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I'm pretty sure he was a freshman all-american, that isn't enough?
¹ 2008 Spring Football/Summer Workouts (updates) ©
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I'm pretty sure he was a freshman all-american, that isn't enough?
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nevermind
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Can somebody post the FSU and the Texas insider joint????
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[h1]Team preview: Florida State[/h1]
Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook
Updated: July 9, 2008
Editor's Note: ESPN Insider has teamed with Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook to provide a comprehensive look at the Division I-A teams. To order the complete 2008 edition of Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook, visit www.blueribbonyearbook.com or call 1-866-805-BALL (2255).
(All information as of June 20, 200
[h4]Florida State Seminoles[/h4]
[table][tr][td]LOCATION[/td] [td]Tallahassee, Fla.[/td] [/tr][tr][td]CONFERENCE[/td] [td]ACC (Atlantic)[/td] [/tr][tr][td]LAST SEASON[/td] [td]7-6 (.53[/td] [/tr][tr][td]CONFERENCE RECORD[/td] [td]4-4 (4th)[/td] [/tr][tr][td]OFF. STARTERS RETURNING[/td] [td]6[/td] [/tr][tr][td]DEF. STARTERS RETURNING[/td] [td]7[/td] [/tr][tr][td]NICKNAME[/td] [td]Seminoles[/td] [/tr][tr][td]COLORS[/td] [td]Garnet & Gold[/td] [/tr][tr][td]HOME FIELD[/td] [td]Doak Campbell Stadium (82,300)[/td] [/tr][tr][td]HEAD COACH[/td] [td]Bobby Bowden (Samford '6[/td] [/tr][tr][td]RECORD AT SCHOOL[/td] [td]300-87-4 (32 years)[/td] [/tr][tr][td]CAREER RECORD[/td] [td]373-119-4 (42 years)[/td] [/tr][tr][td]ASSISTANTS[/td] [td]⢠Chuck Amato (NC State '69), Executive Head Coach/Linebackers
⢠Mickey Andrews (Alabama '64), Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Secondary
⢠Rick Trickett (Glenville State '72), Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line
⢠Jimbo Fisher (Salem College '89), Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
⢠Jody Allen (Valdosta State '83), Defensive Ends/Special Teams Coordinator
⢠Dexter Carter (Florida State '90), Running Backs
⢠James Coley (Florida State '97), Tight Ends/Recruiting Coordinator
⢠Lawrence Dawsey (Florida State '90), Wide Receivers
⢠Odell Haggins (Florida State '93), Defensive Tackles
[/td] [/tr][tr][td]TEAM WINS (Last five yrs.)[/td] [td]10-9-8-7-7[/td] [/tr][tr][td]FINAL RANK (Last five yrs.)[/td] [td]11-19-35-32-35[/td] [/tr][tr][td]2007 FINISH[/td] [td]Lost to Kentucky in Music City Bowl.[/td] [/tr][tr][td]2008 Schedule | 2007 Results | 2007 Stats[/td] [/tr][/table]
COACH AND PROGRAM
Transition seasons seldom unfold seamlessly, and 2007 was no exception at Florida State, where the final record (7-6) bore an exact resemblance to the 2006 campaign despite an overhaul of the offensive staff and the return of a long-time defensive assistant.
Bobby Bowden never once suggested that the arrival of offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, offensive line coach Rick Trickett, receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey and running backs coach Dexter Carter -- plus Chuck Amato's return to direct the linebackers -- would induce time-warp results.
In fact, Bowden preached patience, albeit to a fan base that had emptied a tank full of it in the darkening seasons that followed the end of a 14-year dynasty in 2000. Ironic, isn't it, that the 78-year-old Bowden can practice what he was preaching?
Be careful not to confuse Bowden's patience with someone marking his time until he's had enough. Despite the December 2007 announcement that Fisher will eventually succeed Bowden -- who is now working on a one-year contract with the annual option to re-up -- he is as committed to as ever.
"I want to go out with a championship," Bowden said.
It appears that might require more than an extreme staff makeover.
