Post by MacMaher on Jul 21, 2009 5:27:50 GMT -5
Tallahassee, Fla. - It's been a long, hard fall from glory for the Florida State Seminoles. But coming off a 9-4 season a year ago, the Seminoles look to improve greatly this season. Preseason polls have them ranked 20th, and some insiders have them going 10-2 against a tough ACC and non-conference schedule. QB Christian Ponder, HB Jermaine Thomas, and WR Bert Reed have really created an explosive and dynamic triple threat for the Florida State offense. Unlike in years past, FSU is anchored by their offensive line, led by LG Rodney Hudson and C Ryan McMahon. The 'Noles Line is considered one of the best in the conference, and nation. Look for Ponder to throw for somewhere in the 3,000 yard range as well as rush for 600, Reed to catch around 10 TDs, and Thomas to run for around 1,000 yards and catch another 300 or so.
On the defensive side of the ball; CB Patrick Robinson, DE Markus White, and All-America candidate ROLB Nigel Bradham have provided the foundation for a solid group. FSU is led by their linebackers, with Senior starters Dekoda Watson and Recardo Wright joining Bradham, but backed up by young studs in Nigel Carr and Vince Williams who will redshirt this season. Terrance Parks' transition to the SS position has gone phenomenally. The only question is how will FSU rotate their DTs? Kendrick Stewart and Budd Thacker will start. However, Justin Mincey and Everette Dawkins are two very capable backups, who would likely start on any other squad. Mincey and Dawkins specialize in passrushing, so look for them to come in late in games when FSU has a lead.
Assistant director of Football MacMaher is really excited about Freshman HB Chris Thompson, he's been quoted as saying that Thompson is, "one of the most dynamic players on the roster, he just needs to adjust to the college game a little better. He will be one of our break out players this season, especially in the return game. But by midseason he'll likely be pushing Tavares[Pressley] for carries." Also look out for the rise of #2 TE Ja'Baris Little, a smallish (6'4" 228) TE with a ton of speed and moves. Little will be a huge asset on special teams and in the passing game. Finally, QB E.J. Manuel has developed into a solid triple threat player. He has the speed to run the ball, and FSU will likely take advantage of that. He's also got possibly the best distance arm on the team. He can also line up out wide, if need be. WR Bert Reed will likely play the wildcat position for FSU, and be backed up by WR Louis Givens.
On the defensive side of the ball; CB Patrick Robinson, DE Markus White, and All-America candidate ROLB Nigel Bradham have provided the foundation for a solid group. FSU is led by their linebackers, with Senior starters Dekoda Watson and Recardo Wright joining Bradham, but backed up by young studs in Nigel Carr and Vince Williams who will redshirt this season. Terrance Parks' transition to the SS position has gone phenomenally. The only question is how will FSU rotate their DTs? Kendrick Stewart and Budd Thacker will start. However, Justin Mincey and Everette Dawkins are two very capable backups, who would likely start on any other squad. Mincey and Dawkins specialize in passrushing, so look for them to come in late in games when FSU has a lead.
Assistant director of Football MacMaher is really excited about Freshman HB Chris Thompson, he's been quoted as saying that Thompson is, "one of the most dynamic players on the roster, he just needs to adjust to the college game a little better. He will be one of our break out players this season, especially in the return game. But by midseason he'll likely be pushing Tavares[Pressley] for carries." Also look out for the rise of #2 TE Ja'Baris Little, a smallish (6'4" 228) TE with a ton of speed and moves. Little will be a huge asset on special teams and in the passing game. Finally, QB E.J. Manuel has developed into a solid triple threat player. He has the speed to run the ball, and FSU will likely take advantage of that. He's also got possibly the best distance arm on the team. He can also line up out wide, if need be. WR Bert Reed will likely play the wildcat position for FSU, and be backed up by WR Louis Givens.
