FSU Seminoles: Denver Kirkland
Here are five storylines for the Miami NFTC.
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State of the Noles: Offensive Tackle 
February, 20, 2013
Feb 20
8:30
AM ET
By NoleNation Staff | ESPN.com
NoleNation writers David Hale and Corey Dowlar are going position by position, looking at what FSU has on its roster now, and who might provide reinforcements down the line, projecting starters and evaluating the depth through 2015.
Up next, one of the biggest long-term needs for FSU: Offensive tackle.
Current scholarship offensive tackles (4): Cameron Erving (RJr.), Henry Orelus (RSSr.), Bobby Hart (Jr.), Wilson Bell (Fr.)
Potential early departures: The buzz surrounding Erving in his first season on the offensive line in 2012 was immense, making an early exit for the NFL a possibility. But throughout the year, he showed he still needed time to develop. He has the physical talent for the next level, but it remains to be seen if he'll be ready by the end of 2013.
Up next, one of the biggest long-term needs for FSU: Offensive tackle.
Current scholarship offensive tackles (4): Cameron Erving (RJr.), Henry Orelus (RSSr.), Bobby Hart (Jr.), Wilson Bell (Fr.)
Potential early departures: The buzz surrounding Erving in his first season on the offensive line in 2012 was immense, making an early exit for the NFL a possibility. But throughout the year, he showed he still needed time to develop. He has the physical talent for the next level, but it remains to be seen if he'll be ready by the end of 2013.
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FSU salvages solid class despite shakeups
February, 6, 2013
Feb 6
6:12
PM ET
By
David M. Hale | ESPN.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Jimbo Fisher has spent the past two months selling his program to a class he couldn't have known would come together so well in the end. Amid chaos in the coaching staff and a bevy of last-minute shifts, Fisher was the man in the middle of the action, assuring his 2013 commitments that the program was in good hands, and their futures remained bright at Florida State.
When the dust settled, Fisher beamed.
"It think it was a great day," he said after Wednesday's final letter of intent came across the fax machine. "I'm very proud of our class. We hit a little bit of every position throughout the whole class."
This wasn't another sales pitch. This was as honest an evaluation of Florida State's take on national signing day as Fisher could muster.
No, FSU didn't hold together the entirety of the class it had assembled before six assistant coaches left for greener pastures. Yes, Fisher lost out on some key battles for recruits. Some needs were met, others fell a bit short.
But after a whirlwind six weeks in which Fisher was both assembling a staff and a recruiting class, sometimes nearly singlehandedly, the end result was about as good as he could have hoped for.
Florida State landed 22 players -- though offensive lineman Richy Klepal isn't expected to play for the team for medical reasons -- and ended the afternoon with ESPN's No. 9 overall signing class.
When the dust settled, Fisher beamed.
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Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY SportsThe Noles highlight of signing day might have been when the nation's No. 1-ranked linebacker, Matthew Thomas, announced he'd join the class.
Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY SportsThe Noles highlight of signing day might have been when the nation's No. 1-ranked linebacker, Matthew Thomas, announced he'd join the class.This wasn't another sales pitch. This was as honest an evaluation of Florida State's take on national signing day as Fisher could muster.
No, FSU didn't hold together the entirety of the class it had assembled before six assistant coaches left for greener pastures. Yes, Fisher lost out on some key battles for recruits. Some needs were met, others fell a bit short.
But after a whirlwind six weeks in which Fisher was both assembling a staff and a recruiting class, sometimes nearly singlehandedly, the end result was about as good as he could have hoped for.
Florida State landed 22 players -- though offensive lineman Richy Klepal isn't expected to play for the team for medical reasons -- and ended the afternoon with ESPN's No. 9 overall signing class.
Wins and losses for FSU's class of '13
February, 6, 2013
Feb 6
5:48
PM ET
By
David M. Hale | ESPN.com
As it is virtually every year on national signing day, there were some big hits for Florida State, and there were a few tough misses, too. Overall, Jimbo Fisher and his new-look coaching staff have to consider the Class of 2013 a big win given the immense chaos that has ensued with six assistants leaving since Dec. 1. Most key commitments held strong, and a few late arrivals turned a solid class into one that cracked the top 10 in ESPN's national rankings.
Of course, rankings aren't everything. A lot of the success or failure of a class is based on a team's needs, and on that front, there were also a few highlights and a few noticeable problems. Here's how it breaks down.
