FSU Seminoles: Marquez White
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.
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State of the Noles: Cornerback 
February, 27, 2013
Feb 27
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By David 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, one of the most promising positions on the FSU roster: Cornerback.
Up next, one of the most promising positions on the FSU roster: Cornerback.
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With national signing day now beyond us, NoleNation takes a closer look at the next crop of Seminoles.
Vitals: Cornerback Marquez White (Dothan, Ala./Northview), 6-foot-1, 170 pounds.
Committed: May 25, 2012.
Vitals: Cornerback Marquez White (Dothan, Ala./Northview), 6-foot-1, 170 pounds.
Committed: May 25, 2012.
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Pruitt makes instant impact on 2013 class
February, 7, 2013
Feb 7
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By
Corey Dowlar | ESPN.com
Florida State's recruiting class might have looked a lot different if it weren't for the hire of defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.
Pruitt's appointment in Tallahassee directly resulted in no fewer than two commitments from top-40 players destined elsewhere that the Seminoles wouldn't have had a shot at otherwise.
Beginning with DeMarcus Walker (Jacksonville, Fla./Sandalwood) on the night of the national championship, Pruitt's move orchestrated one of the headlines of the season. Minutes after Nick Saban and Alabama hoisted another national championship trophy, the Tuscaloosa-bound Walker switched his commitment to Florida State and enrolled at the school the next day.
Pruitt's appointment in Tallahassee directly resulted in no fewer than two commitments from top-40 players destined elsewhere that the Seminoles wouldn't have had a shot at otherwise.
Beginning with DeMarcus Walker (Jacksonville, Fla./Sandalwood) on the night of the national championship, Pruitt's move orchestrated one of the headlines of the season. Minutes after Nick Saban and Alabama hoisted another national championship trophy, the Tuscaloosa-bound Walker switched his commitment to Florida State and enrolled at the school the next day.
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Wins and losses for FSU's class of '13
February, 6, 2013
Feb 6
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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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From the impending quarterback competition to finding replacements for departing juniors, Jimbo Fisher will have his work cut out for him during the next few months as he lays the groundwork for 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.
First up: Cornerback
2012 recap: Last season began with a seemingly huge setback when three-year starter Greg Reid was dismissed from the program just before the start of fall camp. As it turned out, however, FSU had plenty of in-house answers. Freshman Ronald Darby and sophomore Nick Waisome stepped in to more than adequately fill the void, and FSU's pass defense finished as one of the best units in the country.
Departures: It seemed a foregone conclusion long before the season ended, and as expected, junior Xavier Rhodes opted to pass on a fifth year in Tallahassee and will head to the NFL draft. It's a big loss, as Rhodes had blossomed into one of the best cover corners in the nation, and 2012 might have been his best season as a Seminole.
Arrivals: Redshirt freshman Colin Blake will get his first taste of action. FSU has two four-star commitments at the position in Marquez White (Dothan, Ala./Northview) and Michael Johnson (Miami/Booker T. Washington). White is the 17th-ranked corner in the nation, according to ESPN.
Biggest question mark: Replacing Rhodes is obviously the top priority, but with the impressive 2012 campaigns from both Darby and Waisome, the answers appear fairly obvious. What might be a more intriguing question is who steps in as the third man in the cornerback rotation -- a list that could include more work from nickel Tyler Hunter, early playing time for the youngsters or, perhaps most likely, an expanded role for rising sophomore Keelin Smith.
Breakout star: Darby seems the logical choice. He never quite overtook Waisome for the starting job in 2012, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. Darby finished the season having appeared in all 14 games, making 22 tackles and recording eight pass breakups and one forced fumble en route to being named a freshman All-American. He's perhaps not quite as physical as Rhodes, but his speed is elite and he has the potential to quickly develop into one of the marquee defensive backs in the conference.
Projected 2013 starters: Darby and Waisome, with Hunter as the top nickel option.
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.
First up: Cornerback
[+] Enlarge
Geoff Burke/Getty ImagesCornerback Ronald Darby stepped in and became a big contributor as a freshman.
Departures: It seemed a foregone conclusion long before the season ended, and as expected, junior Xavier Rhodes opted to pass on a fifth year in Tallahassee and will head to the NFL draft. It's a big loss, as Rhodes had blossomed into one of the best cover corners in the nation, and 2012 might have been his best season as a Seminole.
