FSU lands top DLs in Edwards, Goldman

Florida State literally went heavy for defensive players Wednesday in another highly ranked recruiting class pulled in by coach Jimbo Fisher and his staff.

The Seminoles landed two of the nation's top-ranked defensive linemen in 290-pound defensive end Mario Edwards Jr., from Denton, Texas, and 310-pound defensive tackle Eddie Goldman from Washington, D.C. Both gave their version of the Tomahawk Chop when announcing their choice on national television.

"The hard thing to find is big, athletic people," Fisher said. "The bigger and the more athletic they are the better off you are as a football team."

Edwards, who played for Ryan High in Denton, Texas, hopes to wear the uniform No. 15 worn at Florida State in the 1990s by his father. The 6-4 Edwards was named national defensive player of the year by USA Today.

Edwards and recruit Chris Casher from Mobile, Ala., will join a veteran group of defensive ends at Florida State led by Brandon Jenkins, Cornelius "Tank" Carradine and Bjoern Werner that has helped Florida State rank among the national leaders in sacks the past two seasons.

"We can keep a great rotation now," Fisher said. "It's a good opportunity for them."

Two other highly recruited 300-pound high school stars, Dalvon Stuckey and Justin Shanks, join Goldman on the interior line.

"It's going to create great competition within our team," Fisher said.

The defense designed by coordinator Mark Stoops ended up saving the season as Fisher's offense inexplicably disappeared down the stretch. Florida State led the ACC in scoring defense and total defense while the offense was eighth in total yardage.

Fisher hopes Wednesday's class can fill in some of the gaps.

They signed 10 more Wednesday in a group that also includes linebackers Markuss Eligwe and Reggie Northrup and defensive backs Colin Blake, Ronald Darby and P.J. Williams.

The recruits are being counted on to strengthen a Seminole defense that was among the nation's best in 2011.

"You win championships with defense," Fisher said. "Those guys that put their hand in the dirt change the game."

The signing class also included quarterback Sean Maguire from Seton Hall Prep in West Orange, N.J. and possibly Jameis Winston, a two-sport athlete from Hueytown, Ala., Winston is considered by some as the top dual threat quarterback in the country. He announced Wednesday that he's sticking to his commitment to Florida State, but his paperwork had not been sent. Starting quarterback EJ Manuel will be a senior this fall.

Fisher also nabbed the country's fastest prep player in receiver Marvin Bracy, who just last month recorded the fastest 55 meters time in the world with a time of 6.08 seconds.

Fisher said he's never had a player with Bracy's speed over his quarter-century coaching career.

"He's going to be the fastest high school kid ever," Fisher said. "You're talking about a guy who is probably going to break every sprint record in high school history."

The Orlando two-sport star would miss the beginning of Florida State's fall practice if he qualifies for the U.S. Olympic team this summer.

Florida State Signees