[Tuck4Bama]

5 Stars for Florida State

By Steve Cisneros
Special to Scout.com
Posted Jun 27, 2007

Va. Beach Bayside standout quarterback, E.J. Manuel will announce his decision to attend Florida State University in the Fall of 2008.

E.J. Manuel is ranked the No. 2 quarterback prospect in the country and 5 Stars by Scout.com; the gunslinger fielded and sifted through more than 40 scholarship offers from top D-I programs.

Steve Cisneros sat down with Manuel for a Q&A about his announcement.

Cisneros: How was the recruiting process for you? Was it taxing or enjoyable?

Manuel: It was hectic, but I learned a lot, and my family and I gave great consideration to a lot of programs. I really enjoyed the time I spoke with Chip Kelley out at Oregon, Coach Logan up at Boston College, and a number of other great coaches and administrators around the country. When it came down to it, though, I just felt that the program at Florida State was the best fit for me and offered me the best overall opportunity.

Cisneros: Was there something at FSU that intrigued you?

Manuel: I'm all about opportunity. Programs have their ups and down - all programs. But when you look at the long history and tradition of an FSU, their national championships, and the kinds of athletes they've produced, you have to say that that means a lot. FSU's Offensive Coordinator, Jimbo Fisher, impressed me a lot, too. He has developed some great talent, when you look at what he's done with guys like Jamarcus Russell.

Cisneros: Florida State has produced some great QB's. How would you compare yourself to a Charlie Ward who won the Heisman out of FSU?

Manuel: You can't really do that; he was a great one. I like to think that I can try to emulate him, though, with his understanding of the game, his dedication as an undersized player, and the way he carried himself off the field. In addition to the Heisman, FSU awards something called the Hinesman, and it goes to the overall most dominant player on the team after Spring ball. This year it went to #96, Andre Fluellen, who is also probably the top academic kid on the team as a 1 year grad student this coming season. When I see guys like Fluellen, who you know is going to dominate at the next level; I have to be inspired to be my very best and to be a team leader.

Cisneros: What's it going to be like to hear your name called as you shoot out of the tunnel at FSU's Doak Campbell stadium for the first time?
Manuel; Oh man, I get chills just thinking about it. It'll be the ultimate dream and I'm going to do everything in my power to make the most of it!

E.J. Manuel joins what is looking to be a stellar recruiting season for the Seminoles. Manuel makes it an even dozen for Florida State:

Florida State Commitment List