Commitment Analysis: Leonard Warner, Deonte Sheffield and Marvin Wilson

Everything didn’t go exactly the way that Florida State and many fans had hoped on National Signing Day, but head coach Jimbo Fisher and staff avoided any attrition while adding three new bodies, including a pair of blue-chip prospects.

Those additions on Wednesday were 4-star linebacker Leonard Warner, a Georgia prospect, the top player in Texas in 5-star defensive tackle Marvin Wilson and an unexpected 3-star running back in Niceville’s Deonte Sheffield. We’ll look at what each brings to the table and how each fits into FSU’s future plans:

Leonard Warner, LB

At 6-4 and nearly 230 pounds, 4-star Leonard Warner became the third linebacker to commit to Florida State’s 2017 class on National Signing Day. Warner was listed in the 247Sports Composite ranking as the No. 177 overall player for 2017, the No. 8 inside linebacker and the 17th best player out of the state of Georgia.

What he brings: The Daily Nole contributor Murf Baldwin broke down Warner as a player and how he fits FSU defensive coordinator Charles Kelly’s scheme in a piece published on Thursday:

How he fits: With starters Matthew Thomas and Ro’Derrick Hoskins returning along with Dontavious Jackson, Warner likely isn’t a candidate to start as a true freshman, but could vie for some meaningful playing time. Jacob Pugh is listed as a linebacker, but is more of a pass-rusher at FSU’s “BUCK” position. Adonis Thomas, a junior college transfer and early enrollee, may have the upper hand on Warner to see the field in 2017, but Warner could compete for reps with older players at the position who haven’t played much like Emmett Rice, Josh Brown, Sh’Mar Kilby-Lane and Delvin Purifoy.

With Matthew Thomas and Hoskins out of eligibility after the upcoming season, Warner will be competing with six or seven other players for one of two starting spots. Warner, as mentioned in the video, can play inside or out and could even find himself fighting for time at the “BUCK” position. It’s tough to say how many meaningful reps that Warner will get as a freshman, but he should be a significant part of the defense by 2018.

Deonte Sheffield, RB

The addition of 3-star running back Deonte Sheffield wasn’t the most celebrated move for Florida State on National Signing Day, but it might have been the biggest surprise. Sheffield becomes the fourth back to join FSU’s class of 2017 and the only prospect who wasn’t a blue chip. Sheffield was a top 1,200 prospect and the 169th best player out of Florida. He was listed as the 65th best running back. Sheffield is listed at 5-10 and almost 200 pounds.

What he brings: The thing that perhaps stands out most about Sheffield is his vision. Sheffield sees the field very well and is decisive when hitting the hole or cutting it back across the grain. Sheffield isn’t a burner, but he is shifty with pretty good hands and decent burst. Sheffield possesses pretty good lower body strength, but not as much up top.

How he fits: With Jacques Patrick and Amir Rasul returning and three blue-chips prospects in 5-stars Cam Akers and Khalan Laborn and 4-star Zaquandre White joining the class, it could be a long time to never before Sheffield makes a real splash from the FSU backfield. In addition to the three other running backs that make up the 2017 class, the Seminoles will also add James Cook, the younger brother of FSU’s all-time leading rusher Dalvin Cook, in 2018.

Barring a wealth of attrition, it’s hard to see Sheffield ever really getting many touches in the backfield. Sheffield, who hasn’t signed yet, will likely get a redshirt or perhaps a grayshirt this season. His best chance of ever contributing in the backfield might be serving as the No. 2 tailback to James Cook as a redshirt junior or senior.

The good news for Sheffield is his hands are good enough to perhaps platoon as a wide receiver or a situational player. In the past, Jimbo Fisher has found creative ways to get players like Louis Givens or a young Kermit Whitfield involved. Sheffield could make an impact in some capacity for FSU during his career, but it will likely be a small one and at a position other than tailback.

Marvin Wilson, DT

The biggest bang for Florida State on National Signing Day came late Wednesday as the Seminoles landed Texas defensive tackle Marvin Wilson. At 6-4 and nearly 330 pounds, Wilson is a monster of a young man and according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, he’s the No. 6 overall player in the class of 2017 as well as the top defensive tackle and top player in the state. Wilson is one of three defensive tackles that made up the class along with 4-star Ja’len Parks and 3-star Cory Durden.

What he brings: Despite being 330 pounds, Wilson is quick out of his stance and moves very well for a man his size. Wilson is instinctive and possesses very strong hands. Wilson uses through strong hands very well to fight off blocks and bat down passes.

On top of all the physical attributes, Wilson is a relentless young man that never gives up on a play. Wilson is disciplined in maintaining his rush lanes and should be a force for FSU not just as a run-stuffer, but as a pass-rusher as well.

How he fits: Marvin Wilson is the type of talent who will contribute for FSU from the first day. Wilson will help Fred Jones and Wally Aime provide depth behind starters Derrick Nnadi and Demarcus Christmas next year. Wilson will probably see his number of reps increase as the year goes on. As long as Wilson can stay healthy and add strength, he should be a starter as a true sophomore in 2018.

Murf Baldwin contributed to this article

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson