Mike Norvell's first year as the head coach of the Florida State Seminoles did not exactly go as planned. The team went 3-6, continuing a streak of mediocrity that has lasted nearly half a decade.
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The good news is that the 'Noles are still able to attract talent. Cornerback Hunter Washington will be playing his college career to Tallahassee in 2021.
Washington is a four-star recruit who attended Katy High School in Texas. He brings an interesting blend of quickness and ball skills to the position and should make himself known to FSU football fans quickly.
Hunter Washington Commits to Florida State
https://twitter.com/Hunter_DB7/status/1260290737729650695
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Since Washington is a four-star prospect, it's understandable that the Seminoles had competition to sign him. Alabama, Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Houston, LSU, Mississippi State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, TCU, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech are just some of the schools that reached out with offers.
A college football rebuild does not come with the surefire guarantee of sustained future success, so this retooling with Norvell at the helm is a high-risk, high-reward situation.
Players like Washington need to excel when they get their chances, or else the victories may not come.
Hunter Washington Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98PbIwk_oks&ab_channel=GrantReacts
Hunter Washington may not be the tallest or strongest defensive back in the recruiting class, but what he lacks in height, he makes up in physicality. He attacks approaching wide receivers, even if most of his impact is off-coverage.
Another nice play by Florida State pledge Hunter Washington on the jet sweep. @Hunter_DB7 pic.twitter.com/Sc3eGn0kj2
— Ryan Brauninger (@R_Brauninger) October 31, 2020
In 2020, he returned a pair of interceptions for touchdowns and possesses the patience to jump routes with ease. The expectation is that Washington will play in the slot cornerback position, at least early on in his career.
The NFL is never a guarantee, but Washington will have plenty of chances to boost his stock.
Florida State commit Hunter Washington comes up with the interception here pic.twitter.com/yuYYWMZ9a0
— Tim Verghese (@TimVerghese) December 5, 2020
The Florida State Seminoles have not reached the College Football Playoff or a national title game in years, but solid recruiting could help the team escape from its late-2010s struggles.
Even though Hunter Washington is not the flashiest signing in the world, it's a step in the right direction.
