FSU football: Transfer Portal Thoughts, So Far
While the portal class is not done, the current signees should help FSU get back to respectability at a minimum.
Even before FSU achieved their worst season record in 50 years, this offseason was always going to be one of significant roster turnover in my opinion. Florida State had quite a few players that were granted extra years of eligibility because of COVID-19, and that eligibility would expire at the end of the season. Not to mention the FSU coaching staff were going to encourage some players to transfer, and you had a few players that were potential NFL Draft declarations.
As of today, that prediction of massive roster turnover is aging well. Florida State has lost almost half of their 85- man roster between expired eligibility, transfer portal entries, and NFL Draft declarations. Ever since the final second ticked off the clock in the Florida fame, Florida State fans have anxiously wondered how the coaching staff would build this roster.
When it comes to the transfer portal, Florida State has gotten off to a good start. FSU’s transfer portal haul thus far at minimum will significant improve the floor of this program. The coaching staff has had a clear strategy of targeting players who are proven producers at their programs.
From Thomas Castellanos to the most recent addition of starting Wake Forest center Luke Petitbon, the coaching staff has aimed to bring in players with significant starting experience and who have been productive at their previous stop. Florida State acquiring players with proven production is also great for risk management.
One of my criticisms of last year’s portal class is that Florida State did not acquire enough proven production. They instead opted to bet on players who had untapped potential, but were not playing significant snaps for their previous stops. Needless to say, that strategy did not prove to be fruitful.
That said, Florida State has even managed to bring in players who are productive, but still have their best football ahead of them. Duce Robinson had solid production at USC, but hasn’t completely unlocked his full potential as a former five star recruit. I also think there is an argument to be made that Micah Pettus hasn’t played his best football yet.
When I evaluate Florida State’s portal class so far, I see plenty of proven production. However, I also see an opportunity for real difference makers to emerge. If I can be confident in one thing it is that the current portal class should help generate marked improvement in the win/loss column.