SPORTS

Recruiting Notebook: Updates on Frasier, Ridley

Safid Deen
Democrat sports writer

Johnny Frasier — rated the No. 1 running back in 2015 by 247Sports, but seventh by ESPN and 20th by Rivals — said his commitment to Florida State is “pretty much up in the air” in an interview with 247Sports during practices for the Shrine Bowls of the Carolinas.

Staying closer to home has always been a major factor for Frasier, who’s from Princeton, North Carolina, despite committing to Florida State in August.

Frasier also said he is heavily considering Duke and N.C. State because of academics. He wants to pursue mechanical engineering in college.

If Frasier does choose to attend another school, the Seminoles will turn their focus to getting Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas running back Jordan Scarlett to flip from his commitment to Miami.

"As it's going right now, I'm looking to stay in Miami," Scarlett said after winning a state championship on Saturday.

With the emergence of freshman running back Dalvin Cook, having Mario Pender and Ryan Green also enrolled, and 2015 commit Jacques Patrick expected to stay firm with his pledge to FSU, the Seminoles may have to look elsewhere if they wish to add another tailback this recruiting cycle.

Still ’Bama Bound

Calvin Ridley, rated the No. 1 wide receiver prospect in the country in the Class of 2015 by Rivals and ESPN, took an official visit to Florida State over the weekend.

The visit was first reported by 247Sports on Monday.

In a text message asking Ridley’s high school football coach for an interview regarding the visit, Calvin Davis’ response was short and sweet.

“He going to BAMA !!!!” Davis responded.

Ridley, who committed to Alabama in April, previously visited FSU in July. He attended Dave Thomas Education Center in Coconut Creek, but played football at Monarch High about 3.5 miles away.

Ridley played only three games this season because Florida High School Athletic Association rules state a player may not participate after being 19 years and 9 months old.

Ridley will turn 20 on Saturday.

Ridley did not respond to a text message from the Democrat for an interview.

2016 TE commits

Isaac Nauta, rated the No. 1 tight end in the Class of 2016 by 247Sports and ESPN, announced his commitment to FSU from his Twitter account on Monday.

“Want to thank everyone and all the coaches that have recruited me, but I am proud to say that I am committing to Florida state University!” Nauta posted this afternoon.

Nauta becomes FSU’s sixth commitment in 2016, almost a month after the nation’s No. 1 quarterback Malik Henry announced his pledge to FSU.

“Came off practice field to awesome news!!! Welcome NoleFam16!!” FSU recruiting coordinator Tim Brewster tweeted about 30 minutes after Nauta’s announcement. “Boooooom!! :)”