Colleges

Ignore the tattoo: He really loves FSU

By TIMES STAFF
Published October 18, 2007

FSU cornerback Patrick Robinson, shown last season, says he is excited about facing his hometown team, the Hurricanes.
	[Scott Keeler | Times]

TALLAHASSEE - Florida State sophomore cornerback and Miami native Patrick Robinson is looking forward to playing against his hometown team.

Robinson, who has "Miami" tattooed in script down his left forearm, has emerged as a top corner with interceptions in each of the past two games. He started Oct. 11 against Wake Forest, and though he isn't sure if he will start again Saturday, he is preparing to make an impact.

"I am pretty excited," Robinson. "It is a big game every year. I am just trying to focus on the game plan. Last year I expected not to play, but this year I am playing and I am expected to make plays."

And the tattoo?

"I got that in the spring," he said with a smile. "I am just trying to represent the hometown."

Challenge for Overmyer: When offensive tackle David Overmyer returns from injury against Miami, 6-foot-8 All-American defensive end Calais Cambell will be waiting for him. But Overmyer is confident.

"Two years ago, I played five first-round draft picks," he said. "You approach each the same way. They are all good players ...but if you trust your techniques and get after them, I think I'll be all right."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KYLE: Miami quarterback Kyle Wright turns 23 today, and that may not be a good omen for FSU.

He tends to get big wins as birthday presents.

Wright is 0-2 as a starter against the Seminoles. But Wright has been in this spot before - senior year, seeking to beat an archrival for the first time, during his birthday week - and came through.

Oct. 18, 2002: Wright threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns, leading the way on his 18th birthday as Monte Vista (Calif.) High beat rival Foothill 26-21, ensuring he wouldn't go 0-3 in the series between those clubs.

"Hopefully, the moons will align again for me," Wright said.

For the record, Miami hasn't lost a game played during the same week Wright celebrates his birthday since he arrived on campus five years ago.

Jamey Givens, Times correspondent; Times wires

UF: Harvin inspired

GAINESVILLE - After the death last week of scout-team player Michael Guilford, Florida coach Urban Meyer had former NFL All-Pro receiver Cris Carter speak to the team about coping with the loss of a teammate.

Carter had a profound impact on receiver Percy Harvin.

Meyer said this is Harvin's strongest week of practice.

"They talk to each other and they spent some time together," Meyer said. "Cris always talks about taking your game to the next level. Percy admires guys like Cris Carter."

Harvin's improvement can also be attributed to being completely healthy, a rarity for the speedy sophomore who has had nagging injuries all season.

"(Carter) just teaches us to work hard and not take a day for granted," Harvin said Monday. "The last time he was here (Carter said), "You never know which day is your last day. So if you ever pass away, what will you be remembered for?'"

ANTWINE OUT: Sophomore defensive tackle Brandon Antwine will miss Saturday's game at No. 8 Kentucky because of lower back pain.

Meyer will have to look else elsewhere for depth behind starters Clint McMillan and Javier Estopinan at defensive tackle, perhaps the position where the Gators are the thinnest. Torrey Davis may get more time.

O-LINE POTENTIAL: Meyer said he is optimistic about the future of the offensive line.

"I just love who they are," he said. "I think the future of our offensive line, if you look at whose waiting in the wings, whose developing, whose coming back, you'll have one of the best offensive lines in college in the next year or two here.

"You can just see it happening. I like the demeanor. I like the way they're being coached. I like the way they're working."

Meyer said he is especially excited about freshman guard Maurkice Pouncey.

"If he keeps going, he'll be one of the best to ever play at Florida," Meyer said.

Bryan Jones, Times correspondent

[Last modified October 17, 2007, 23:40:16]