Talhasee Democrat - Around the State

[Brad]

Double trouble

Florida State picked up a pair of commitments on Monday, when linebacker Derek Nicholson and receiver Richard Goodman each announced their decision to join the Seminoles.

FSU has 13 commitments heading into Wednesday's National Signing Day.

Nicholson, from Winston-Salem, N.C., is the younger brother of starting FSU linebacker A.J. Nicholson. Derek Nicholson, who visited FSU over the weekend, selected FSU over North Carolina and Texas. He finished with more than 600 career tackles.

Goodman, from Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, also visited the Seminoles over the weekend. FSU backed off other receivers on its recruiting board and recently offered a scholarship to Goodman, who had 41 receptions for 524 yards and seven touchdowns for Class 5A state runner-up St. Thomas Aquinas.

Nicholson is the second linebacker to commit to FSU, joining Dan Foster of Early County, Ga. Goodman is the second receiver as well, joining Rod Owens of Jacksonville. FSU wants to sign 25 players.

No rush

Lincoln receiver Fred Rouse is planning to visit Texas this weekend. Unless Rouse has a change of heart, he won't be announcing his school of choice on Wednesday. Rouse visited FSU over the weekend. His two other official visits were to Alabama and Miami.

Roll Tide

Godby tailback Roy Upchurch, the Tallahassee Democrat All-Big Bend Offensive Player of the Year, committed to Alabama on Monday. Upchurch, one of three area players named a Parade All-America selection, selected the Crimson Tide over Arkansas.

Upchurch said he had to "go with his heart" in selecting Alabama. He's the second local player to commit to Alabama, joining offensive lineman Cole Harvey of Lincoln. Upchurch is also the third running back from Florida to select the Crimson Tide, joining Mike Ford of Sarasota and Glen Coffee of Fort Walton Beach.

Rickards tailback Mike Smith committed to Arkansas two months ago.

Go Bulls

Jefferson County quarterback Carlton Hill will sign with South Florida on Wednesday, selecting the Bulls over UM. Hill will have the opportunity to compete for the starter's role at USF, which is poised to join the Big East Conference. Hill, a first-team All-Big Bend and all-state selection, finished his senior season with nearly 3,000 all-purpose yards and 32 touchdowns.

Doing fine

New South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier is putting together a strong recruiting class. The Gamecocks have 24 commitments heading into signing day, including six Floridians. The list also includes three quarterbacks -- Mychal Belcher of Spartanburg, S.C.; Tommy Beecher of Concord, N.C.; and Cade Thompson of Maryville, Tenn.

[dabull80]

I think that article tells you the impact of Spurrier.  Considering he hasn't coached in Florida in years and is now at South Carolina and he is still getting press.  Very impressive.

[smazza]

good stuff

[usf97]

If FSU currently has 13 commits and per this article they want 25......something doesn't add up. Maybe Bowden is starting to lose his recruiting touch.