Colleges

FSU: position by position

By Brian Landman
Published August 31, 2007

Quarterbacks

Drew Weatherford (Land O'Lakes) is coming off an up-and-down season. "Athletically, it was the most difficult time of my life," he said. But he rebounded, athletically and emotionally, with a strong showing in the Emerald Bowl win against UCLA and looks to have held onto the job. Xavier Lee, set to transfer before the coaching changes, has improved and said he's more "confident" and "prepared" than ever to be at his best.

Running backs

Antone Smith finally gets his chance to be the featured back. He has a rare blend of speed and strength which could give FSU a balanced attack for the first time since 2004. Jamaal Edwards, Marcus Sims and Russell Ball all figure to get some work. It doesn't help that fullback Joe Surratt (6 TDs) is out for the year.

Receivers/tight ends

If he shows the willingness to block effectively, Greg Carr (21 career TDs) can be an All-American. De'Cody Fagg and Richard Goodman should be solid and watch out for youngsters Preston Parker, Rod Owens and Damon McDaniel and senior Joslin Shaw (Plant City). With freshman All-American Brandon Warren's transfer and Caz Piurowski's (Land O'Lakes) move to OT, Charlie Graham and transfer Jonathan Hannahare the lone experienced TEs.

Offensive linemen

New coach Rick Trickett has gotten his players in far better shape (he did say he would introduce them to Jenny Craig) and has worked to develop a nastier attitude, needed to knock defenders backward. Now, the question is if a re-tooled line, likely to be anchored by first-time starters Daron Rose (Jefferson) at LT and Ryan McMahon at C can stay healthy and work cohesively. Shannon Boatman and David Overmyer bring experience on the right side.

Defensive linemen

Injuries hamstrung the line last season, especially inside where teams could double-team star Andre Fluellen. With Letroy Guion, Paul Griffin and Budd Thacker back and healthy, that shouldn't happen. Ends like Everette Brown, a freshman All-American, Kevin McNeil, Neefy Moffett and Alex Boston all have the speed to apply pressure that was missing too often last season.

Linebackers

Geno Hayes is the lone returning starter and he has big-play ability. A key will be how well Marcus Ball and Derek Nicholson (starters when FSU used the 3-4 last year) return from knee injuries that ended their seasons early. Dekoda Watson, who could be a starter, and Toddrick Verdell look like emerging stars, but the ranks are thin beyond this group.

Defensive backs

Injuries forced FSU to go with untested freshmen who had little opportunity to rest last year. The baptism by fire should only make S Myron Rolle, a freshman All-American, and CBs Jamie Robinson and Patrick Robinson (no relation) better. Tony Carter anchors the other CB and All-American sprinter Michael Ray Garvin can run with anyone. S Anthony Houllis (Tarpon Springs) returns from injury and freshman S Mister Alexander has had a stellar preseason.

Special teams

PK Gary Cismesia, left, ran hot and cold last year. He hit 11 of his first 13 field-goal attempts but missed his next four. He then went 3-for-3 in the Emerald Bowl. Graham Gano averaged 40.8 yards per punt and has been looking much better in the preseason. Garvin and Shaw have the speed to break a kickoff return and Parker has been solid as a punt returner.

Brian Landman, Times staff writer

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 09:43:53]