FSU heads into the 2008 season still coping with the fallout of an academic scandal that created a season-long undercurrent in '07 and virtually sucked the life out of a trip to the Music City Bowl. Approximately two dozen players, some of whom were walk-ons, were ruled ineligible for the bowl game. Most of those who return will miss the first three games of the '08 season -- which Bowden described as a "dark cloud" -- resulting from the school's self-imposed sanctions after input from the NCAA.
Approximately six returning starters were involved in the scandal, which revolved around a tutor providing answers to an on-line section of a music elective within the confines of the school's academic athletic support study area.
While FSU will not have its case go before the NCAA Infractions Committee until January '09 at the earliest, the school has also self-imposed scholarship reductions which new athletic director Randy Spetman told a Seminole booster gathering in the spring numbered eight, spread over a two-year period (four each year).
Those scholarship reductions will exact a toll on the program, which no longer boasts the most top-to-bottom talent in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Bowden is well aware of the program's personnel shortcomings, something fans have steadfastly refused to acknowledge.
"I think the [2008 NFL] draft shows it as good any," Bowden said. "Where's the big-play guy that we you used to have? Where's the Charlie Ward, the Warrick Dunn, the Derrick Brooks? I think that's the thing we've got to come up with. I think the draft kind of typifies it -- it was the third round before anybody was taken."
The '08 NFL draft marked the first since 1987 that FSU -- which had more players on any opening day roster last season than every school but Miami -- did not have a player selected on the first day. Defensive tackle Andre Fluellen was the first 'Nole off the board in round three.
Bowden was aware of the fall-off in talent, though he may not have realized what a profound impact it has played over the last seven seasons.
"I didn't recognize it as, 'It's going to kill us,' but I've been saying for two years we need a big-time player; we need an All-American," he said. "Somebody needs to go out there and play like [Heisman-winning Florida quarterback Tim] Tebow or some of these other great players. It might be the only thing we're lacking. You could get by if you had that.
"We need some more game-breakers. Preston Parker was as close a thing as we had to that."
The versatile Parker, who was FSU's top receiver, punt returner and more-than-capable fill-in at tailback, will also miss the first two games of the regular season after his April arrest for carrying a concealed weapon and possession of marijuana. The felony gun charge was later reduced, clearing his conditional return to the program.
Still, the off-field troubles resulted in another black eye for a program trying desperately to upgrade its performance on the field and its reputation off it.
As for filling the talent void, the Seminoles have made significant inroads already. With Fisher serving as the point man and Bowden playing the role of closer, FSU landed a consensus top-10 recruiting class in '08 and is already off to a strong start with double-digit early commitments for '09. Adding director of player personnel Bob LaCivita, now in his second season, is also paying dividends. His primary responsibility is identifying prospects early on.
From there, he turns it over to Bowden's staff. Fisher is a dynamic recruiter who was largely responsible for the accumulation of talent at LSU during his days there. Dawsey and Trickett have also earned their stripes on the recruiting trail, as has Amato, who is re-opening the once-fertile South Florida pipeline of talent. Perhaps most importantly, Fisher's enthusiasm for identifying and landing talent seems to have re-energized defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews and the staff on his side of the ball.
And not to be forgotten, James Coley was brought in to replace long-time recruiting coordinator/tight ends coach John Lilly. Coley has not only worked with Fisher before, but is both an FSU grad and a South Florida native who was on Nick Saban's Miami Dolphins staff.
With the staff in place, now it's a matter of bringing all the components together to produce a winning football program. Bowden concedes that will require changing the culture.
"We're trying to get back to where we were," Bowden said. "Nearly everybody in the conference has beaten us. We want to get back to the way it was, and you'd have to say it's nearly another culture."
That won't happen overnight.
"If you've got inferior players, they can't get it back," Bowden said, pointedly. "If we can recruit the right guys with these coaches, we can get it back. There's no doubt. I've got so much confidence in Mickey, Chuck Amato, Jimbo, Trickett ... If we can get the right guys, we can get it done. We have to improve on the draft board. We have to improve draft day."
