Florida State bolsters top recruiting class on National Signing Day

Florida State bolstered an already loaded recruiting class with six more commitments on National Signing Day.

The 2016 class includes 25 recruits featuring five-star cornerback Levonta Taylor, 18 four-star recruits and four three-star recruits. Both Rivals and 247Sports had the Seminoles slotted as the top class for much of the afternoon.

Coach Jimbo Fisher usually likes to have his recruiting board wrapped up early, but this year was a bit unorthodox. Fisher received some late commits on Signing Day starting with No. 4 defensive end Brian Burns.

Texas native Dontavious Jackson, a four-star linebacker, made waves later in the day when he chose FSU over Texas. One-time Florida commit Shavar Manuel, the No. 12 defensive tackle, announced his commitment to FSU. Four-star offensive linemen Landon Dickerson and Jauan Williams also picked FSU, and three-star athlete Carlos Becker rounded out the list of late commits.

Offensive line and defense were the focus of this class. Florida State returns all 11 starters on the offensive side of the ball, but it certainly lacks depth at key positions. The Seminoles were able to fill some major needs, especially on the offensive line, where Roderick Johnson, Wilson Bell and Alec Elerbe were the only consistent performers.

The additions of offensive guard Dickerson, center Baveon Johnson and tackle Mike Arnold should provide some immediate depth and stability in the coming years. Arnold is rated as the top high school player in the country, and Dickerson and Johnson are both ranked No. 1 at their positions.

It is no secret the Noles are slim at the linebacker position with the departure of Terrance Smith and Reggie Northrup. Ro’Derrick Hoskins and Mathew Thomas are the lone returners, but with four four-star linebackers coming in, the future at that position looks bright.

Taylor is a name to watch on special teams. He starred in the Under Armour All-American Game returning punts, and could be a playmaker for the Seminoles.

Florida State fans have grown accustomed to top-tier recruiting classes; that being said this class should not be taken for granted.

This story was originally published February 3, 2016 at 5:55 PM with the headline "Florida State bolsters top recruiting class on National Signing Day."