Florida State offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden is a bit more optimistic that backup quarterback Xavier Lee can be worked into some of his plans for spring practice.
Lee underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder on Friday. After returning from a recruiting trip, Bowden spoke with Director of Sports Medicine Randy Oravetz about the surgery and his rehabilitation.
''Randy's got a great plan for him,'' Bowden said. ''I have a good idea that (Oravetz) will let me do some of the things I want to do with Xavier. We'll have a better idea as he goes (through the rehabilitation).''
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Lee Expected to Be Ready for Spring Practice
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Recruited Now Recruiters
Florida State coaches are through recruiting Myron Rolle and Christian Ponder - members of the 2006 recruiting class who enrolled at FSU last week.
But the two continue to recruit for their new team as prospects visit FSU in the final weeks before National Signing Day on Feb.1. Rolle said he talked up Florida State during the Army All-America Bowl on Jan.7. He said his roommate was C.J. Spiller, considered the top back in the nation after rushing for nearly 3,400 yards the past two seasons. Rolle also spoke with Andrew Smith, an offensive lineman from Birmingham who is may visit FSU before National Signing Day. Smith is considered the nation's top guard.
Ponder, who is from Colleyville, Texas, a Dallas suburb, has spoken with linebacker Michael Morgan from Dallas Skyline. Morgan had 10 sacks and 103 tackles as a senior. Among the schools recruiting him are Oklahoma and Southern California. Morgan is scheduled to visit FSU the weekend of Jan.27, which is shaping up to be an important one for the Seminoles. Lake Butler Union County's Spiller, North Florida Christian's Ochuko Jenije and Marcus Sims are among those expected make their official visits that weekend.
Top OL Still Considering Schools
Recruiting fans can't seem to get enough of Andre Smith, ranked the nation's top offensive lineman by recruiting services and the No. 2 overall recruit by Rivals.com. Smith, from Birmingham, Ala., visited Alabama last weekend. He is scheduled to visit Louisiana State this weekend, and will pick between Florida, Florida State, Auburn and Mississippi for his last visit.
What exactly is Smith, who also has visited Southern Cal and Miami, looking for in a school?
"I want to be in a great FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) program," Smith told Scout. com.
"I also want to major in Business Management, so I want to make sure the school has a good business program. And lastly, I want to be able to get a long with the coaches. That is about it."
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Recruiting News
CHANGE OF PLANS
Florida State fans were hopeful Andre Smith, considered the nation's top offensive lineman, would make FSU one of his final two visits before National Signing Day on Feb. 1. That doesn't appear to be the case, however.
Smith, of Birmingham, Ala., visited Alabama over the weekend. Smith said he plans to visit LSU this weekend and either Auburn, Florida or Mississippi on Jan. 27. Despite marking off FSU from his visit list, Smith said the Seminoles remain among his favorites.
COIN TOSS
Sanford defensive lineman Doug "Bud" Thacker, a Virginia Tech commitment, visited FSU over the weekend. Thacker, according to Rivals.com, was so impressed with the Seminoles he lists them as a co-favorite with the Hokies.
Thacker is scheduled to receive a home visit from FSU coach Bobby Bowden on Friday. Thacker also has family ties to Virginia Tech -- his father played for the Hokies in the 1970s.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Georgia Defensive End Commits to FSU
Kevin McNeil felt at home at Florida State during his official visit
this weekend. McNeil, a 6-foot-3, 245-pound defensive end from Camden County High in Kingsland, Ga., committed to FSU today. McNeil pushes FSU's commitment total to 18 with National Signing Day on Feb. 1 quickly approaching.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Sexton Ends His FSU Football Career
Florida State quarterback Wyatt Sexton has decided to end his football career at FSU to focus on his health and academics.Sexton missed last season after being diagnosed with Lyme disease in June.
Sexton started seven games as a sophomore during the 2004 season earning a 5-2 record. He had been cleared to participate in spring football to compete with Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee for the starting spot this fall.
