The Daily Nole

FSU Football: Ranking the Top 3-Stars of the Last 10 Years

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Florida State managed to sign more than 70 percent of its current group of commitments during the Early Signing Period last week.

Of the 19 current commitments and signees, 10 are blue-chip talents. Of the 14 signed however, nine are 3-star prospects.

While the Seminoles and head coach Willie Taggart would certainly love to see more 4- and 5-star prospects in the fold, 3-star prospects have helped FSU achieve big things, including national championships over the years.

Going back to the 2009 recruiting class, here’s a look at the best 3-star players for the Seminoles. All rankings are according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

In 2018, Tamorrion Terry caught the most touchdowns for an FSU freshman since Greg Carr in 2005. (Jeremy Esbrandt/FSU athletics)

10. Tamorrion Terry, WR (2017-present)
Revisit this list in one or two years from now and there is no telling how high Tamorrion Terry may be. After being redshirted in 2017, Terry led the Seminoles this past season with 744 yards receiving and eight touchdown catches — the most for an FSU freshman since 2005. Terry scored the 74-yard game-winner in a victory over Boston College and finished the regular season leading the ACC in yards per catch and touchdown grabs.

9. Dustin Hopkins, K (2009-12)
A 4-year starter as the team’s kicker, Dustin Hopkins left FSU as the all-time leading scorer among FBS kickers. A Texas native with a big leg and golden shoes, Hopkins was an All-American in 2012 and a finalist for the Lou Groza Award. Hopkins’ 88 made field goals is a school-record. That includes a 55-yarder to beat Clemson in 2010.

8. Nate Andrews, S (2013-17)
A safety prospect from Alabama, Nate Andrews led FSU in interceptions in each of his first two seasons on campus. He finished his career playing in 55 career games and making 22 starts. Though not the most physically gifted, Andrews finished his FSU career with eight interceptions, five forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns.

7. Terrence Brooks, S (2010-13)
A 2-year starter at safety, Terrence Brooks was solid both in coverage and as a run stopper. Brooks finished his career with five career picks and three forced fumbles. As a senior in 2013, Brooks was named second-team All-ACC and a first-team All-American by CBS Sports. Perhaps the most notable of Brooks’ interceptions was his first career pick which preserved an 18-14 Champs Sports Bowl victory over Notre Dame to conclude 2011.

FSU kicker Roberto Aguayo ranks third in FBS history in field goal percentage. (FSU athletics)

6. Roberto Aguayo, K (2012-15)
The older brother of current FSU kicker Ricky Aguayo, Roberto Aguayo won the Lou Groza Award as a redshirt freshman in 2013 and was named a Consensus All-American a year later. Aguayo was 69-for-78 on field goal attempts during his career and never missed an extra point in 198 attempts. His career field goal percentage of .885 ranks third all-time.

5. Bryan Stork, OL (2009-13)
Bryan Stork started games in each of his final four seasons at FSU, including 26 games at center over his final two seasons. As a senior in 2013, Stork won the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s best center. Stork finished his FSU career with 40 starts in 46 games played.

4. Bjoern Werner, DE (2010-12)
A native of Berlin, Germany, Bjoern Werner made an immediate impact during his time at FSU. After recording 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss over his first two seasons, Werner enjoyed a breakout junior campaign with 13 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. Werner was named a Unanimous All-American in 2012. He finished his career with three forced fumbles, an interception and a defensive touchdown.

3. Tre’ Jackson, G (2011-14)
Recruited as a defensive tackle, Tre’ Jackson was a 3-year starter at guard for FSU and a Unanimous All-American in 2014. Jackson started 41 of a possible 42 games over his final three seasons and was a first-team All-ACC performer in each of his final two seasons. In 2013, Jackson helped Florida State score more points than any FBS team ever.

2. Xavier Rhodes, CB (2009-12)
Recruited as a wide receiver, Xavier Rhodes evolved into a big, physical, lockdown cornerback at 6-foot-2 and nearly 220 pounds. Rhodes played in every game over his final three seasons, which included 38 starts. Rhodes was named a Consensus Freshman All-American in 2010 with four interceptions. Although he was rarely thrown at over his final two seasons, Rhodes left Tallahassee with eight career picks, seven tackles for loss, a forced fumble and two recoveries.

1. Cam Erving, DT/T (2010-14)
A converted defensive tackle, Cam Erving started all 14 games in each of his final three seasons at FSU. As a junior in 2013, Erving was named a first-team All-American by multiple publications. A 3-time All-ACC performer, including twice as a first-teamer, Erving was a 2-time winner of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy.

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

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