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New FSU players check in

TALLAHASSEE -- Since signing day in the spring, Florida State football coaches have been waiting to get their top-rated class on campus.

Monday, 13 recruits finally were in Doak Campbell Stadium to begin their college careers.

"We can't watch high school highlight films anymore," running back Leon Washington said. "We have to come out and show what we have in front of the best the state of Florida and the nation has to offer."

Included in the group is tailback Lorenzo Booker, a heralded high school player of a year who, in a national broadcast last spring, eschewed Notre Dame for Florida State.

"I thought it would take a while for things to click," said Booker, who moved to Tallahassee from California more than a month ago to participate in voluntary workouts. "So far it's been everything I've wanted it to be."

Booker, of Oxnard, Calif., ran for 3,103 yards and 49 touchdowns last season. He also considered Southern Cal and Washington.

"I just want to do whatever I can to help, be that taking a redshirt, working on kickoffs or being a guy who can take some carries," Booker said.

The first official practice for new players is Wednesday; the rest of the team practices for the first time Saturday.

All players expected to show up were present. FSUsigned 22. Two enrolled in the spring and the Seminoles lost five to failed academics. One is waiting to graduate from junior college and one is scheduled to join the team next week after recovering from an injury.

SOUTH FLORIDA: Former Wesley Chapel kicker/punter Gilbert Montelongo and Crystal River tight end Will Bleakley joined the football program as walkons. Both were Times All-Suncoast picks last season.

SEATTLE BOWL: The game signed a five-year deal to play at the new Seahawks Stadium. Last year's inaugural game was played at Safeco Field, home of baseball's Mariners. The game, scheduled Dec.30, pits the Mountain West's No.4 selection vs. the No.5 or 6 ACC pick.

USF BASKETBALL: The men's team hosts Providence on Nov.26. The Bulls play at Providence in the 2003-04 season.

DEATH RULED NATURAL CAUSES: The 21-year-old LSU baseball player found dead in his parents' home last week died of natural causes and had no drugs in his system, the Jefferson Parish coroner said. The autopsy on Wally Pontiff, who died Wednesday, found an abnormality in his heart, which is still being tested, the coroners' report said. The determination of exact cause of death might take several more days. There was also no evidence of trauma or foul play, coroner Robert E. Treuting said.

-- Times staff writer Pete Young contributed to this report, which used information from Times wires.

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