Sexton completed 142 of 257 passes for 1,717 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Sexton informed FSU athletic director Dave Hart of his decision Friday evening
Looking Back: Brights Spots in 2005 Season
Although there were a lot more dark spots than bright ones, I believe there were some that are worth mentioning.
First, the play of freshmen QB Drew Weatherford was excellent and points to a bright future for a kid that seems to be grounded.
There were a lot of freshmen that played and the play of receiver Greg Carr was outstanding and it looks like he could be a big time receiver at FSU.
Also, Tony Carter's play in the secondary was better than I expected and I look for him to excel at his position.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Lorenzo Booker Will Return For Senior Year
Encouraged by what coach Bobby Bowden said to him about the running game, Lorenzo Booker confirmed Thursday that he will return to Florida State for his senior season. Booker said it was also the case of having unfinished business to address on the field and in the classroom.
"I felt like I'm not done," said Booker, who needs under 30 hours to graduate with a social science degree. "I came here to obviously try to win a national championship and I just felt like I really haven't gotten the opportunity to show what I can do. I feel like this year since Leon (Washington) is gone, I really have that chance. Not only that, but the people here are really great."
Quotable Quote
There's some doubt in my mind that I didn't really leave with a statement like I really wanted to. In high school ... I really just blew out my competition, but in college it's more competition and I really feel like I did all I could do to the best of my ability." - Junior linebacker Ernie Sims, on leaving for the NFL after not having the all-star college career predicted for him when he was one of the nation's top recruits in 2003.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Two Seminoles Named to 2005 FWAA Team
The ACC led all conferences with five players named to the 2005 Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) Freshman All-America team announced Wednesday morning during the association's annual awards breakfast.
ACC players named were Florida State quarterback Drew Weatherford, Georgia Tech offensive tackle Andrew Gardner, Duke linebacker Michael Brown, Florida State defensive back Tony Carter and Miami defensive back Kenny Phillips.
The team and coach were selected by a group of writers led by FWAA vice-president Mike Griffith of the Knoxville News-Sentinel. Both true freshmen and red-shirt freshmen were considered for the team.
2005 FWAA FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICA TEAM
OFFENSE
Pos. Player, School Ht. Wt. Hometown
QB - Drew Weatherford, Florida State 6-3 210 Land O' Lakes, Fla.
RB - Darren McFadden, Arkansas 6-2 210 North Little Rock, Ark. **
RB - Steve Slaton, West Virginia 5-10 185 Levittown, Pa. **
RB - Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern 5-9 190 Akron, Ohio **
WR - Davone Bess, Hawaii 5-10 187 Oakland, Calif. **
WR - Sidney Rice, South Carolina 6-4 191 Gaffney, S.C.
OL - Andrew Gardner, Georgia Tech 6-6 285 Tyrone, Ga.
OL - Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas 6-4 301 Little Rock, Ark.
OL - Jeremy Perry, Oregon State 6-2 315 Kahuku, Hawaii
OL - Cole Popovich, Fresno State 6-2 275 Oakhurst, Calif.
OL - Max Unger, Oregon 6-5 305 Honaunau, Hawaii
C - Robby Felix, UTEP 6-3 275 Corona, Calif.
DEFENSE
Pos. Player, School Ht. Wt. Hometown
DL - Steve Davis, Minnesota 6-2 230 St. Louis, Mo. **
DL - Mitch King, Iowa 6-3 250 Burlington, Iowa
DL - Brian Orakpo, Texas 6-4 238 Houston, Texas
DL - Barry Turner, Nebraska 6-3 245 Antioch, Tenn. **
LB - Michael Brown, Duke 5-11 225 Houston, Texas **
LB - Daniel Holtzclaw, Eastern Michigan 6-2 220 Enid, Okla. **
LB - Rey Maualuga, USC 6-5 250 Eureka, Calif. **
LB - Tim McCarthy, Northern Illinois 6-0 235 Neenah, Wis.
