Darby enjoys FSU

Oxon Hill (Md.) Potomac defensive back Ronald Darby has been a hard man to reach since he de-committed from Notre Dame over a week ago and opened up his recruitment. However, he spent a few minutes talking to us on his way back from his official visit to Florida State this weekend.

"The visit was really good, I enjoyed myself a lot," said the 5-foot-11, 172-pounder who is one of the fastest players in the country. "I was hosted by Karlos Williams and I got to meet a lot of players and the coaches. I felt really comfortable there."

Darby, who was committed to Notre Dame since April, spent time with many coaches.

"I spent time with coach Haggins and coach Stoops and of course with coach Fisher," he said. "I have a good relationship with coach Haggins and with coach Stoops having coached Sean Taylor and some other guys at Miami back in the day, that's impressive. He's also the defensive coordinator but he really specializes in the secondary and I like that. Coach Fisher was great, they all just told me how I'd fit in."

Darby liked what he heard from the coaches.

"They want me as a cornerback and as a return man on kickoffs and punt returns which I like a lot," he said. "They even said I could play some offense to utilize my speed. That was cool."

Darby liked the area and especially liked the fact that the FSU track program is so good.

"I want to continue to run track," said Darby, who runs a 10.41 100-meter dash. "I want to get better at it to help me become a better football player. They have a really good track program so that's a plus."

Darby is already friendly with many FSU commitments he hung out with at the Under Armour All American Game earlier in the month.

"Marvin Bracy, Mario Edwards and Jameis Winston are all good guys and we were talking FSU a bit down there," he said. "But I've always liked Florida State. When I was committed to Notre Dame they sort of gave me space and I respected that. I've always been interested and I could see myself playing there now."

Darby isn't sure what's next. He was supposed to take an official to Clemson next weekend but those plans are iffy right now.

"I don't know yet," he said. "Clemson is kind of in there but I have to figure out if I want to take my visit. Right now I like FSU and Auburn with Clemson and Notre Dame still in there."

And what about the rumors that Maryland is making a strong push?

"I took an official there for the Clemson game and it was a crazy game," he said. "But I'm not interested in Maryland. I keep hearing that but I'm not."

Notre Dame coaches will be at the Darby household on Monday for an in-home as defensive coordinator Bob Diaco and defensive backs coach Kerry Cooks try to lure Darby back to the Irish.

"Notre Dame is still in there a little bit," he said. "It will be a little awkward and I don't really know what they're going to ask me, but it's fine. I de-committed for a reason and I am keeping my options open and I'm going to take my time with everything now."

Darby said he will announce his choice around Signing Day.

"I might play in that USA vs. The World Game on Signing Day so I might not sign until I get back home," he said. "I'm not really sure right now, but I'm in no hurry."

So is Florida State now his leader after a very good visit?

"I don't have a leader, but it was a really good visit," he laughed. "I'm just taking my time now."