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NoleNation gives its picks for national signing day. Who ends up where?
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ESPN 150 OT Kirkland loses Miami spot
January, 31, 2013
Jan 31
10:01
PM ET
By
Corey Dowlar | ESPN.com
All signs pointed towards ESPN 150 offensive tackle Denver Kirkland (Miami/Booker T. Washington) selecting Miami on Wednesday, but that won't be happening.
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5-star LB Thomas reconsiders visit plans
January, 15, 2013
Jan 15
9:15
PM ET
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
Five-star linebacker Matthew Thomas (Miami, Fla./Booker T. Washington) is fresh off of a visit to Alabama, but questions linger about whether the nation’s sixth-rated prospect will head to Miami (Fla.) or USC next.
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- It has only been a few weeks since Chad Thomas (Miami/Booker T. Washington) and his teammates were crowned state champions, but he's already added a major offer.
Big East and Sugar Bowl champions Louisville have entered the picture, but the ESPN Watch List defensive end still has the familiar three on top.
"Since the offseason, I really have only gotten one from Louisville," he said. "I just have my top three right now with Miami, LSU and Florida State.
Big East and Sugar Bowl champions Louisville have entered the picture, but the ESPN Watch List defensive end still has the familiar three on top.
"Since the offseason, I really have only gotten one from Louisville," he said. "I just have my top three right now with Miami, LSU and Florida State.
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Hackenberg, Olsen earn UA Game starts
January, 3, 2013
Jan 3
5:35
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
Black Team offense
Quarterback: Christian Hackenberg (Penn State)Running back: Alvin Kamara
UNDER ARMOUR GAME 2013
Keep up with live blog posts, video, breaking news and more all week from the Under Armour All-America Game in Florida. Blog 
• Top 2 recruits Nkemdiche, Lawson 
• Fact or Fiction: Liner, Foster, more
• Spread offenses reduce RBs' spotlight
• Who has impressed the most?
Tight end: O.J. Howard (Alabama)
Offensive tackle: Darius James (Texas), Denver Kirkland
Offensive guard: Grant Hill (Alabama), Joas Aguilar (Texas A&M)
Center: Hunter Bivin (Notre Dame)
Captains: Kelvin Taylor, Hunter Bivin, Robert Nkemdiche, Ben Boulware
Black Team defense
Defensive end: Robert Nkemdiche, Elijah DanielDefensive tackle: Greg Gilgmore (LSU), Kennedy Tulimasealii (Hawaii)
Inside linebacker: Ben Boulware (Clemson)
Outside linebacker: Alex Anzalone (Notre Dame), Matthew Thomas
Safety: Keanu Neal (Florida), Leon McQuay III
Cornerback: Vernon Hargreaves III (Florida), Tarean Folston (Notre Dame)
Black Team special teams
Long snapper: Tyler Kluver (Iowa)Kicker/punter: Sean Covington (UCLA)
White Team offense
Quarterback: Kevin Olsen (Miami)Running back: Keith Ford (Oklahoma)
Receiver: Laquon Treadwell, Ryan Green (Florida State), Jalin Marshall (Ohio State)
Tight end: Hunter Henry (Arkansas)
Offensive tackle: Derwin Gray (Maryland), Dorian Johnson (Pittsburgh)
Offensive guard: Patrick Kugler (Michigan), David Dawson (Michigan)
Center: Scott Quessenberry (UCLA)
White Team defense
Defensive end: Carl Lawson (Auburn), Joey Bosa (Ohio State)Defensive tackle: Henry Poggi (Michigan), Kelsey Griffin (South Carolina)
Inside linebacker: Reuben Foster, Yannick Ngakoue
Outside linebacker: Trey Johnson
Safety: Max Redfield, Antonio Conner
Cornerback: Gareon Conley (Ohio State), Shaq Wiggins (Georgia)
White Team special teams
Long snapper: Brendan TurelliKicker: Ryan Santoso (Minnesota)
Punter: Shane Tripucka
Captains: Ryan Green, Hunter Henry, Patrick Kugler, Reuben Foster
Officials lined up for 4-star OT Kirkland
December, 30, 2012
12/30/12
1:14
PM ET
By
Corey Dowlar | ESPN.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Denver Kirkland (Miami/Booker T. Washington) entered the room with a big smile on his face. And who could blame him?
As the offensive tackle checked in at the Under Armour All-America Game, he made the rounds seeing the jerseys, gloves, cleats and other gear that would soon be his own. This, though, is just the start.
