FSU Seminoles: E.J. Levenberry
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Spring games are a chance for coaches and players to test what they've got in a more game-like situation. Practice is one thing, but putting on uniforms and taking to the stadium in front of fans is another.
It's also a chance to have prospects on campus in numbers.
As far as recruiting events go, it wasn't furiously busy. What happened instead was a lot of marketing and road-paving for the future.
It's also a chance to have prospects on campus in numbers.
As far as recruiting events go, it wasn't furiously busy. What happened instead was a lot of marketing and road-paving for the future.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Kim Klement/US PresswireChristian Jones stepped up in 2012 after moving to Will linebacker, compiling 95 tackles, seven for loss. He'll be a key part of the FSU linebacker corps in 2013.With that in mind, we're going to go position-by-position looking at Florida State's strengths and weaknesses as the Seminoles prepare for the start of spring practice.
Previous entires can be found HERE.
Next up: Linebacker
Noles 2013 snapshot: E.J. Levenberry 
February, 20, 2013
Feb 20
7:00
AM ET
By
Corey Dowlar | ESPN.com
With national signing day behind us, NoleNation takes a closer look at the next crop of Seminoles.
Vitals: Linebacker E.J. Levenberry (Woodbridge, Va./C.D. Hylton), 6-foot- 3, 230 pounds.
Committed: April 24, 2012.
Vitals: Linebacker E.J. Levenberry (Woodbridge, Va./C.D. Hylton), 6-foot- 3, 230 pounds.
Committed: April 24, 2012.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
State of the Noles: Linebackers
February, 19, 2013
Feb 19
8:30
AM ET
By David M. Hale & Corey Dowlar | 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, a position where the scheme might be as much in question as the personnel: Linebacker.
Current scholarship linebackers (11): Reggie Northrup (So.), Terrance Smith (RSSo.), Nigel Terrell (RSJr.), Christian Jones (Sr.), Markus Uligwe (RFr.), Telvin Smith (Sr.), Matthew Thomas (Fr.), Freddie Stevenson (Fr.), Tyrell Lyons (Fr.), E.J. Levenberry (Fr.), Ro'Derrick Hoskins (Fr.)
Potential early departures: FSU brings a talented group of five freshmen into the fold this season, and several -- Thomas in particular -- have NFL potential, but at this point, none of the younger players have enough experience to appear likely to leave early.
Up next, a position where the scheme might be as much in question as the personnel: Linebacker.
Current scholarship linebackers (11): Reggie Northrup (So.), Terrance Smith (RSSo.), Nigel Terrell (RSJr.), Christian Jones (Sr.), Markus Uligwe (RFr.), Telvin Smith (Sr.), Matthew Thomas (Fr.), Freddie Stevenson (Fr.), Tyrell Lyons (Fr.), E.J. Levenberry (Fr.), Ro'Derrick Hoskins (Fr.)
Potential early departures: FSU brings a talented group of five freshmen into the fold this season, and several -- Thomas in particular -- have NFL potential, but at this point, none of the younger players have enough experience to appear likely to leave early.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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.
[+] Enlarge
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.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
E.J. Levenberry is close to final decision
February, 5, 2013
Feb 5
2:06
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
E.J. Levenberry won't wait until national signing day to announce his college decision.
The ESPN 300 linebacker from Woodbridge (Va.) Hylton will announce who he will sign with on Tuesday evening, according to his father, Eric Levenberry. Levenberry has been committed to Florida State since April but recently took an official visit to Tennessee.
The ESPN 300 linebacker from Woodbridge (Va.) Hylton will announce who he will sign with on Tuesday evening, according to his father, Eric Levenberry. Levenberry has been committed to Florida State since April but recently took an official visit to Tennessee.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Levenberry thinking hard about commitment
February, 4, 2013
Feb 4
6:59
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Florida State has some strong competition for E.J. Levenberry.
"This is tough for him," said the four-star prospect's father, Eric Levenberry, after the family took an official visit to Tennessee last weekend.
Levenberry, an ESPN 300 prospect, committed to Florida State in April. However, the Vols have made a strong push recently for the linebacker from Woodbridge (Va.) Hylton, especially since former Cincinnati coach Butch Jones was hired in December. Jones and his staff have made such a positive impression that Levenberry agreed to take an official visit last weekend.
"This is tough for him," said the four-star prospect's father, Eric Levenberry, after the family took an official visit to Tennessee last weekend.
Levenberry, an ESPN 300 prospect, committed to Florida State in April. However, the Vols have made a strong push recently for the linebacker from Woodbridge (Va.) Hylton, especially since former Cincinnati coach Butch Jones was hired in December. Jones and his staff have made such a positive impression that Levenberry agreed to take an official visit last weekend.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Key visitor won't make it to Tennessee
January, 25, 2013
Jan 25
5:22
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Harsh winter weather on the eastern seaboard has changed Tennessee's official visit list.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Florida State will host a bunch of top visitors this weekend in what is likely their biggest and busiest of the year. Here is the breakdown of who is visiting and why it is important.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Levenberry 'firmly committed' to FSU
December, 10, 2012
12/10/12
2:42
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Tennessee's recruitment of E.J. Levenberry is essentially over just after it restarted.
The four-star linebacker from Woodbridge (Va.) Hylton is "firmly committed" to Florida State, according to his father, Eric Levenberry. The elder Levenberry said his son told newly hired Tennessee assistant coach Tommy Thigpen not to bother visiting the family tonight.