More immediately, Bowden and staff must find a way to get the most out of a squad that will be significantly thin in a number of key positions, in part by design. At least a dozen players who would have had eligibility remaining for the '08 season have left the program since the end of last season.
For those who stayed, spring practice was far more productive the second time around with the retooled coaching staff.
"The biggest difference this spring, compared to a spring ago, is the coaches knew the boys, the boys knew the coaches and the boys knew the system," Bowden said. "A spring ago, none of that was true. You could really tell the difference."
Bowden isn't ready to say the Noles should contend for a national championship in '08 -- something he regularly did throughout the '90s -- but he expects to see his team improve.
"I'll be really disappointed if it doesn't," he said.
QUARTERBACKS
It's 2008 P.D. (post dynasty) and the one constant -- beyond Bowden's presence -- is the Seminoles head into fall practice with questions to be resolved at the quarterback position. [table][tr][th=""]Inside the ACC[/th] [/tr][tr][td]
Take an Inside look at the ACC with Blue Ribbon's 2008 team reports
[/td] [/tr][tr][td] [h2]Atlantic[/h2] [/td] [/tr][tr][td]Boston College Eagles[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Clemson Tigers
[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Florida State Seminoles[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Maryland Terrapins[/td] [/tr][tr][td]NC State Wolfpack[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Wake Forest Demon Deacons[/td] [/tr][tr][td] [h2]Coastal[/h2] [/td] [/tr][tr][td]Duke Blue Devils[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Miami Hurricanes[/td] [/tr][tr][td]North Carolina Tar Heels
[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Virginia Cavaliers[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Virginia Tech Hokies[/td] [/tr][tr][td]2008 Blue Ribbon Index[/td] [/tr][/table]A quartet of candidates, led by senior and 33-game starter Drew Weatherford (6-3, 216), have all thrown their hat in the ring. The only thing different from the last three falls is that Xavier Lee isn't one of them. Unable to lock down the job despite opportunities the last two seasons, Lee left the program after the '07 season when Fisher suggested he consider changing positions.
Oddly enough, Lee was picked up by the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent tight end.
Lee's absence and Weatherford's spring surgery to repair torn knee cartilage opened the door for the next wave of quarterback contenders, led by redshirt sophomores Christian Ponder (6-2, 212) and D'Vontrey Richardson (6-1, 205).
Then there's incoming freshman E.J. Manuel (6-4, 215), Fisher's hand-selected choice to lead the Noles into the future, and the nation's second-rated quarterback in 2007. Manuel has told multiple media outlets that he has no intention of accepting a redshirt season without first putting up a fight for immediate playing time.
Regardless of who lands the job, or when, this figures to be the most competitive quarterback competitions in years.
Given his experience in Fisher's offense, Weatherford is the early leader, based largely on his 20-13 track record as the starter. He ranks among the top three in school history for passing yards (7,411), completions (634) and 300-yard games. After offering up 29 interceptions over his first two seasons, Weatherford led the nation in interception avoidance last year, yielding just three in 318 attempts.
What Weatherford didn't do was make enough plays to secure the job, especially once the Noles reached the red zone. The spring knee injury prevented him from showing Fisher that he had improved his mobility and arm strength to the point he was ready to take the next step in progression. Still, he enters fall practice atop the depth chart, but with Ponder and Richardson in hot pursuit.
"[Weatherford's injury] gave us a chance to work with Christian Ponder and D'Vontrey Richardson," Bowden said. "They got a lot of work, and I'm hoping they can close the gap and make it a real competition."
Though Fisher lists Ponder and Richardson as co-backups on the preseason two-deep, there's clearly a pecking order. Ponder received all of the first-team spring snaps when Weatherford went down and was especially effective leading the offense in the red zone. That's an important quality on a unit forced to kick a nation-leading 27 field goals last sea-son.
Blessed with confidence, quickness, good speed and enough arm, Ponder backed up the skills he flashed against Virginia Tech in his only action of the '07 season. More importantly, he's been a quick study, which should come as no surprise; he enters the fall holding an undergraduate degree in finance.
