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Plant's Sanderson Visits Florida State

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By SCOTT CARTER The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 28, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - Plant offensive lineman Rhonne Sanderson, a 6-foot-4, 280-pounder whose stock is rising late on the recruiting trail, was one of six players to make their official visits to Florida State over the weekend.

Sanderson likes the Seminoles, and FSU likes him, but Sanderson left town Sunday night without an official offer.

"The offensive line coach Rick Trickett really likes Rhonne," Plant coach Robert Weiner said. "Now, it's just a matter of numbers and finding room for him."

Weiner said if FSU makes Sanderson an offer, he'll commit to the Noles. Sanderson has already received an offer from Michigan State. FSU also hosted Altoona (Pa.) ATH A.J. Alexander, Columbus (Ga.) WR Jarmon Fortson, Blairstown (N.J.) DB Ed Imeokparia, Hargrove (Va.) Military Academy OL/DL Sam Jones and Crescent City DE Toshmon Stevens.

MAKING THEIR PITCH: FSU's offensive line is considered one of the program's biggest needs and is receiving extra attention during recruiting season. The Noles have four OL commitments in their 2008 recruiting class, but they don't have a blue-chipper on the board.

If FSU lands Parkersburg (W. Va.) High's Josh Jenkins (6-3, 282), that will change. Jenkins is considered one of the nation's top offensive line recruits and will choose between FSU, Ohio State and West Virginia on National Signing Day.

To make an impression on Jenkins, FSU coach Bobby Bowden, offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher and Trickett visited Jenkins on Thursday.

LOTTO WINNER: Stevens was the only player who has already committed to FSU to make his official visit over the weekend. After talking with coaches, he left convinced he can make an impact as a freshman.

"I know it is bad that we have so many people suspended, but the way I see it, I hit the lotto," Stevens told warchant.com. "There are not many places where you can come in and get to play in the first three games."

BYE-BYE BAKER: Blountstown LB Ryan Baker (6-0, 206), who has committed to LSU, received an in-home visit from Bowden late last week as FSU made a late bid to persuade Baker to change his mind. Baker reconfirmed his commitment to the Tigers, but if Baker has any second thoughts, FSU has an offer waiting and will continue to gauge Baker's interest until National Signing Day.

NOLE NUGGETS: Jacksonville Trinity Christian RB Jamie Harper is expected to visit FSU today and Tuesday. Harper, also considering Miami, Clemson and Illinois, was unable to make his scheduled visit over the weekend ... FSU commitment Jermaine Thomas, a Jacksonville First Coast product, visited LSU over the weekend. Thomas, whose First Coast teammates Nigel Carr and Avis Commack are also FSU commitments, is reportedly wavering on his commitment to FSU ... Madison County DB Travis Arnold, one of FSU's early verbal commitments, will enroll at Butler (Kan.) Community College in the fall.

Katherine Smith contributed to this report

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