Florida State sits at five verbal commitments with March coming to a close. That includes landing just one linebacker so far. 

Gregory Batson shouldn't be alone here, hence why Isaiah Phelps enters the picture here. 

Phelps looks like someone new linebackers coach Ernie Sims can gravitate towards. His recruiting period has exploded but that doesn't mean FSU shouldn't ignore. Here's why.

I've followed Phelps' career since his freshman season at Oxnard powerhouse Pacifica High. Phelps brings more than the frame that makes him intriguing for the college level. 

He can flat out take over games. 

Phelps knows how to turn the dial when it's time to make a play. He's quick to shoot through gaps and leave destruction after the handoff. 

He's noticeably become more cerebral with pre-snap judgement. Phelps knows how to align himself and the defense to where the play is going then disrupts from there. 

He's also played against some heavyweights in California from Oaks Christian, Long Beach Poly, Grant High of Sacramento, Central East of Fresno and countless others. Phelps never backs down from competition and seems to play his best games against powerhouses -- which should win over schools like Florida State. 

Here's what Greg Biggins of On3/Rivals wrote about Phelps. 

"Phelps is a productive two-way player but is being recruited primarily on the defensive side of the ball. Projects as inside linebacker and shows tremendous instincts with a non-stop motor," Biggins began. "A little undersized but makes up for it with elite football instincts and physicality."

Biggins adds how Phelps is "A tough kid who loves to hit, can play in space and makes plays sideline to sideline. Comfortable dropping in coverage and has excellent vision and field awareness. Shows a great feel for avoiding blockers and taking proper angles to the football.

Phelps is also a "Natural leader as well with a great off the field work ethic and is easily among the top ‘backers in the region." 

Local school USC is rising as a favorite to land him. He's also liking UCLA and Arizona State. 

But if Sims is able to intervene, it could be enough to coax Phelps as he'll get teaching from a past top-10 draft pick and college football star. Defensive coordinator Tony White also must hop in with courting Phelps aggressively. 

Phelps' 6-foot-1 frame should be an afterthought. He hits and controls games like he can suit up in the Atlantic Coast Conference or even SEC. 

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