Florida State finally landed a blue-chip quarterback on Thursday when Cretin-Derham Hall (Minn.) two-sport star Joe Mauer orally committed to play for the Seminoles.

FSU missed out on top choices Brodie Croyle (University of Alabama) and Brent Rawls (University of Oklahoma), but coach Bobby Bowden finally landed the player many recruiting experts believe is the top quarterback in the Class of 2001.

Mauer, the reigning Gatorade National Player of the Year, picked the Seminoles over Minnesota, Arizona and Miami. The 6-foot-4, 217-pound signal-caller threw for 3,030 yards and 41 touchdowns this past season.

But there is a very good chance Mauer will never suit up for the Seminoles. He is also a highly rated left-handed catcher in baseball and will play both sports if he decides to attend FSU. However, Mauer is expected to be a first-round pick in baseball's amateur draft in June and could bypass college altogether for a shot at pro baseball and a big signing bonus.

"All four schools were great," said Mauer in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "It was a real difficult decision. The one thing that stood out football-wise was [Florida State's] lack of quarterbacks. They only have one on scholarship. Hopefully if I go there, I can help out a little bit."

The Seminoles do have another top quarterback prospect coming in next season. Last month, Brentwood Academy (Tenn.) signal-caller Matt Henshaw chose Florida State over Clemson. The 6-foot-5, 195-pound Henshaw threw for 39 touchdowns and more than 4,600 yards in two seasons at Brentwood.