"He's extremely bright, which is something that jumps off the page right away," Weatherford said of Ponder. "He understands the offense; he understands the defenses. I think he does a good job understanding the players and how to deal with people. For a young kid, he does a good job leading them out on the field, being assertive in the huddle. He's way beyond his years, I think."
Fisher acknowledged as much: "He's pushing now. He's ready to play."
Richardson, who is bigger, more elusive and possesses a bigger arm than either Weatherford or Ponder, closed the gap with a strong spring finish.
Fisher, however, was somewhat protective of Richardson, limiting his spring reps to second-team duties.
"It's easier to break [a quarterback] than make one," said Fisher, who will loosen the reins once August rolls around to determine whether he has a full-fledged, three- or perhaps four-man battle to lead the offense.
RUNNING BACKS
It doesn't take long to run through the tailbacks on FSU's roster with significant game experience. The list begins with senior Antone Smith (5-9, 18, and unless you count last season's worthy fill-in work by receiver Preston Parker, it ends there.
Since the close of the '07 season, veteran reserves Jamaal Edwards and Russell Ball have transferred. Redshirt freshman Brandon Paul (5-10, 170), a gifted athlete without a natural position, did little to distinguish himself as Smith's backup in the spring.
With senior walk-on Pat Davis (5-9, 180) limited by injury, the Noles were forced to use junior H-back/fullback Marcus Sims (6-0, 230) to lighten Smith's practice load.
That doesn't figure to be an issue in the fall when the cavalry arrives.
In his desire to bring in bigger, more versatile backs, Fisher signed three to scratch that itch. Junior college transfer Tavares Pressley (6-1, 215) will be joined by freshmen Jermaine Thomas (6-1, 190) and Carlton Jones (5-11, 215) in the competition to push Smith for playing time.
Though the popular theory is that Pressley will eventually supplant the starter, Smith won't go away quietly, despite his decision to decline interview requests all spring.
Smith's best bet to hold off the trio of challengers is to start the way he finished last season. As FSU's featured back, Smith ran for a career-high 819 yards on 192 carries (4.3 ypc), highlighted by a career-high 156 yards on 19 totes in the Seminoles' Music City Bowl loss to Kentucky. His season also included back-to-back 100-yard rushing games against Duke and Miami, a first for the run-challenged Noles since Leon Washington did it in 2004.
Not to be discounted, Smith also collected a career-high 22 pass receptions. His value to the passing game figures to give him an edge over the contenders, who boast quality resumes.
Pressley provided El Camino (Calif.) Community College with plenty production in limited at-bats, piling up 832 yards and 11 touchdowns, despite averaging fewer than 10 carries a game in a spread attack. The well-traveled Arcadia, Fla. native was even more impressive as a freshman, when he accounted for 1,713 yards of total offense for Monterey Peninsula College, including 1,211 on the ground. Those are impressive stats for anyone, let alone a guy who was exclusively a quarterback when he entered the JUCO ranks.
Thomas brings a skill set to the table comparable to Parker, who rushed for 250 yards while filling in for the injured Smith last season. One of three Jacksonville (Fla.) First Coast High signees by the Noles, Thomas ran for more than 1,500 yards over his final two prep seasons, but his real value is his versatility. In addition to lining up in the backfield, he's capable of creating mismatches while lining up in the slot.
Jones is a more traditional between-the-tackles back, after powering for 1,200 yards in his junior and senior seasons for Tampa Middleton.
Fisher's emphasis on the ground game relies heavily on utilizing fullbacks and H-backs, primarily as blockers. Junior Seddrick Holloway (5-10, 247) fills the bill well as a guard wearing No. 41, though he's also capable of moving the pile in short yardage.
Senior Joe Surratt (6-1, 262), who missed last season because of injury and suspension, is the most capable receiver from the lead back spot, while Sims has the speed to pop big plays from the pile.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
The return of its top two receiving yardage leaders and rapid development of a pair of redshirt freshmen -- plus the arrival of three big and fast newcomers -- left Fisher pondering the possibilities of the unit becoming a team strength this season.
"If our receivers will continue to get more consistent, I think it can be a definite strength, because I think we have playmakers," said Fisher.