Arrivals: Redshirt freshman Colin Blake will get his first taste of action. FSU has two four-star commitments at the position in Marquez White (Dothan, Ala./Northview) and Michael Johnson (Miami/Booker T. Washington). White is the 17th-ranked corner in the nation, according to ESPN.
Biggest question mark: Replacing Rhodes is obviously the top priority, but with the impressive 2012 campaigns from both Darby and Waisome, the answers appear fairly obvious. What might be a more intriguing question is who steps in as the third man in the cornerback rotation -- a list that could include more work from nickel Tyler Hunter, early playing time for the youngsters or, perhaps most likely, an expanded role for rising sophomore Keelin Smith.
Breakout star: Darby seems the logical choice. He never quite overtook Waisome for the starting job in 2012, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. Darby finished the season having appeared in all 14 games, making 22 tackles and recording eight pass breakups and one forced fumble en route to being named a freshman All-American. He's perhaps not quite as physical as Rhodes, but his speed is elite and he has the potential to quickly develop into one of the marquee defensive backs in the conference.
Projected 2013 starters: Darby and Waisome, with Hunter as the top nickel option.
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.
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CB Marquez White: 'I'm still firm to FSU'
December, 13, 2012
12/13/12
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By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- ESPN 300 cornerback Marquez White (Dothan, Ala./Northview) committed to Florida State in May, but there’s been plenty of speculation surrounding his recruitment since then. Where’s he stand now?
“I’m still firm to Florida State,” White said.
Recently, the four-star took an official visit to Minnesota. It was first trip to Minneapolis.
“I’m still firm to Florida State,” White said.
Recently, the four-star took an official visit to Minnesota. It was first trip to Minneapolis.
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FSU OL pledge Golson talks official visits
December, 12, 2012
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By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- It hasn’t been easy for ESPN 150 offensive lineman Austin Golson (Prattville, Ala./Prattville) this week at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game. He’s had to go up against top defensive line prospects such as Dee Liner and Darius Paige all week at practice, but he knows it’s only making him better.
“It has been a challenge, but it’s just competition,” Golson said. “It makes me better. I hope I make them better. We’re just getting after each other. [Liner] got me at that summer camp. I don’t think I was prepared, so I had to get him back somehow.”
On Wednesday, Florida State assistant coach Dameyune Craig came by practice to see both Golson and Marquez White, who are both committed to the Seminoles.
“It has been a challenge, but it’s just competition,” Golson said. “It makes me better. I hope I make them better. We’re just getting after each other. [Liner] got me at that summer camp. I don’t think I was prepared, so I had to get him back somehow.”
On Wednesday, Florida State assistant coach Dameyune Craig came by practice to see both Golson and Marquez White, who are both committed to the Seminoles.
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As the prep schedule winds down, NoleNation looks at some of the top performances from players committed to Florida State regardless of class. Here are this week's top five:
Joseph Yearby (Miami/Miami Central): In a week when many of Florida State's top performances from commitments came from juniors, Yearby might have topped them all. He ran for more than 100 yards on the ground and contributed two rushing touchdowns. Yearby also found paydirt through the air to round off a complete performance. The ESPN Watch List tailback committed to Florida State's 2014 class last spring.
JoJo Robinson (Miami/Northwestern): Versatile athlete Jojo Robinson made an impact for his Miami Northwestern team this week. He racked up more than 50 all-purpose yards as a running back and receiver and also caught a touchdown pass. The junior committed to Florida State over the summer and has offers from LSU, Miami and Southern Cal.
Joseph Yearby (Miami/Miami Central): In a week when many of Florida State's top performances from commitments came from juniors, Yearby might have topped them all. He ran for more than 100 yards on the ground and contributed two rushing touchdowns. Yearby also found paydirt through the air to round off a complete performance. The ESPN Watch List tailback committed to Florida State's 2014 class last spring.
JoJo Robinson (Miami/Northwestern): Versatile athlete Jojo Robinson made an impact for his Miami Northwestern team this week. He racked up more than 50 all-purpose yards as a running back and receiver and also caught a touchdown pass. The junior committed to Florida State over the summer and has offers from LSU, Miami and Southern Cal.
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FSU commit White draws SEC interest
October, 10, 2012
10/10/12
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By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
In six games this year, cornerback Marquez White (Dothan, Ala./Northview) has had the ball thrown his way just twice. The first time he gave up a catch, but Friday night he made the other team pay with his first interception of the season.
“That was probably my best game,” White said. “I’ve been playing real good all season, but this was probably my best all-around game. I got my first pick of the season, and that was probably the second time the ball had been thrown to my side this year. It’s been boring.”
Northview came up short in the game, dropping its record to 3-3 on the year, but White believes they could have won all six games. The four-star defensive back thinks they can still make a run to get in the playoffs.
“That was probably my best game,” White said. “I’ve been playing real good all season, but this was probably my best all-around game. I got my first pick of the season, and that was probably the second time the ball had been thrown to my side this year. It’s been boring.”
Northview came up short in the game, dropping its record to 3-3 on the year, but White believes they could have won all six games. The four-star defensive back thinks they can still make a run to get in the playoffs.
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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.
Davin Bellamy: The former basketball star has really begun to find himself with each passing week. Without a ton of experience playing defensive line in high school, every game has been a learning experience. This past Friday, Bellamy was responsible for two quarterback sacks, six tackles, a pass break-up and a fumble return for a touchdown. Not a bad night's work.
Adrian Baker: ESPN 300 athlete Adrian Baker held his own against University School, a top team in the state of Florida, this week. He recorded four tackles and a catch on offense. He did allow a 10-yard reception from four-star receiver Jordan Cunningham, but there are many defensive backs that would be willing to admit that.
Davin Bellamy: The former basketball star has really begun to find himself with each passing week. Without a ton of experience playing defensive line in high school, every game has been a learning experience. This past Friday, Bellamy was responsible for two quarterback sacks, six tackles, a pass break-up and a fumble return for a touchdown. Not a bad night's work.
Adrian Baker: ESPN 300 athlete Adrian Baker held his own against University School, a top team in the state of Florida, this week. He recorded four tackles and a catch on offense. He did allow a 10-yard reception from four-star receiver Jordan Cunningham, but there are many defensive backs that would be willing to admit that.
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Commit Marquez White, family enjoy FSU
August, 20, 2012
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By
Corey Dowlar | ESPN.com
Marquez White (Dothan, Ala./Northview), and his family, got the vibe they were looking for.
The four-star Florida State commitment took his parents down to Tallahassee, Fla., over the weekend to show them why he wanted to be a Seminole. Afterwards, the 6-foot-1, 170-pound cornerback said he will be signing with FSU when it comes time to put pen to paper.
"They fell in love with it when they got there," he explained. "They have the same feelings about it as I do. So now I have made that decision and it is behind me."
The four-star Florida State commitment took his parents down to Tallahassee, Fla., over the weekend to show them why he wanted to be a Seminole. Afterwards, the 6-foot-1, 170-pound cornerback said he will be signing with FSU when it comes time to put pen to paper.
"They fell in love with it when they got there," he explained. "They have the same feelings about it as I do. So now I have made that decision and it is behind me."
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Marquez White (Dothan, Ala./Northview) will bring his parents down to Tallahassee, Fla. to see Florida State for the first time this weekend.
The Seminoles cornerback commitment has been there plenty of times before and knows all about the program and the school. Now he wants his folks to see it, too.
"My parents haven't been yet," he said. "I want them to go down there and see the same thing that I see in the school."
The Seminoles cornerback commitment has been there plenty of times before and knows all about the program and the school. Now he wants his folks to see it, too.
"My parents haven't been yet," he said. "I want them to go down there and see the same thing that I see in the school."
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If there was any doubt that Florida State recruiting coordinator Dameyune Craig, an Alabama native, has made recruiting the Capstone State a priority, today's news should put an end to any remaining questions.
Craig, the Seminoles' quarterback coach had great success during the 2012 recruiting cycle, signing three ESPN 150 prospects, and the efforts have carried over into 2013, with ESPN 150 offensive tackle Austin Golston (Prattville, Ala./Prattville) committing in April, and again on Friday with FSU picking up commit No. 9 from an emerging athlete in Alabama.
Marquez White (Dothan, Ala./Northview) got an offer from Florida State earlier today, and the 6-foot-1, 175-pound cornerback wasted little time accepting the scholarship.
Craig, the Seminoles' quarterback coach had great success during the 2012 recruiting cycle, signing three ESPN 150 prospects, and the efforts have carried over into 2013, with ESPN 150 offensive tackle Austin Golston (Prattville, Ala./Prattville) committing in April, and again on Friday with FSU picking up commit No. 9 from an emerging athlete in Alabama.
Marquez White (Dothan, Ala./Northview) got an offer from Florida State earlier today, and the 6-foot-1, 175-pound cornerback wasted little time accepting the scholarship.
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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.