The Seminoles defensive coordinator has 13 true freshmen on his side of the ball. Who has impressed Tony White the most?
Florida State football is working with 13 newcomers through the 2026 recruiting class. All while trying to lock in their 2027 recruits.
All of whom representing the former class are grinding through the spring football rigors. But few true freshmen have immediately jumped out and impressed defensive coordinator Tony White.
Those 13 are on the defensive side. White has cited at least six who have really captured his attention. Beginning first with one in the trenches.
"I see up front Franklin Whitley. He continues to do things," White began when addressing reporters Monday morning. "I mean, the young man has gained almost 20 pounds since he's been here."
Whitley arrived as a 6-foot-6, 265-pounder. He figured to be plugged inside for the FSU defense. White, though, sees how advanced the four-star signing is.
"Naturally he was doing stuff in practices that left me like 'Wow, I didn't even know he he was able to do that.' And the same thing happened in the scrimmage: You saw him play with his hands, you saw his natural eyes, natural instincts come into play. He's been a pleasant surprise," White said.
Whitley isn't the only trench defender who's caught White's attention early.
"Another one is Jay Pink (Jaemin Pinckey)," White added. "He made some plays and again, he's gained 10-20 pounds since he's been here. He's lanky but he ran around and made some plays."
Pinckey was a lean 217 pounds during the time of his recruitment. Now he's nearing 240 per White's words. He's another four-star signing who heads into a deep pass rushing room, one that also features Texas A&M transfer Rylan Kennedy to boost the experience in the trenches.
But it's not just trench talent who have left White in awe of their early development.
"Trey Bell continues to execute," White said, referring to the three-star safety signing. "He's a guy who can play some football."
Meanwhile, one linebacker has impressed White from the outset. And added some family ties to the room.
"Noah LaVallee, that kid is a playmaker. He just finds ways to get to the ball," White said, who's the younger brother to Caleb LaVallee. The young LB even impressed head coach Mike Norvell early on once spring ball began in full swing.
Lastly, White mentioned Karon Maycock as a freshman who's stepped up. He joins LaVallee in the linebacker room this fall.
White could become tasked to play multiple true freshman by the time the fall rolls around. But so far he's seeing 18 and 17-year-old talent step up early.
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