The focus for Florida State head coach Willie Taggart has shifted to the on-the-field product and 2019 recruiting class, but one would be hard-pressed to do anything other than commend Taggart for his work on the trail for the 2018 cycle.
Taggart took a class that ranked outside the top 60, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, and led it to a No. 11 national ranking. The strong finish was capped with five additions on National Signing Day.
The final and perhaps most intriguing was wide receiver Jordan Young. Young will cap our series as we break down members of FSU’s 2018 class and how they might fit in Tallahassee.
Jordan Young, WR
A 3-star receiver out of Conyers, Georgia, Young wasn’t discovered until late in the recruiting process. After going without a Power 5 offer until January, Young committed to Tennessee on Feb. 2, only to flip to FSU five days later. A 6-foot-2, 185-pound prospect, Young is listed by the composite as the No. 386 overall prospect for 2018 and the 64th best receiver.
What he brings: Reviewing the film makes it hard to believe that Young went without a Power 5 offer until January. Young has great speed, burst, athleticism and leaping ability. While those traits speak to his athleticism, make no mistake about it: Young is a football player.
Young has shown to have excellent hands and is a good route runner. He adjusts to the ball well when it’s in the air and knows how to high-point it. Young is so smooth and has the ability to become a complete receiver. Young is extremely dangerous after the catch and unafraid to reel in the tough ones over the middle. If there is work he has to do, it may be as a blocker.
How he fits: Given Florida State’s receiver situation, Young could be a candidate to play right away. The Seminoles return just five scholarship receivers, including leading receiver Nyqwan Murray. The remainder of the returning receiving corps is talented, but largely unproven.
Young’s biggest competition for reps will likely come from his fellow freshmen at the position. Warren Thompson looks to be the most college-ready, but Tre’Shaun Harrison and D’Marcus Adams could compete for time. As far as Young goes, he’s probably too talented not to be used in some capacity. Don’t expect him to be redshirted in 2018.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
wlpearce.com/FSU athletics
You must be logged in to post a comment Login