One day now separates us from National Signing Day as Florida State head coach Willie Taggart looks to finish his first recruiting cycle strong at his new school.
As we’ve been doing regularly as signing day approaches, we break down what FSU commitments look to bring to the table for the Seminoles. The latest piece examines a pair of wide receivers and the two most recent commitments.
Here, we look at Warren Thompson and Keyshawn Helton:
Warren Thompson, WR
A former Oregon commitment while Taggart was head coach there, Warren Thompson committed to the Seminoles on Jan. 31. Thompson is a big target at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds and is highly-ranked by the 247Sports Composite as a 4-star prospect. Out of Armwood High School in Seffner, Thompson is listed as the No. 156 overall prospect for 2018 and the 28th best receiver.
What he brings: At 6-3, Thompson is a big target and he understands that. Thompson does a great job of using his length to high point the ball and his size to shield smaller defensive backs. Thompson isn’t overly shifty, but is big, physical and powerful.
In addition to his size, Thompson has very good hands and isn’t afraid to make the tough catches. Thompson is a good route runner and can block as well. If Thompson develops as he should during his time in Tallahassee, he could become a complete wide receiver.
How he fits: With Auden Tate off to the NFL and George Campbell and Kevin Gavin having only produced marginally, Thompson is a candidate to contribute early. Another who may be competing for his spot is redshirt freshman Tamorrion Terry. All of those are big receivers.
At 200 pounds, Thompson has a college-ready body which could give him an advantage over other incoming freshmen such as D’Marcus Adams and Keyshawn Helton. If Thompson is able to see the field in 2018, he’ll probably be a fourth, fifth or sixth option among wide-outs.
Keyshawn Helton, WR
The nephew of Florida State great and former linebacker Derrick Brooks, Keyshawn Helton is listed as a 3-star prospect. Helton is unranked, according to the Composite. He is listed at 5-9 and 160 pounds.
What he brings: What stands out about Helton on film is his blazing speed. Helton is a burner, a vertical threat and is shifty out in space. Helton is quick off the line of scrimmage and can really accelerate once he gets going.
Finding a flaw outside of his size is tough when it comes to Helton. He seems to possess good hands, he runs good routes, he cuts on a dime and he has excellent vision. In addition to all of that, he has a toughness about him although he’s not overly physical.
How he fits: Helton is in the mold of a speed receiver who mans mostly the slot like a Kermit Whitfield. The Seminoles aren’t particularly deep at wide receiver, but with Nyqwan Murray and D.J. Matthews returning and a big class coming in, it is likely that Helton takes a redshirt in 2018.
Given his ability, Helton is a candidate to be used in the return game, but it may be 2020 before he sees too much of the field. If Helton is willing to put the work in and able to stay competitive with other members of the current class, his best years will likely come late in his FSU career.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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