College football He really knew all along [Times photo: Fred Victorin] Sure, Chris Davis considered other schools. But none overtook Florida State. Year after death, FSU proceeds with caution 'Noles try to make football mat drills safer; Darling's family hopes all schools follow suit. National TV announcement caps class Lorenzo Booker is expected to sign today, adding to FSU's bumper crop at skill positions. Davis, Bunkley find their way to FSU Florida State might not have won the national recruiting contest this season, but you could argue the Seminoles took the Tampa Bay area. Most commitments stay firm with Zook Florida does not rank high in most recruiting services but that doesn't faze the new coach. Big name gets away but bigger player doesn't for USF Chris Davis isn't bound for Tampa but 295-pound Ramon McCullough, whom several major programs coveted, is. Hurricanes fill need for speed More lead time -- not to mention a national title -- helps land defensive backs and receivers. After finding league, UCF grabs attention Newest MAC member beats big schools for several recruits. Hillsborough's Dukes picks football after all TAMPA -- Hillsborough's Elijah Dukes, one of the state's most-recruited linebackers, produced the surprise of the day Wednesday when he announced he was signing a scholarship with North Carolina State.

Lightning
Lightning slips past Panthers
LIGHTNING 3, PANTHERS 2: Kevin Weekes' 37 saves and Nikita Alexeev's first goal make the difference.

Keenan seeks equality from officials
SUNRISE -- Playoff-bound or not, Panthers coach Mike Keenan wants his team playing -- and referees officiating -- as though the Stanley Cup were at stake.

Outdoors
Gasparilla's faithful hit silver anniversary
Thirteen runners have competed in every race and will be in Saturday's 25th edition.

Daily fishing report
Weather conditions have set us back, but last week provided a tantalizing taste of spring. Unseasonably warm weather raised inshore water temperatures into the low 70s and sparked a hot snook bite from New Port Richey to Clearwater.

Bowling
Vegas win vaults Voss into winner's circle
Brian Voss ended a three-year drought Jan. 27 when he defeated Ricky Ward of North Fort Myers 194-185 in the PBA Orleans Casino Open at Las Vegas. It was Voss' 21st title and was worth $40,000.

Preps
Dent's time has come -- to relax
But even with a scholarship to Maryland secure, the Countryside senior would still like to capture an individual state title.

Rams clobber Pirates 54-33
NEW PORT RICHEY -- Turnovers and fouls. In the end, one of them is going to get you.

Rivalry? Plant rips Brandon
The Panthers pull away early in a 78-53 demolishing of the Eagles and will take on Durant for the championship.

Crusader works harder than ever
Tampa Catholic junior Miranda Gutierrez wants a state title and a scholarship to Miami.

Armwood dismisses TBT 55-42
SEFFNER -- Armwood's 16-0 run to close the first half and open the second helped the Hawks outdistance top seed Tampa Bay Tech 55-42 on Wednesday.

Narrow win sends Boca Ciega to final
SEMINOLE -- For much of Wednesday night's district semifinal, Kelcey Roegiers-Jensen played the role of traffic cop instead of her usual speedy sports car.

Frayer earns 300th win with Cougars
A victory by 50 points usually wouldn't cause much fanfare at traditionally powerful Countryside, but the dual meet win Jan. 30 against Osceola marked a milestone for coach Dave Frayer.

Golf
'The Bully' benefits from a gentle touch
Renovated Bardmoor still looks tough, but it now plays easier, which is pleasing to its customers.