DB - Joe Burnett, Central Florida 5-11 180 Eustis, Fla. **
DB - Tony Carter, Florida State 5-9 160 Jacksonville, Fla.
DB - Courtney Greene, Rutgers 6-1 180 New Rochelle, N.Y. **
DB - Kenny Phillips, Miami 6-2 200 Miami, Fla. **
An Open Letter to FSU Athletic Administration
As a lifetime Seminole fan and FSU alumnus, I am deeply disturbed by the direction in which the FSU program seems to be headed. In talking with other Seminole supporters, they too are tired of the excuses by the head coach and the wait until next year mantra that we constantly hear.
There seems to be a disconnect with reality and we now have the head coach resorting to calling fans and supporters stupid and cowards. We have had his son hired as offensive coordinator and "shoved down our throats" and at the same time told that we have no right to criticize his apparent incompetence.
It is not clear whether this violates the nepotism rules in that it appears to be a sham. Bobby Bowden publicly states that he will never reassign or fire his son while we are told that Mickey Andrews is the evaluator of Jeff Bowden. That seems to be a sham to me.
As we have seen with other programs, it does not take long for a program to decline rapidly and I am afraid that is what is happening at FSU. FSU is no longer considered to be a top program and yet we have a coach that says nothing is wrong and it just needs "minor fixing." We have been told that for the last five years while the program continues to decline. Enough is enough.
I urge you to exercise your responsibility and do what is best for the FSU football program, the university, and the supporters of FSU. Not for Bobby Bowden. I believe that this is a critical time for our program and hope that you will assert your leadership in this matter.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Bunkley,Reid Honored
Brodrick Bunkley and Willie Reid were named to ESPN.com's All-bowl team. Bunkley made seven tackles, including two for loss, against Penn State in the Orange Bowl. Reid scored on an 87-yard punt return and finished with 235 all-purpose yards in FSU's 26-23 loss to Penn State.
What FSU Discussion Board Members Are Saying
After five years of mediocrity our head coach is singing the praises of the lord when he sees he is only LOSING by three.Bobby, I love you and what you have done for us. However, if changes are not made at the offensive coaching level... Then please start making those tee times for next football season.
___________
in 2006??...may the gods of the gridiron be kind...THIS HAS BEEN THE WORST DISPLAY OF SEMINOLE FOOTBALL SINCE 1971-1975. And you know what? We hired a whole new staff back then too!
__________
Bobby is lucky to be making 2 mill a year, while loosing 4 or 5 games a year, with the best talent in the world...Obviously, his son is the biggest reason, among others...but his refusal to get another OC is his decision and he DOES NOT deserve any raises. That is total crap.
__________
I don't think the kicker should be a scholarship player initially on FSU anymore. They only thing they do is lose games because of their kickers. When was the last time FSU won BECAUSE of their kicking game? What they should do is have walk -ons compete in the summer camp and then if the walk on does well during the season THEN offer a scholarship afterwards. Save that scholarship for someone that is going to contribute, like an offensive lineman or cornerback. The kickers is taking up valuable space and not contributing. The punter should remain on scholarship but not the kickers.
__________
are you insane? what was jeff's excuse last year? and the year before that? and the year before that? and the year before that? dont you realize that a incompetent man like jeff could come up with an excuse EVERY year for why his offense sucks instead of doing the one thing an honorable man would have done right from the beginning, namely, take the blame himself.
___________
Jeff will be O.C. next year, the offense will suck AGAIN (6th year running for him at that point). Then, Jeff and his father will start making excuses again, and I suppose people like yourself will buy them hook, line and sinker. again.
___________
I think Jeff B. is very good for all the teams that FSU plays. If it wasn't for him we might lose, but thanks to his coaching abilities or lack of, we have a far better chance of winning. I think they should keep him for as long as they want to.