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- From the moment the final gun sounded after the state semifinal two weeks ago, Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington began considering the reward of revenge.
Jacksonville The Bolles School had knocked it off in the championship game a season prior, and now the Tornadoes were awarded another try.
Washington took full advantage, winning 35-7 in convincing fashion.
Jacksonville The Bolles School had knocked it off in the championship game a season prior, and now the Tornadoes were awarded another try.
Washington took full advantage, winning 35-7 in convincing fashion.
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Four-star OT turns focus to recruiting
December, 10, 2012
12/10/12
7:00
AM ET
By
Corey Dowlar | ESPN.com
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Denver Kirkland (Miami/Booker T. Washington) couldn't help himself.
As he stood on the sidelines watching the final seconds tick off the scoreboard in the FHSAA 4A State Final, he was overcome by it all. The Tornadoes were state champions, and the crowd at his back roared in jubilation.
"When the time was winding down and stuff like that, just seeing everyone out in the crowd, it kind of brought tears to my eyes because it took me four years to get here," he said. "It just brought a tear to my eyes and I started getting emotional.
As he stood on the sidelines watching the final seconds tick off the scoreboard in the FHSAA 4A State Final, he was overcome by it all. The Tornadoes were state champions, and the crowd at his back roared in jubilation.
"When the time was winding down and stuff like that, just seeing everyone out in the crowd, it kind of brought tears to my eyes because it took me four years to get here," he said. "It just brought a tear to my eyes and I started getting emotional.
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NoleNation addresses questions from the fan base about Florida State recruiting as we head toward national signing day.
ktruba asks, "What committed recruits out there are the most critical to FSU at snagging for the 2013 class?"
Dowlar: For me, the top remaining guy is Matthew Thomas. He is an instant impact guy at the linebacker position and Florida State has been all over him for a long time now. The Seminoles are probably the leader in the clubhouse, and from that position, they can't afford to lose him.
ktruba asks, "What committed recruits out there are the most critical to FSU at snagging for the 2013 class?"
Dowlar: For me, the top remaining guy is Matthew Thomas. He is an instant impact guy at the linebacker position and Florida State has been all over him for a long time now. The Seminoles are probably the leader in the clubhouse, and from that position, they can't afford to lose him.
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Same three at top for 5-star LB Thomas
November, 15, 2012
11/15/12
3:00
PM ET
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
Don’t talk with five-star linebacker Matthew Thomas (Miami, Fla./Booker T. Washington) too much about recruiting right now.
It’s playoff time and the 6-foot-3, 205-pound senior does not want to think about anything else.
"I really haven’t put much thought in recruiting lately," Thomas said. "I have been to a few games this season but I was just going to check out the games. I’ve been trying to just focus on the team."
It’s playoff time and the 6-foot-3, 205-pound senior does not want to think about anything else.
"I really haven’t put much thought in recruiting lately," Thomas said. "I have been to a few games this season but I was just going to check out the games. I’ve been trying to just focus on the team."
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Several FSU commits, targets in ESPN 300
November, 7, 2012
11/07/12
11:53
AM ET
By
Corey Dowlar | ESPN.com
At first glance, this year's Florida State recruiting class lacks the star power of the two before it. That isn't to say it is void of quality, though. But Seminoles do have some offensive firepower on the list, notably four-star prospects Ryan Green, Isaiah Jones, and Levonte Whitfield. In the trenches, which has been an area of focus for the Seminoles coaching state in recent cycles, offensive linemen Austin Golson and Ira Denson and defensive end Davin Bellamy have them off to a good start.
Sitting at 17 total commitments, there is still work to do. But fortunately for FSU, there are some excellent options.
Sitting at 17 total commitments, there is still work to do. But fortunately for FSU, there are some excellent options.
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ABOUT NOLE NATION
David Hale
David Hale joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering the Philadelphia Phillies for The News Journal in Wilmington, Del., and the University of Georgia for The Macon (Ga.) Telegraph. Hale has written about college and professional sports since 2004. He currently lives in Tallahassee, Fla., and can be reached at davidmhale@gmail.com.
Corey Dowlar
Corey Dowlar joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering Florida State and South Florida athletics for 247Sports.com and Rivals.com. Dowlar has written about Florida State sports and recruiting since 2007. He currently lives in Clearwater, Fla., and can be reached at cdowlar@gmail.com.