Two non-qualifiers who signed with FSU's 2010 class are getting a second chance at East Mississippi Community College. Consider them "futures," who -- if they earn a JC degree like Debrale Smiley and Amp McCloud -- will someday return to pay dividends for the Noles.
Damien Jacobs (Rivals 3-Star from Houma, LA) plays DT, a critical position that all schools need more of. He's still waiting to hear his fate from the NCAA Academic Clearinghouse, according to East Mississippi head coach Buddy Stephens. Apparently FSU believed there's slim chance Jacobs would get a green light for 2010 and recommended he head for EMCC.
So with Jacobs' status still in limbo, will he play for Stephens this season?
"We'll see," says coach Stephens. "We want what's best for Damien's future and see how well he does in the classroom. So he could sit this year, play next, then graduate and have three years to play at Florida State."
Still, Jacobs is practicing with the team, says Stephens. "He's very good and in good shape."
As for WR DeJoshua Johnson (Rivals 4-Star from Pahokee), Stephens says, "He's fast and quick on the stop-and-go. He could use more size but he's fast enough to run by people." Stephens says Eastern has a good weight room and Johnson will develop muscle and pack more weight on his 155 lb. frame.
Both appear to be in a good place to play and learn. EMCC is ranked 7th nationally in the JC pre-season top 25. And Stephens says they'll get plenty of academic assistance. Last year 26 of his players graduated, nine with honors, and all got scholarships at four-year schools.
Being in a small town (Scooba, MS; Pop. 632 in the 2000 census) also helps, says Stephens. "We have more deer here than people. Not even a Wendy's. Just a few gas stations and the school." So with nothing to do but go to class and play football, both Jacobs and Johnson have a great shot at getting it together for a future spot on FSU's roster.
Comments? Questions? Kudos?