Colleges

FSU's 3-point plan

By Brian Landman
Published August 31, 2007

FSU's 3-point plan for returning to the elite

1.Change attitudes: Somehow, somewhere, the Seminoles have lost their swagger and have grown - in coach Bobby Bowden's word - a bit "soft." New coaches Jimbo Fisher, Rick Trickett and Chuck Amato, in particular, have worked to re-establish a toughness, both physically and mentally.

2. Improve talent: The Seminoles already have oral commitments from 16 prospects, an unprecedented number for FSU this far before the February signing date - a reflection on the new staff and Bowden's hire of a director of player personnel, Bob LaCavita. The list includes QB E.J. Manuel, LB Nigel Bradham and DT Moses McCray (Hillsborough).

3. Stay healthy: Not to make excuses, but FSU has been hit with an inordinate number of injuries and many of those have just happened to be at the positions that were the thinnest (OL in 2005; DL and LB in 2006). Said Bowden: "One year you're lucky, one year you're not. ... If we don't get injuries, y'all better watch out because I think we have quarterbacks who are ready to produce."

Brian Landman, Times staff writer

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 10:11:39]