SWAC Football: Marcus Cushnie flips to Florida State
By Dante Pryor
A former SWAC football standout for Alabama A&M, Marcus Cushnie initially committed to Purdue but just flipped to Florida State football.
Three weeks after committing to Purdue via the transfer portal, former Alabama A&M OLB/DE has flipped from the Big Ten to the ACC. The Broward County, Florida native, has decided to join Florida State football.
When Cushnie initially entered the portal, the Seminoles were one of the primary teams on his list. Despite communication between Florida State and Cushnie, the All-SWAC defensive end decided to transfer to Purdue over Florida State.
What changed? How did the Seminoles flip Cushnie who was one of the best SWAC football payers last season?
The Seminoles offered Cushnie to join the program as a preferred walk-on. After re-evaluating their scholarship situation, the Seminoles re-offered Cushnie a full scholarship.
Playing in his native Florida was too good for Cushnie to pass up, and he accepted.
Cushnie posted the following on his Twitter:
Respect my decision ! @Coach_Norvell @FSUCoachJP @fbcoachfuller #GONOLES pic.twitter.com/cYW2IoEATN
— Marcus C (@CushnieMarcus) July 11, 2021
What does Florida State football gain in Cushnie?
At 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds, Cushnie is a bit undersized to be an every-down defensive end. However, Florida State has no desire to use him in that way.
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As great football analyst Emery Jones says, “Size is not a skill, and you can’t hit what you can’t catch.”
The strength of Cushnie’s game is his explosive first step and tremendous strength, in addition to his tremendous get-off on the snap. Much like legendary pass rusher Dwight Freeney, Cushnie has lots of power in a compact frame.
The Seminoles add impactful depth to their defensive front. Cushnie can play with his hand in the dirt or standing.
Expect Cushnie to be a situational pass rusher for Florida State this season and some of the production he had playing SWAC football last season as he finished with seven total sacks.
The FSU defensive staff get Cushnie for two seasons and could be a vital cog in the Seminoles’ rebuild.