Colleges

Consistent Weatherford named starter

Juniors Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee were both given a clean slate when new offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher arrived in January, but the more experienced and more consistent Weatherford was named the starter for Florida State's opener Sept. 3 at Clemson.

By TIMES STAFF
Published August 24, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - Juniors Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee were both given a clean slate when new offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher arrived in January, but the more experienced and more consistent Weatherford was named the starter for Florida State's opener Sept. 3 at Clemson.

"The main thing we were looking for is consistency," Fisher said Thursday. "Making more of the everydown plays; I thought (Drew) made the routine plays more consistently than Xavier did, for the most part, during camp, and I think that set him apart."

Weatherford, a standout at Land O'Lakes High, has started 23 of the past 26 games.

"Obviously I am really happy," Weatherford said. "Our competition has been great since we have been here. We have both worked extremely hard."

Lee did not speak to the media, but Fisher was complimentary of how the former five-star recruit reacted to the news.

"He was very mature and handled it very well. We are going to need Xavier to help us win," Fisher said.

Fisher expects Lee to be a part of his gameplan, but declined to say he would have a specific package for him against Clemson.

ANDREWS RETURNS: Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews was back at practice, a day after his son Ronnie's funeral. Ronnie Andrews died Sunday at 41.

Jamey Givens, Times correspondent

UF: Prized RB visits

GAINESVILLE - Former Southern California running back Emmanuel Moody visited campus and spent time at the closed practice.

Moody, the Trojans' second-leading rusher last season, is transferring, and Florida is on the highly coveted tailback's list of possible destinations.

He has three years of eligibility.

"It feels like the recruiting process all over again," said Moody, a former blue-chip recruit. "I was stressing out, but it was good stress because I see a lot of positives coming out of it."

Moody said he spoke to coach Urban Meyer, who told him he would be a strong fit.

Moody, who left USC because of a logjam at running back, said he wants to play where he can take on a bigger role.

Meyer made no promises about playing time, Moody said. He enjoyed meeting the players.

"They just told me it's a family out here," he said.

As for Gainesville, Moody described the town as "country."

"But it's nice out here," Moody said. "It's not like Hickville. This is a nice people-area."

Moody also visited North Carolina, and is considering Oklahoma State and Texas.

Moody expects to decide in about a week. He would have to sit out one season.

USF: Gregory ready

TAMPA - Though sophomore quarterback Matt Grothe is expected to start in USF's opener Sept. 1 against Elon, backup Grant Gregory is ready if needed.

The senior has been taking snaps with the first team offense since Grothe injured his hip Monday.

"I've (been practicing like a starter) for three years because you never know. Stranger things have happened, you have to be ready," Gregory said. "The quarterbacks take a beating. Last year I prepared, watched a lot of film, because you have to be ready."

Grothe has not participated since being hit on the hip during practice. Coaches expect him to resume practice Monday.

"(Grothe) could jog a little bit today, if he had to practice, he would have been practicing," said offensive coordinator Greg Gregory, who is Grant's father. "We don't want to take any risks."

Kickoff for the opener at Raymond James Stadium is 7:05.

DEFENSE UPDATE: According to defensive coordinator Wally Burnham, George Selive, Jarriett Buie, Allen Cray and Aaron Harris were named the starting defensive linemen.

But the biggest surprise was former linebacker Alonzo McQueen is converting to a defensive lineman.

"He looked exceptional this afternoon," coach Jim Leavitt said. "He's one of the strongest guys on our team."

The weakside linebacker position remains a two-way battle. Burnham said Brouce Mompremier has an advantage because he knows the system, but Donte Spires is more athletic.

UM: 2008 change

CORAL GABLES - Miami needs a new opponent for its first home game at Dolphin Stadium. North Texas pulled out of the Aug. 30, 2008, matchup. When Miami announced this week it was leaving the Orange Bowl for Dolphin Stadium, athletic director Paul Dee said the Mean Green was not expected to be the opening opponent. North Texas will open 2008 at LSU.

[Last modified August 23, 2007, 23:41:09]