A loyal GATOR fan
Monday, January 09, 2006
Sims Will Enter Draft
Florida State linebacker Ernie Sims announced today that he will enter the NFL Draft.
Sims To Announce Decision at Noon
Florida State linebacker Ernie Sims will announce his decision on entering the NFL Draft or returning for his senior season today at noon.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Email Your Concerns
If you are upset with the direction that the FSU football program is headed, I urge you to email the following people and express your concerns. Be respectful but firm in your concerns. Supposedly there will be a meeting between Bowden and Dave Hart next week so please send them asap.
Emails:
T.K. Wetherell, FSU President president@mailer.fsu.edu
Dave Hart,FSU Athletic Director jgreve@mailer.fsu.edu
Charlie Carr, Assoc. Athletics Director clcarr@mailer.fsu.edu
Diannne Harrison, Faculty Representative dfharris@mailer.fsu.edu
Andy Miller, FSU Seminole Boosters amiller@admin.fsu.edu
Al Lawson, Seminole Boosters ajlawson@admin.fsu.edu
Saturday, January 07, 2006
FSU Recruiting Headed South
FSU woes continue as our recruiting is headed downward. Earlier today, scout.com had FSU at number 11. We are now at number 14. In past weeks we were in the top 5 and then top 10. There is no question in my mind that it is due to our lackluster offense and the current nature of our football program.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Enough Is Enough
As a lifetime Seminole fan and an FSU alumnus, I am thoroughly disgusted by the direction that the FSU football program is headed. Enough is enough.
All we get out of the head coach is excuses and I am going to fix it. Nothing gets done and the team heads farther downhill.
It is time to make major changes in the FSU program for the school, not for a person.
The following are some of the things that could correct the course:
1. Ask Bobby Bowden to fire his son or place him in another position. If he says no, then ask for his resignation and buy out his contract.
2. Set a time certain for Bobby Bowden's retirement. No longer than two years is the goal.
3. Assess each and every coach with the exception of Mickey Andrews and if necessary, replace the ones that are not getting the job done.
4. Make a public statement that FSU will never hire a relative of a football coach.
5. Assemble past FSU players such as Warrick Dunn and Derrick Brooks and have them make a joint statement regarding the program and the new direction.
6. Assess our recruiting strategy and change it if necessary.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Quotable Quotes
" But Paterno did what Bobby Bowden has been unwilling to do. He hired former University of Florida head coach Galen Hall to run the Lions' offense - a job that used to belong to Paterno's son. Jay Paterno remains on staff as Penn State's quarterbacks coach, but Hall - who won a pair of national titles at Oklahoma as offensive coordinator - runs the show.
As we know, many FSU fans would Bobby Bowden to follow the same blueprint."
He won't." TBO.com , Jan. 4, 2006
" Should we be proud of FSU for even appearing in a BCS game? Or disappointed the 'Noles couldn't prevent a second five-loss season in four years?
Even after seeing the 'Noles playing their best defensive game since their season-opening win over Miami, it's hard to know how to feel about FSU.
You could say the 'Noles met expectations because they are the conference champions.
But then you could also accuse them blowing one huge opportunity after another." Jemele Hill, Orlando Sentinel, Jan. 4, 2006
"Yet, in the end, FSU simply was not ready.
The Seminoles made too many penalties on too many critical plays. They failed to take advantage of excellent field position. The defense played well enough to win, but the offense could not have been more unprepared." John Romano, St. Petersburg Times, Jan.4, 2006
Cromartie To Go Pro
MIAMI (AP) -- Antonio Cromartie missed Florida State's 2005 season, and he won't be coming back for 2006.
Cromartie, a standout cornerback who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a summertime workout, announced Tuesday that he will enter the NFL draft and skip his senior year. He had four interceptions and two defensive touchdowns in his sophomore season.
