FSU-Notre Dame game draws top recruits

Florida State’s down-to-the-wire victory over Notre Dame in Tallahassee was one of the most-watched games in recent college football memory, drawing an 8.5 rating Saturday night on ABC, according to Sports Media Watch. The big game was also a major recruiting draw.

Miami Central safety Calvin Brewton, a FSU commitment, and Plantation American Heritage cornerback Tarvarus McFadden were among a laundry list of top high school football players at Doak Campbell Stadium for the game on visits to FSU.

“That was the best college football game I’ve been to in person,” Brewton said Monday. “It was epic.”

Brewton, who committed to FSU in January, spent plenty of time enjoying his official visit next to McFadden, who plans to announce his commitment to either FSU, Georgia or LSU on Oct.31.

Both have had a growing friendship since playing on the South Florida Express 7-on-7 travel football team last offseason, and Brewton did briefly talk to McFadden about joining forces as Seminoles after high school.

“We kind of talked about it,” Brewton said. “I ain’t trying to put no pressure on him because that’s his option.”

Jordan Scarlett and Sam Bruce — close friends and a dynamic offensive duo from Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas — were also at the game. Both committed to the University of Miami in July with FSU among their lists.

Their visit to FSU should not alarm Canes fans for the time being, though.

Scarlett, ranked as the nation’s No.7 running back in the Class of 2015 by 247Sports, is third on FSU’s wish list at the position behind Johnny Frasier (No.1) and Jacques Patrick (No.4).

As for Bruce, the Class of 2016 receiver told 247Sports his pledge to UM is “a 60-40 situation, but as of now, I’m still committed to Miami.”

Scarlett and Bruce have a longtime relationship with their former high school coordinator Kevin Beard, who is UM’s assistant director of football operations.

Others in attendance: Hallandale linebacker Sh’Mar Kilby-Lane, a FSU commitment; Aquinas cornerback Rashard Causey, an FAU commit; uncommitted prospects Davante Davis (Miami Booker T. Washington 2015 cornerback) and Coconut Creek 2016 standouts Binjimen Victor and Trayvon Mullen.

This story was originally published October 20, 2014 at 10:19 PM with the headline "FSU-Notre Dame game draws top recruits."