So as a Nole fan living in cbus, i had to register to follow this thread. I graduated from FSU 5 years ago, and have been living in cbus for work. That being said i love it here, and actually root for the buckeyes because i appreciate the passion for big time football (as cane fans truly dont).
here's my 2 cents on the situation:
I think that LJ can't go wrong at either school. Both offer a national showcase, great coaching and atmosphere, and a great education. Both are far enough from Miami, that he can leave home and be his own man.
If this were any other south florida recruit who grew up loving FSU, i would say the bucks have no real shot. too much pressure to stay in the home state. There is one reason why I do not feel as confident as many of you seem to think I should...........Genron.
Not to knock on you Genron, but actually to praise you. If you are the major influencer and mentor on LJ's life, and if you keep out all the people who want a piece of LJ (and there will be a TON), then I think that LJ is a buckeye. It's something about the story you said about wanting to play on the other team against his friends to prove he was the best. If he goes to FSU, he is just another florida star staying at home. If he goes to OSU, he is a once-a-year florida superstar coming to take his place in history.
Tressel takes 3* recruits and turns them into superstars and superbowl MVP's. Bowden takes 5*s and the best ones are all-americans and have amazing nfl careers, while many sit on the bench and are forgotten. It frustrates me because talent wise, we should have 5 or 6 national titles in the last 2 decades. Unfortunately, we only care to recruit sick athletes instead of needed o-linemen (and kickers).
My worry is that when LJ comes to visit columbus, he will be fed all the successful DB's that came out of OSU recently, and deservedly so. OSU is cornerback U and i think that will win out.
I also think that Genron has many of the same traits as Ted Ginn Sr. when it comes to being a coach and looking out for his kids and in the end, that will play a big part, as their is no doubt that Tressel builds a family atmosphere like few can do.
But beware buckeye fans, as Bowden is no slouch when it comes to recruiting and he is infinitely more involved than Paterno would be. He is a bulldog and i think Genron would agree that Tressel needs to at least match that intensity.
so to summarize, i would bet today on him going to OSU, but i know that FSU will be there until the end, and we could end up stealing him from you. I think we would all agree that as long as he doesnt go to the canes or florida we will be happy. I just hope i get to cheer him on one way or the other, but most hopeful for FSU.