It's hard to argue against Fisher's assessment.
There isn't a wide receiver in college football with the size and resume of FSU senior Greg Carr (6-6, 210). With 109 career receptions covering 2,032 yards, including 25 touchdowns, Carr has the nation's highest yards-per-catch average (18.6) among returnees with more than 100 grabs.
Statistically speaking, Carr is coming off his best campaign, setting personal bests for receptions (45) and yards (795), though he managed a career-low four touchdowns. That production, however, came during a year when Carr's bread-and-butter jump ball route was called sparingly.
Under receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey's guidance, Carr became a more complete receiver, improving his route running and becoming a more effective downfield blocker. Despite the dip in touchdown production, Carr's improved work ethic and attitude earned him offensive game captain honors four times.
While Carr was a known commodity entering the '07 season, Preston Parker (6-0, 190) came from nowhere and emerged as the Seminoles' top receiver and playmaker in the open field.
The team leader in receptions (62) and yardage (791), Parker's intuitive make-you-miss skills were critical to the attack. A nightmare match-up for linebackers coming out of the slot, Parker was responsible for a team-high 51 first downs. His versatility as a punt returner and fill-in tailback helped him pile up a team-leading 1,513 all-purpose yards, though Fisher repeatedly said Parker was only scratching the surface of his potential.
Parker's two-game suspension to open the season means Dawsey will have to find some capable replacements to fill the void early on. Among the veterans, senior Richard Goodman (6-0, 186) and junior Rod Owens (6-0, 179) are the most seasoned.
Goodman's junior season was cut short by a fractured fibula, but not before the speedster set personal bests with 20 receptions for 184 yards and a pair of scores. After missing the '06 season after undergoing reconstructive surgery, Owens caught only six passes last season, but those came in the final two games. Four of those came against rival Florida.
Experience aside, it's the new faces that provide the most optimism for the receiving corps. Redshirt freshmen Bert Reed (5-11, 165) and Taiwan Easterling (5-11, 192) were the most productive pass catchers throughout the spring.
Reed, a former high school quarterback, has a burst of speed and plenty of shake to be especially effective out of the slot. He also benefited substantially from working with the second-team offense throughout his freshman season. Easterling, who spent his first year on the scout team, came on strong as spring progressed.
Easterling's ability to catch the ball in traffic and get up field drew rave reviews from all corners.
"I really thought he was kind of the offensive star," Bowden said, after Easterling grabbed five receptions for 81 yards in the spring game.
Much like the tailback position, the receiving corps will be upgraded substantially with the summer arrival of three newcomers, all of whom possess size and speed. El Camino (Calif.) Community College wideout Corey Surrency (6-5, 210), who is blessed with 4.45 40-yard dash speed, caught 53 passes for 1,102 yards in two years of JUCO ball. What makes those numbers more impressive is the fact he didn't play high school football, despite attending powerhouse Miami Southridge.
Freshmen Jarmon Fortson (6-3, 220) and Avis Commack (6-4, 182) "are going to have a shot" at contributing, Fisher says. Fortson, whom the Noles lured from Auburn's grasp, had 1,500 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns over his final two seasons. Commack, a two-time state hurdles champion out of Jacksonville First Coast, has outstanding body control in addition to a sprinter's burst.
The tight end spot remains a bit of a mystery. Incumbent junior starter Charlie Graham (6-3, 23 left school in January to get his academics in order, but is expected to return. Junior Caz Piurowski (6-7, 277) also returns but must sit out the first three games. They combined for 16 receptions for 141 yards last season.
Junior Matt Dunham (6-2, 255) and senior walk-on Josh Dobbie (6-4, 221), who is the best receiver of the bunch, could factor into the mix as well. They are joined by incoming freshman Ja'Baris Little (6-4, 240).
OFFENSIVE LINE
Rick Trickett was nothing short of a miracle worker in his first season directing the offensive front, a group he pared down considerably upon arrival and built into a vastly im-proved unit by the end of the year.
Act II will require more magic, as the Seminoles, for the first time in Bowden's coaching tenure, don't have a single junior or senior on the roster. Perhaps more daunting, collectively this is a unit small in number, stature and experience.
