Stevenson checks out in-state pair

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Bartow (Fla.) four-star outside linebacker Freddie Stevenson hit the road over the past week to check out a pair of in-state schools.

"I went to Florida and Florida State this week," Stevenson said.

First up for Stevenson was a visit to Florida. The Gators have yet to offer the 6-foot-1, 220-pound linebacker, but they are still a school he is considering.

"I liked the family environment and how I fit with the coaches," Stevenson said. "When I first got there I just felt like it was a family environment."

Stevenson had an opportunity to spend some time with the Florida coaching staff while in Gainesville.

"Coach (Will) Muschamp didn't really talk to me about how I fit into their plans but Coach (D.J.) Durkin did," Stevenson said. "He told me I would be an outside linebacker in the 4-3. They run a 3-4 too, so when it would be time to switch to that I would have to adjust so that I could play in either system."

Following his trip to Florida, Stevenson made his way to Tallahassee to check out Florida State.

"That was my favorite visit so far," Stevenson said. "When I got up there, I was getting a lot of love from the players. It made me feel like that is somewhere I can go."

Stevenson was shown a great deal of attention by the Florida State coaching staff.

"I talked with Coach (Odell) Haggins, the linebackers coach (Greg Hudson), Coach (Mark) Stoops, and Coach (Jimbo) Fisher as well as the quarterbacks coach (Dameyune Craig)," Stevenson said. "They told me they really like me and need me over there."

The highlight of his visit was a one-on-one discussion with head coach Jimbo Fisher.

"I really enjoyed my talk with Coach Fisher," Stevenson said. "The way he was telling me how I would fit into their defensive scheme. Also, he just knew so much about me."

Stevenson has previously named a top five of Florida State, Penn State, South Florida, Texas A&M, and Western Kentucky. He says he hasn't narrowed it down any further but admits the Seminoles, Nittany Lions, and Aggies are definitely firmly entrenched in a tight battle for his services. He isn't in a rush to make a decision.

"I plan to take my official visits and see some schools before I decide," Stevenson said.

As a junior, Stevenson recorded 95 tackles, three sacks, four forced fumbles, and two fumbles recoveries. He also contributed on offense as a running back.