The Vols were in the hunt to land Levenberry before they hired former defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri. He, unlike former Tennessee linebackers coach Lance Thompson, didn't recruit the ESPN 300 prospect. Once the Vols fired third-year coach Derek Dooley last month, they seemed back in the hunt for Levenberry, who had always spoken highly of the school. That apparently has changed.
Levenberry registered 172 tackles this season, 14 pass deflections, one forced fumble, 24 quarterback hurries and an interception. He picked Florida State in April over Michigan, Oklahoma and Tennessee.
The four-star linebacker from Woodbridge (Va.) Hylton is "firmly committed" to Florida State, according to his father, Eric Levenberry. The elder Levenberry said his son told newly hired Tennessee assistant coach Tommy Thigpen not to bother visiting the family tonight.
The Vols were in the hunt to land Levenberry before they hired former defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri. He, unlike former Tennessee linebackers coach Lance Thompson, didn't recruit the ESPN 300 prospect. Once the Vols fired third-year coach Derek Dooley last month, they seemed back in the hunt for Levenberry, who had always spoken highly of the school. That apparently has changed.
Levenberry registered 172 tackles this season, 14 pass deflections, one forced fumble, 24 quarterback hurries and an interception. He picked Florida State in April over Michigan, Oklahoma and Tennessee.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Vols chase E.J. Levenberry Jr. ... again
December, 4, 2012
12/04/12
9:23
AM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
E.J. Levenberry Jr. is back on Tennessee's radar - officially.
The four-star linebacker from Woodbridge (Va.) Hylton received a written scholarship offer from the Volunteers on Monday, his father, Eric Levenberry, told ESPN on Tuesday. Levenberry Jr.'s recruitment to Tennessee has been sporadic as the Vols have undergone recent coaching changes.
He was a prime target for Tennessee until former linebacker coach Lance Thompson left Knoxville to join Alabama's coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri joined Tennessee's staff but didn't show any interest in the ESPN 300 prospect.
The four-star linebacker from Woodbridge (Va.) Hylton received a written scholarship offer from the Volunteers on Monday, his father, Eric Levenberry, told ESPN on Tuesday. Levenberry Jr.'s recruitment to Tennessee has been sporadic as the Vols have undergone recent coaching changes.
He was a prime target for Tennessee until former linebacker coach Lance Thompson left Knoxville to join Alabama's coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri joined Tennessee's staff but didn't show any interest in the ESPN 300 prospect.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Finalists fighting for E.J. Levenberry
October, 28, 2012
10/28/12
12:00
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Florida State fans couldn't have been too pleased with E.J. Levenberry's decision to visit Oklahoma this weekend. Why? Because the Sooners have refused to let up on the ESPN 300 linebacker from Woodbridge (Va.) Hylton.
For now, Oklahoma is the main competition for Levenberry, who committed to the Seminoles in April. Here is a breakdown of the schools still chasing the 6-foot-3, 230-pound prospect:
Florida State: Clearly, with his early commitment, the Seminoles are the leader for Levenberry. There's plenty to like, but Levenberry has strong connections to other coaching staffs, too. That could ultimately be Florida State's undoing.
For now, Oklahoma is the main competition for Levenberry, who committed to the Seminoles in April. Here is a breakdown of the schools still chasing the 6-foot-3, 230-pound prospect:
Florida State: Clearly, with his early commitment, the Seminoles are the leader for Levenberry. There's plenty to like, but Levenberry has strong connections to other coaching staffs, too. That could ultimately be Florida State's undoing.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Florida State's commitments are having big campaigns as the high school season is nearly halfway complete. Here are some prospects who had exceptional weekends.
Tyrell Lyons (Jacksonville, Fla./First Coast): The four-star outside linebacker commitment racked up seven tackles in his game this week against Yulee and future Alabama RB commit Derrick Henry, showing a willingness to get to the ball and make a play. First Coast's defense has some playmakers on it, so tackles, by default, are not easy to come by. Both Daniel McMillian and Sherrod Pittman, other starting linebackers, get their fair share as well.
E.J. Levenberry (Woodbridge, Va/Hylton): The nation's No. 12 inside linebacker prospect turned in another solid performance on Friday. Levenberry racked up nine tackles, showing his toughness against the run and also recorded an interception. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker is an ESPN 300 prospect.
Tyrell Lyons (Jacksonville, Fla./First Coast): The four-star outside linebacker commitment racked up seven tackles in his game this week against Yulee and future Alabama RB commit Derrick Henry, showing a willingness to get to the ball and make a play. First Coast's defense has some playmakers on it, so tackles, by default, are not easy to come by. Both Daniel McMillian and Sherrod Pittman, other starting linebackers, get their fair share as well.
E.J. Levenberry (Woodbridge, Va/Hylton): The nation's No. 12 inside linebacker prospect turned in another solid performance on Friday. Levenberry racked up nine tackles, showing his toughness against the run and also recorded an interception. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker is an ESPN 300 prospect.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
It ended where it all began.
Woodbridge (Va.) C.D. Hylton four-star linebacker E.J. Levenberry Jr. committed to Florida State on Tuesday, months after he spoke so highly of his first official visit there. He chose the Seminoles over Michigan and Oklahoma.
Levenberry was very fond of Michigan but the school did not offer the computer forensics major like Florida State, which Levenberry said is one of the top such programs in the nation.
Woodbridge (Va.) C.D. Hylton four-star linebacker E.J. Levenberry Jr. committed to Florida State on Tuesday, months after he spoke so highly of his first official visit there. He chose the Seminoles over Michigan and Oklahoma.
Levenberry was very fond of Michigan but the school did not offer the computer forensics major like Florida State, which Levenberry said is one of the top such programs in the nation.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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.