The departure of four with starting experience -- three graduates and would-be junior left tackle Daron Rose's transfer to a junior college for academic reasons -- leaves Trickett with two returning starters and only one other player with college experience on the roster.
Two of those, sophomore center Ryan McMahon (6-3, 274) and sophomore left tackle Rodney Hudson (6-2, 283), were good enough to be consensus Freshmen All-Americans last season. Hudson, however, moves from guard to tackle, filling the void left by Rose's departure.
Hudson, a freshman in '07, put up some mind-numbing numbers in his nine starts. He missed five assignments all year -- the majority of which came against Clemson in the opener -- allowed one sack and was not flagged for a penalty all season.
McMahon, a converted defensive tackle, was the lone freshman or sophomore among Bowl Subdivision schools to take every offensive snap at the center position. That makes his penalty-free first season all the more impressive.
Sophomore Evan Bellamy (6-4, 296) is the likely starter at left guard after making his only previous start at right tackle in the Music City Bowl because of the rash of suspension.
The remaining cast is a collection of freshmen or redshirt freshmen, none of whom have seen the field.
Redshirt freshman Antwane Greenlee (6-6, 302) is the most heralded of the bunch. A potential contributor last season, he suffered a cervical injury near midseason and wasn't cleared for contact again until the start of spring ball. Redshirt freshman Will Furlong (6-2, 262) displayed the kind of tenacity Trickett wants as the starting right guard all spring.
Collectively, their greatest asset is they know what to expect from the demanding Trickett and have displayed a willingness to deliver.
"Last year it seemed like every day you just went out coaching effort, trying to get them going," Trickett said. "Hopefully now they understand. This group here flies around pretty good. Now we can zero in a lot more on technique, fundamentals and really get grooved in that way."
Among the reserves, sophomore guard/center Brandon Davis (6-2, 272) and redshirt freshman center A.J. Ganguzza (6-3, 269) have little more than practice time to count toward experience. That's better than the incoming freshmen -- left-tackle Zebrie Sanders (6-5, 273), left/right-guard David Spurlock (6-5, 287) and Rhonne Sanderson (6-4, 280) and right-tackle Andrew Datko (6-6, 285).
"I'm going to play them all," Trickett said of the incoming freshmen. "They knew that when they signed. They're all second team. I'm going to try to find out between Zebrie and Datko, which one makes the best left tackle. The other guy will go to right tackle. Spurlock and Sanderson will probably start out at guards.
"We'll open up the first game with our top 10 and seven of them have not been in a game. It will be interesting."
KICKERS
Bowden and Fisher are hopeful that senior Graham Gano (6-1, 197) won't be burdened in the same way that graduated kicker Gary Cismesia was a year ago. The Seminoles' red zone offensive struggles enabled Cismesia to kick an ACC- and school record-tying 27 field goals.
Gano, who has been FSU's starting punter and kickoff specialist for two seasons, has yet to attempt a single game kick, though he has plenty of leg.
As a high school senior, the athletic Gano set a Florida high school record by converting from 65 yards, one of three longer than 55. He also had a 67-yarder erased by penalty.
Junior transfer Zach Hobby (5-11, 200), who played at Delaware, received most of the second-team reps in the spring. He'll compete against sophomore walk-on Nathan Ojibway (6-3, 253) and grey-shirt scholarship freshman Shawn Powell (6-5, 212) for emergency duties.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Over the last 10 years, the Seminoles have produced a half-dozen NFL-quality interior defensive linemen, which followed a lengthy run of first-round defensive ends. Now it looks as if FSU could be ready to churn out another run of pass rushers.
A quartet of junior ends, led by veteran Everette Brown (6-4, 246) and the arrival of national junior college player-of-the-year Markus White (6-4, 245), could be poised to put some punch in the Seminoles' recently dormant pass rush.
If the spring game was any kind of indicator, the Noles are heading in the right direction. The defense dominated, piling up 11 quarterback sacks and countless hurries, contribut-ing to a pair of interceptions.
