Report: Recruit Says FSU Running Backs May Turn Pro
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) – The Florida State Seminoles have been riding running backs Devonta Freeman and James Wilder, Jr during their undefeated season. But, both may not be back to run during a senior year with the Noles.
According to 247sports.com, running back recruit Shai McKenzie said that Wilder told him on his recruiting visit that he and Freeman may turn pro after the season.
"He told me that him and Freeman could be leaving after this year, so it is a good opportunity for myself to come in and play early," McKenzie told the website.
McKenzie also said Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher told him FSU has a need at running back. Of course all of them could have been bending the truth a little in hopes of getting the recruit to pick the Noles.
Freeman has been dynamic as the Noles' lead back displaying great speed and elusiveness since he started playing as a true freshman. Freeman has played so well that a radio host tweeted a bounty on his head for the ACC Championship game and was summarily fired.
Wilder is a big, physical runner who prefers to use power to shiftiness. The 6'2", 229 pound running back has never been a featured back and carried the ball 15 times just once. Of the two, Wilder would probably be more likely to return to FSU next season.
Wilder is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his father James Wilder who played in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1981 to 1989.
