Colleges

Ex-Seminoles star learns off field, teaches on it

Terrell Buckley works with FSU's secondary and toward his degree.

By JAMEY GIVENS
Published August 18, 2007

Terrell Buckley, talking with defensive back Tony Carter, is set to earn the final credits he needs for a degree in sociology this semester.
	[AP photo]

TALLAHASSEE - Terrell Buckley left Florida State 15 years ago with his name written all over the record book.

However, it was not written on a diploma.

He has returned to finish his degree, graduate and help the Seminoles return to national prominence.

Community college courses taken during offseasons and courses taken online have helped Buckley chip away at his requirements, but he is still close to 20 credits shy of his sociology degree. An array of classes, internships and community service will help him graduate at the end of this semester.

"The 15th of December," Buckley, 36, said with a smile. "I am willing to do anything"

Buckley brings instant credibility to the practice field. He holds the Florida State record for career (21) and season (12) interceptions, was a two-time All-American, won the 1991 Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back and played 14 seasons in the NFL, the last with the New York Giants in 2005.

"He has been there," starting cornerback Tony Carter said. "He is a guy that we all really look up to.

"It is an honor to be around someone like that, and I am really looking forward to learning from him."

Buckley was quick to point out his success wasn't necessarily determined by his physical abilities, but because he worked hard.

"I studied. I was disciplined," Buckley said. "It wasn't because I was this super talented guy. I just worked."

[Last modified August 18, 2007, 00:01:48]