Three-Point Stance: Georgia rankings, Florida State, Florida risers
Rivals national recruiting analyst Ryan Wright takes a look at the 2024 state rankings in Georgia, examines how the loss of Kenny Dillingham is impacting Florida State's recruiting efforts and lists five Florida prospects that could rise in the next rankings refresh.
*****
MORE: ACC and Big Ten officials lined up for 2023 Florida RB Kendrick Raphael
CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
TRANSFER PORTAL: Stories/coverage | Message board
RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Info for 2022 series
*****
1. NFL PREMIUMS COULD IMPACT RANKINGS
Regardless of the position, an elite player at the high school level will always be wanted by college coaches, yet there is a shift taking place. Recruits in the 2023 class out of Georgia are well represented at key positions like running back, safety, linebacker, guard and tight end, but the 2024 class is different.
There will always be a premium for offensive tackles, so it's no surprise that Daniel Calhoun is atop the state rankings but just below him are defensive ends Alex Cunningham and Eddrick Houston. Defenders that can play the run and, more importantly, get after the quarterback are collegiate priorities. Also in the top-10, KJ Bolden, Zion Ragins and Ny Carr are speed demons at receiver that can torch secondaries in a heartbeat; another big need in the spread attack world of college football.
The collegiate priorities in the NIL era will more than likely reflect NFL premiums during the draft putting high value on quarterbacks, edge rushers, offensive tackles, corners and receivers. As time goes on in the new era of college football recruiting, the importance of landing top players at these five positions are worth watching.
*****
2. FLORIDA STATE FEELING THE KENNY DILLINGHAM LOSS EFFECT?
The month of May began with the Seminoles ranked No. 20 in the Rivals’ team rankings and might see it end outside the top 25. Florida State has six total 2023 commits, with the most recent coming on April 1. As all has been quiet on this recruiting front, the Seminoles have quietly slid to No. 21. The 2024 class sits atop the Rivals’ team rankings with four commits, but FSU last received a pledge for that class on March 26.
The lack of activity speaks volumes. One has to look at the enormous change made on the Seminoles’ coaching staff as the indicator. From the 2021 staff, offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham now has the same role at Oregon. By and large all the other key coaches are on staff with recruits routinely reporting loving Alex Atkins (OL) and Marcus Woodson (DB). Several top teams are lagging on the recruiting trail, Clemson and Alabama among them. But with head coach Mike Norvell entering his third season in Tallahassee the lack of enthusiasm is a troubling sign.
With official visits beginning in the month of June, where FSU is in the team rankings will be telling.
*****
3. FIVE FLORIDA PROSPECTS SET TO RISE UP THE RANKINGS
The spring evaluation period gives another opportunity for scouts to check out top prospects. Action has been hot throughout the state of Florida this spring from our Rivals Camp Series in Miami to 7-on-7 events and high school spring practices. Expect these five players to see a boost in their recruiting ranking in the coming weeks.
ATH Ja’Keem Jackson: Jackson has made his mark with Osceola High School as a receiver, but the offers are coming in on both sides of the ball with his top four schools liking him as a defender. Jackson has great speed and athleticism further reinforced by his 30-plus offers. Officials have been set to UCF, Iowa State and Tennessee with a possible fourth to Penn State.
CB Dijon Johnson: Johnson is a big corner with speed and physicality that is hard to find. He pushed 30 offers to the side on April 17 by verbally committing to Ohio State. Because of his size, speed and athleticism, Johnson is that rare prospect who could essentially play any position in the secondary assuring an opportunity to get on the field sooner than later at the next level.
RB Christopher Johnson: The offseason has seen a tremendous shift in Johnson’s recruiting … and it all goes back to his speed. Since late April, the former Rutgers commit has picked up 15 offers from some of the nation's elite that includes Georgia, Miami, Texas A&M, Michigan and Oregon.
RB Isaiah Augustave: Naples High School had an embarrassment of riches in its backfield last fall. The Golden Eagles had two 1,100-plus-yard rushers with nearly a third one in Augustave. He produced 950 yards off 109 carries with 16 touchdowns and can definitely play. Expect Augustave’s touches to increase right along with his recruiting ranking.
WR Tastean Reddicks: Reddicks schooled 8A defenses last season using a veteran mix of releases and hands that are ridiculous. Seeing Reddicks perform this offseason, he is always open thanks to his route running, quick hips and burst. He’s a sure target creating easy windows for a quarterback. Playing with Dillard High School this fall, he is right at the 20-offer mark.