If Miami really loses six games as Las Vegas projects, FSU could be in line to flip one or two of their commitments.
Florida State's high school camp season begins Wednesday, and the June session runs through Friday. The Seminoles currently have 17 commitments, six of which play on the offensive side of the football. But none of those play running back.
Florida State returns 18 skill position players in 2016 and is not slated to lose anyone to graduation. Despite that much talent, there is only so much playing time to go around and attrition of at least one should be expected. Given that, look for Florida State to take at least five skill position players, including at least two receivers, a tight end, and a running back.
FSU's Mario Pender could easily head to the Draft or elsewhere after his fourth year in Tallahassee and the smart money will be on Dalvin Cook heading to the Draft after the 2016 season assuming he stays healthy. Given the current running back recruit landscape (few elite prospects in state), FSU might not elect to take a second back in the 2016 class, as running back is a spot at which recruits can play and make an impact as true freshmen. FSU might decide to take two in the 2017 class if it takes only one this time around.
The top two targets of the 2016 class for the Seminoles appear to be Travis Homer, of Palm Beach (Fla.) Oxford Academy, and Amir Rasul, of Coral Gables High School. Both are rated three- and four-stars by the various services. But there's a catch: both are committed to Miami.
Homer is 5'11, 195 pounds with excellent balance and good instincts. Rasul is 5'10, 200 and a real burner and track athlete. The key for both will be getting them to visit.
Gerry Hamilton of ESPN also believes Rasul will flip ($):
When looking at the first to flip on the list, speedy running back and Miami verbal Rasul is at the top of the list. Not only has Florida State been making a strong push behind the work of lead recruiter Tim Brewster, but a likely July visit to Tallahassee could push the Seminoles over the top.
It is interesting to note that Florida State has recruited South Florida extremely well under Jimbo Fisher. In addition, Miami is projected to win only six games by Vegas– a result that could lead to some staff dismissals in Coral Gables. If that happens, FSU's chances with Homer, Rasul, or both could go up even more. If Miami has an unexpected good season, the recruits may continue to believe that Miami is on the right track under Al Golden and staff, and they'll be tougher to pull.
In either case, the recruitment of the pair is really just beginning.
There really aren't many other obvious prospects on the board as of early June. But on occasion, elite running backs do emerge later in the process, either because they were previously blocked at their position by other elite competition, were injured or ineligible due to grades or behavior. FSU fans may remember that Devonta Freeman came on late from Miami Central a few years back.