Two interesting events happened over the weekend with respect to Florida State football recruiting at the tight end and receiver positions. Let's take a look at those.
At receiver, Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln receiver John Burt committed to Texas over offers from Florida State, Auburn and others. Some Florida State fans have asked me why FSU couldn't keep Burt, a four-star receiver, home.
There are several layers to this. First, Charlie Strong and Texas will eventually be a recruiting force in my opinion, and I was told that Burt has connections to Austin or the Texas staff.
The bigger issue, however, is that Florida State has limited spots in its class, and the class is actually fuller than most realize. FSU will be taking three to four receivers in all likelihood. It currently has one in NyQuan Murray, and another who is considered by all recruiting experts to be a commitment despite not publicly saying so in Da'Vante Phillips. FSU is still in on Tampa (Fla.) Wharton's Auden Tate, and Tarpon Springs (Fla.) East Lake's George Campbell.
Phillips, Tate and Campbell are all better than Burt, who I like, but whom is very raw and not a player who is likely to make an early impact at the college level. If Burt had tried to commit to Florida State, I am not sure if his commitment would have been accepted at this time.
Moving to tight end ...
FSU currently holds a commitment from Georgia's Jalen Wilkerson. It wants to take another tight end. That player could be a player who is "committed" on some websites ...
Over the weekend, JUCO tight end Josh McNeil, an FSU "commitment," tweeted that he was on campus, meeting with coaches, etc. McNeil has had a very interesting recruitment. But is he a true commitment and would FSU take him? About a month ago, a source expressed skepticism. McNeil is a talented athlete, and if he has his academics in order, and is cleared to qualify as an early enrollee, I think FSU will consider taking him.
If McNeil isn't ready to enroll early, I have a hard time seeing Florida State taking him. The reasons here are twofold. First, tight end is not an easy position to learn, and a JUCO prospect who has had serious academic issues is not someone I'd expect to do well if he doesn't get in for the spring practice sessions. The other issue is that FSU has limited spots for fall enrollment, and several more for spring. McNeil's spring spot, assuming it actually exists, may not be there in fall if he's not ready to enroll early.
FSU continues to pursue Miami tight end Devonaire Clarington.