Florida State landed a highly touted prospect on Monday. The question moving forward will be how he fits in with the Seminoles.
Jashaun Corbin, a 3-star running back, pledged to FSU less than a week after decommitting from Tennessee. The 6-0, 190-pound prospect had offers from a number of big-time programs; the list included Florida, USC, Oregon and Notre Dame among others.
Many view Corbin as an all-purpose back at the next level. However, his ability to play receiver and defensive back gives him a chance add value at Florida State.
Corbin may struggle to find playing time at running back. For 2018, the Seminoles have 4-star James Cook prospect and 3-star Charles Strong committed.
Corbin is a higher-rated prospect than Strong, according to the 247Sports’ composite rankings. But that discounts what FSU just brought in. The Seminoles’ 2017 class includes a pair of 5-stars in Cam Akers and Khalan Laborn and another 4-star in Zaquandre White.
There is a more of a need at defensive back and (especially) receiver. At wideout, the Seminoles return just five scholarship players and have seven total at the position for 2017. They have yet to pick up one pledge for 2018.
Among the FSU receivers, only Nyqwan Murray and Auden Tate have made significant contributions to the program. If Tate has a big year as a junior, an NFL jump is possible. That, of course, creates an opportunity for a younger player.
The need is not nearly as glaring at defensive back. However, if Corbin ends up in the secondary, he could see the field sooner rather than later. FSU will likely lose four scholarship safeties after this season, but come 2018 when Corbin arrives, cornerbacks Levonta Taylor, Kyle Meyers and Carlos Becker will all be juniors and on the 2019 NFL Draft radar. Tarvarus McFadden, a junior, might even leave after this season.
Fisher has remained open to change during has time at Florida State. In his tenure, numerous players have successfully switched from one position to another. They include Lonnie Pryor (tailback to fullback), Chad Abram (defensive back to fullback), Nick Moody (safety to linebacker) and, most notably, Cam Erving, who went from a reserve defensive tackle to an All-American offensive lineman.
More recently, Rick Leonard, switched from defensive end to start six games at right tackle last year. Ermon Lane went from receiver bust to contributing safety.
Corbin’s versatility serves as a plus. If he’s prepared to play, the Seminoles will find a place for him.
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