College football

Backup QB shines at first scrimmage

Lake O'Lakes star Drew Weatherford is 7 of 8 to upstage starter Wyatt Sexton.

By ZACHARY SPAIN
Published April 3, 2005

TALLAHASSEE - Junior Wyatt Sexton may be the incumbent at quarterback, but Drew Weatherford was Florida State's most efficient passer Saturday during its first scrimmage in Doak Campbell Stadium.

Playing mostly with the second team, Weatherford, a redshirt freshman from Land O'Lakes, completed 7 of 8 for 64 yards. But when he joined the first team against the Seminoles' best defense for a series from midfield, Weatherford went 4-for-4 and showcased his athleticism.

On a rollout against a heavy pass rush and throwing off one foot, Weatherford connected with junior receiver Chris Davis for an 11-yard gain.

"I don't really get a chance to work with the first offensive line that much," Weatherford said. "They're a little more experienced, a little older, a little better and I felt more confident behind them."

Davis led all receivers with five catches and 90 yards. The former St. Petersburg Catholic star also had the longest reception, a 39-yarder from Sexton.

"I feel like I've been making steps every day in practice, getting better and getting back into the groove of things," said Davis, who is expected to be a starter this fall.

Sexton went 7-for-13 for 104 yards, but was sacked five times as the Seminoles were without three starters on the line. Tackle Cory Niblock is out with a shoulder injury, center David Castillo reinjured a dislocated finger in one of the first practices this spring and guard Matt Meinrod, an East Lake grad, is still recovering from last season's ACL tear. "On offense, it's very easy to see the biggest problem right now is pass protection," coach Bobby Bowden said. "When (the quarterbacks) had time, they got in there pretty doggone good."

Still, Bowden was impressed with the holes the line was able to open. Sophomore Lamar Lewis gained 47 yards on six carries, including three runs of more than 10 yards. Starter Leon Washington had six carries for 20 yards.

"That's probably the biggest plus on offense right now," Bowden said. "They've run the ball better than I can remember any spring at this time."

INJURY UPDATE: Bowden said linebacker Ernie Sims should be healthy when preseason practice resumes in August, but will miss the rest of spring practice. Sims, a second-team all-ACC selection in 2004, fractured his right fibula during practice Wednesday. He is scheduled for surgery Tuesday.

[Last modified April 3, 2005, 00:10:19]