshman All American talent. http://www.hudl.com/v/2G8caa
• Quinndarrius Jones – I love tall DBs, and Quindarrius Jones is exactly that standing at 6-2. Even with his height, Jones has the ability to stop, change direction, and break on the ball. Jones also does a great job tackling in space – which is something that defenses NEED at safety. http://www.hudl.com/v/2GKha0
• Blake Nichelson – Nichelson played more as an edge rusher in high school, but the thing that will make this kid great is his motor. There are countless plays on his tape where he doesn’t give up on the play and tracks a ball carrier down from the opposite side of the field. That is an intangible that can’t be coached and will earn this kid playing time early and often. http://www.hudl.com/v/2K2WZb
