Eddie Goldman commits to Florida State on 2012 National Signing Day

Friendship Collegiate Academy (Washington, D.C.) defensive tackle Eddie Goldman signed with Florida State during a signing ceremony at school today.

The 6-foot-4, 315-pound standout is the nation's No. 21 recruit according to MaxPreps, and the No. 2 defensive tackle.

Goldman picked the Seminoles over finalists Alabama and Auburn.

He said this morning: "In terms of difficulty deciding, on a scale of 1 to 10, it was a 10."

FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said, "I knew we were in it the whole time. Eddie talked a little, but really listened. He was a fun guy to recruit but a hard guy to read for a while. He was very attentive.

"If you single block him he can create havoc. He's a guy who can stop the run. We never promise you'll play, just the opportunity. But we think he's a guy who can make a big impact early."

Goldman, who recorded 42 tackles and 15 sacks his senior season (33 career sacks), had more than 50 scholarship offers. Experts say that it's his first step that separates him from others at his position. Friendship coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim told MaxPreps, "Even at the college level he'll be one of the quicker guys for his size and explosiveness."

MaxPreps recruiting expert Tom Lemming agrees, saying, "This guy gets off the ball like no one's business, is quick as a cat, has super strong hands, and dominates the point of attack."

Goldman told MaxPreps earlier this year that he wanted to be thorough during the recruiting process and was looking for all the pros and cons during each recruiting trip. Abdul-Rahim recently said that once his star player's list was narrowed to three, the pedigree of the school's defensive line coach and the opportunity for playing time were going to be his biggest questions when making a decision.

Obviously, Florida State had the right answers.

Visit the MaxPreps 2012 National Signing Day page

Jon Buzby is the sports columnist for the Newark Post, a freelance writer, and on the broadcast team for the 1290AM The Ticket High School Football and Basketball Games of the Week. You can reach him at jonbuzby@hotmail.com.