Brown, who is tabbed as the starting right end ahead of walk-on Ben Lampkin (6-0, 212), spent the entire game in the backfield. After finally cracking through the starting lineup in '07, the jet-quick Lampkin delivered his best season, leading the team in sacks (6.5) and all linemen in tackles (37) and tackles for loss (11.5).
One of the biggest surprises from the spring game was the play of senior left end Neefy Moffett (6-1, 255), who used a pair of sacks to climb to the top of the depth chart. Consistency has eluded Moffett to this point, but with the arrival of White and the return of junior Kevin McNeil (6-2, 255) from injury and suspension, the bull-rushing specialist will either put up or step aside.
McNeil came on strong as a freshman in '06, registering a pair of sacks and five tackles for loss in 10 games after missing the first three until he was cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse. His sophomore season was derailed by an offseason auto accident that left him with foot and shoulder injuries. He was ultimately caught up in the academic scandal, sacking him for the year. McNeil spent the spring working off the ring rust and was at his best at the end of the 20-day practice period.
White brings a stunning resume to the Noles from Butler (Kansas) Community College, leading the nation with 24.5 sacks and six forced fumbles for the 12-0 Grizzlies, who won the NJCAA national title.
Redshirt freshman Jamar Jackson (6-4, 232) finally got on the field in the spring after suffering an ACL injury during the first weeks of practice last fall. The depth will likely allow incoming freshmen Everett Dawkins (6-2, 242) and Toshmon Stevens (6-5, 205) to mature as redshirts.
Unlike recent seasons, the interior line is an area of concern. Junior Budd Thacker (6-2, 26 missed four games because of injury and suspension, but he still contributed 23 tackles (4.5 for loss) and plenty of energy.
Senior Paul Griffin (6-2, 27, the team's strongest player, is expected to be more of a factor a second season removed from ACL reconstructive surgery. Still, Griffin did make 24 stops (6.5 for loss) in '07. Junior Justin Mincey (6-5, 265) appears to have finally settled on a spot inside the line, after splitting time inside and out his first two seasons.
Unfortunately, the status of all three players at the start of the season remains fuzzy, which means interior line coach Odell Haggins will have to piece things together with significant contributions from a cast of less-distinguished players.
Juniors Kendrick Stewart (6-2, 269) and Emmanuel Dunbar (6-5, 284) could well be the opening day starters; roles they served in the Music City Bowl. Stewart, however, missed spring practice with an injury after contributing 11 tackles in '07. Dunbar, who is two years removed from career-threatening back surgery, has played in only 13 games.
The wild card in the bunch is senior Dumaka Atkins (6-4, 296) who missed all of last season with a knee injury and was moved from offensive line in the spring. Atkins, whose brother was former Miami standout Baraka Atkins, provides a physical presence against the run.
Given the lack of depth, Haggins has told incoming freshman Moses McCray (6-2, 26 to be ready for action upon arrival. McCray is certainly athletic enough, boasting a 4.68 40-yard dash which helped him log 15 sacks for Tampa Hillsborough High, where he was also a wrestler.
LINEBACKERS
Once stockpiled with potential NFL talent, FSU's linebacker corps is facing a year of transition. That's not to say the Noles are void of talent or productive players, but defections have depleted a group once teeming three-deep with quality.
Senior middle linebacker Derek Nicholson (6-2, 234) is back for a final season after establishing himself as a solid run-stuffer in leading FSU in tackles last season with 99.
Nicholson is backed by junior Recardo Wright (6-2, 223), redshirt freshman Aaron Gresham (6-2, 230) and early-entry freshman Vince Williams (6-0, 210). Four of Wright's 18 career stops came in the Music City Bowl.
If there's a star in the making within linebacker coach Chuck Amato's group, it's clearly junior weak-side starter Dekoda Watson (6-2, 222). In his first season as a starter, Watson racked up 50 tackles, but eight of those were behind the line of scrimmage -- 3.5 at Virginia Tech, including a sack and a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Andrews showers Watson with praise.