"My knee feels great and I have been working extremely hard to get myself ready to play again," Cromartie said before the Seminoles lost 26-23 in triple overtime to Penn State in the Orange Bowl. "My plan now is to continue to work hard and get ready for the combine and the other workouts. I feel like I am ready to play at the next level."
What Can You Say?
The Seminoles played their hearts out tonight in this loss. Again, kudos to Mickey Andrews, the best defensive coordinator in the country.
What can you say about the offense? The players played their hearts out. I,however, sincerely hope this is the last game that Jeff Bowden is involved in for FSU.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Why Florida State Is Better Than Penn State
Explaining why Florida State is better than Penn State is one of the easiest assignments in the history of easy journalism assignments. It's like comparing the beach to an arctic outpost.
It wasn't easy, but I've narrowed my list to 10 reasons:
1. In Tallahassee, snowplows aren't required to get to class during the winter.
2. Penn State is mathematically challenged. It plays in a conference that has 11 teams but calls itself the Big Ten.
3. Florida State has Chief Osceola, Renegade and a flaming spear. Penn State has some guy in a furry lion suit.
4. Former FSU quarterback Brad Johnson won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Former Penn State quarterback Todd Blackledge attended a Super Bowl.
5. It's easy to travel to Tallahassee. To get to State College, you need a plane, two buses and a dog sled.
6. Seminole Indians are an American Indian people who moved into North Florida in the 18th century. A Nittany Lion is what, exactly?
7. Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno have faced each other once, in the 1990 Blockbuster Bowl. Bowden won (24-17).
8. Florida State is home to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. Penn State is close to the magnetic North Pole.
9. With his aviator sunglasses and snappy straw hats, Bobby Bowden is quite the fashion plate on the sidelines. Joe Paterno's glasses went out of vogue with Buddy Holly.
10. People live in Pennsylvania because they have to. People live in Florida because they want to.
Jodie Wagner, a Neighborhood Post sportswriter, is a graduate of Florida State University. She and her two Seminoles-in-waiting practice their war chants at home.
And the Award Goes To...
In the spirit of the new year and the end of the season, I thought that I would hand out some well deserved awards:
Bobby Bowden gets the:
Please Make Our Day Award
Fans had better be glad I'd like to keep this job," Bobby Bowden after fans were critical of his son.
(What unbelievable arrogance and lack of understanding about the current state of FSU football. )
To Peter Tom Willis and others who have tried to let fans know how awful our offense is:
The Truth Hurts Award
During one game, FSU radio analyst Peter Tom Willis, a former Seminole quarterback, referred to the unit as "a high school offense." Another alum, NFL linebacker Derrick Brooks, has expressed frustration with the team's struggles. And opposing schools are now starting to use the younger Bowden against Florida State in recruiting wars.
Peter Tom Willis on his radio show et al.
To Jeff Bowden who hasn't a clue about anything other than that he knows how to spell nepotism:
The Don't Confuse Me With Facts Award
"It doesn't bother me as much now as it did in the beginning," Jeff said. "I just try to block it all out."
Jeff Bowden re fan criticism.
To All Loyal FSU fans:
The We Are Stupid For Putting Up With This Award
But critics point to their own numbers. Like the fact that from 1987 to 2000, Florida State averaged nearly 470 yards and 40 points per game, numbers that have slipped to 399 yards and 30 points in the Jeff Bowden era. The Mark Richt unit that led the nation in total offense in 2000 has failed to finish among the nation's top 25 in that same category since.
One stat speaks louder than any other: The school that had 14 consecutive 10-win seasons from 1987 to 2000 has had only one 10-win season since. Also, this is the fourth straight season that FSU will have lost at least four games in a season.
To Bobby Bowden again for another stupid comment:
So Why Haven't You Fixed It Award
If you have a flat tire, you've got to fix that flat tire," Bowden said. "Firing the driver isn't going to help you.
"We're smart enough to fix it. So let's fix it."
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