By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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While the Gators and Bulldogs appear to remain right out in front, a familiar name has emerged in the area.

Every major school has a pipeline; high school programs coaches look to on a consistent basis for elite prep talent. Rarely, though, does that bond cross state lines. While Florida State has long hand-picked recruits from all parts of the state of Florida and has an obvious grip on the panhandle, recent trends have nudged northward.

Valdosta, Georgia, a town of roughly 140,000 people, is the high school football capital of the world. Named in 2008 as ESPN’s “Titletown”, Valdosta is home to a pair of the nation’s most storied football programs. Valdosta High School is the nation’s winningest program, with 23 state championships and six national titles on the resume. Recently, however, rival Lowndes High School has moved into the forefront. The Vikings won state championships in 2004, 2005 and 2007 and have emerged as one of the top collegiate talent producers in the southeast region.

The Seminoles, in large part, have been the great beneficiary. With Tallahassee resting roughly 75 miles south of Valdosta, Florida State is by far the nearest major program to town. Bobby Bowden and now Jimbo Fisher have done their best to extend the Leon County lines that far. One of the nation’s top linebackers, Josh Harvey-Clemons, is the latest point of emphasis. Fisher and the Seminoles have implemented the full-court press.

At 6’5”, 210, Harvey-Clemons has rare athleticism and range. His frame has the bulk-potential of a defensive end. His skill set resulted in him being the team’s second-leading receiver this past year. Rivals.com ranks Harvey-Clemons as the number one player in the state of Georgia and the top linebacker in the nation. He is considered one of the top 25 recruits in the entire nation.

For a while it seemed like Florida and Georgia were his overwhelming top two choices. While the Gators and Bulldogs appear to remain right out in front, a familiar name has emerged in the area. Florida State has reportedly jumped right in the race. While Harvey-Clemons likely won’t commit until National Signing Day, expect the Seminoles to be one of the final few he considers. Should he select to play his college football in Doak Campbell Stadium, it would give FSU “one for the thumb”.

Four former Harvey-Clemons teammates currently play for the ‘Noles. All-ACC cornerback Greg Reid, safety Gerald Demps, linebacker Telvin Smith and senior Tyler Hunter already dress out in garnet and gold. In the last two classes alone, the Vikings have sent players to the Big East, the Sun Belt and the SEC. That said, the most common destination in recent years has been Tallahassee.

Florida State, who will host Harvey-Clemons next weekend, is hoping current trends continue.