Griffin Out for Season

Word that Paul Griffin had suffered a season-ending knee injury was too much for his coach, Odell Haggins.

“Tears rolled out of my eyes today,” Florida State's defensive-line coach said. “I actually cried. It's bigger than football. He's one of my kids. I felt his pain in my heart.”

Griffin, a junior-college transfer who played at Pensacola High, started FSU's opening two games. He tore his left ACL on the third play of the game against Troy while tackling Gary Banks on a trick play. Haggins praised Griffin for his play against Miami.

Surgery is expected to take place in two weeks. The junior can apply for a medical hardship, which means he would still have two more years of athletic eligibility. Griffin earned NJCAA 2005 all-region honors and enrolled at FSU in January.

FSU is expected to play a lot of 3-4 defense to counter the loss of Griffin for the season and the absence of backup Emmanuel Dunbar almost certainly for at least the Clemson game.

Redshirt freshman Kendrick Stewart will likely start at noseguard with true freshman Budd Thacker behind him.

Haggins said Stewart was involved in 30 plays against Troy.

“I'm going to get (Thacker) ready for a great (Clemson) offensive line,” Haggins said.

Stewart said he would dedicate the game to Griffin.

“I have to step in and fill in his shoes,” Stewart said. “I have been working hard anyway right behind him. I am ready to step up . . . I am going to play for Paul. The game is going to be for him.”

Another true freshman, Justin Mincey, has moved from defensive end to tackle, where Andre Fluellen will start and Letroy Guion is questionable with an ankle injury.

Linebacker Derek Nicholson, who suffered a right ankle sprain against Troy, was running during Monday night's practice. Either he or Marcus Ball will be the fourth linebacker in FSU's 3-4 defense.

Former North Florida standout Marcus Sims reports he is feeling fine following a concussion suffered against Miami. But the freshman has not yet been cleared to play for the Clemson game.