"He's more confident," FSU's veteran coordinator said during spring practice. "He carries himself loose, but more important, he's been a good leader. He's, 'Follow me' and 'I'll holler at you when you need hollering at.' He's a guy who's very emotional and plays with a lot of enthusiasm, the way you're supposed to."
It's those leadership skills the Noles have been missing since Buster Davis moved on two seasons ago. Still, he's the most physically gifted guy in the unit after Geno Hayes' decision to jump to the NFL and Marcus Ball's suspicious departure from the squad.
Watson, however, will miss the first three games, which creates opportunity for sophomore Kendall Smith (6-1, 224). Smith played in every game last season, primarily on special teams, until he earned his first start at strong-side linebacker in the bowl game. With length and speed, converted senior safety Kenny Ingram (6-6, 233) may have found a home leading up to the bowl.
The strong-side linebacker spot is a little less clear. Projected starter, senior Toddrick Verdell (6-3, 222), wasn't in school for the spring semester but was back on campus this summer. Verdell was on the verge of a breakout season in '07 when he broke his leg in the 10th game. As a backup to Hayes, he logged 22 tackles and had a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown against Miami. A safety when he signed with the Noles out of the JUCO ranks, Verdell has the skills to provide an upgrade to the pass defense.
Heralded freshman Nigel Bradham (6-2, 227), the nation's top-rated outside linebacker prospect, has the physical tools to become a force but made little impact throughout spring practice. Sophomore Maurice Harris (6-0, 210) and senior Rodney Gallon (6-0, 192) provide depth.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
A unit that in theory should have been one of the Seminoles' strongest last season, based on experience, proved to be a weak link. Despite the return of three starters, FSU ranked 11th in the ACC and 85th nationally in passing defense (245.4 ypg).
No ACC team surrendered more touchdown passes (24).
Whether the return of three starters (again) will make a difference is anyone's guess, but there is no shortage of physical talent among the group, especially at cornerback.
Senior field corner Tony Carter (5-9, 166) is back as a fourth-year starter, coming off a career-best four interception, 45-tackle campaign. Carter has a knack for making the big play (four touchdown returns), but he's also prone to indecision. Still, Andrews believes he has the talent to make a living on the edge, and this season will provide one last stage to prove that.
Junior boundary corner Patrick Robinson (5-11, 189) led the Seminoles with six interceptions last season, including one in five consecutive games to tie a school mark held by former Thorpe winner Terrell Buckley. Robinson, however, will miss the first three games, which allows senior Michael Ray Garvin (5-8, 185) to regain a spot he has held periodically. Like Carter, Garvin is small but makes up for it with national class sprint speed and a combative disposition.
Sophomore Ochuko Jenije (5-10, 185) saw considerable time a year ago in FSU nickel- and dime coverage packages, but remains a raw talent. Redshirt freshman Dionte Allen (5-11, 167), the prized secondary signee from the '07 class, made considerable strides while spelling Carter at the field corner spot in the spring.
Junior Korey Mangum (6-0, 190) earned high marks this spring at boundary corner, when Robinson was nursing a tender hamstring. A physical player, his coverage skills were noticeably improved. Freshman Terrance Parks (6-1, 200) suffered the usual ups and downs associated with inexperience, but with size and speed, he made enough plays in the spring to merit a long look in August.
Where the Noles need to improve the most, however, is at the back end of the secondary. Junior rover Myron Rolle (6-2, 21 enters his third season as the starter and could be on the verge of a breakthrough campaign.
Stout against the run (144 career tackles), Rolle has just one interception in two seasons to go along with seven other pass breakups. The highly acclaimed honor student has yet to flash the playmaking skills that one would associate with being the nation's No. 1 prep prospect in 2006.
Rolle is back up by senior Roosevelt Lawson (5-11, 202), a former walk-on and long-time special teams contributor.
There's a healthy battle being waged between senior Darius McClure (5-11, 207) and converted corner Jamie Robinson (6-2, 187) to replace three-year starter Roger Williams at free safety. Both players are significantly better than Williams in coverage, which should provide a significant lift.
Though he's battled a variety of nagging injuries throughout his career, McClure is the likely starter. Robinson, however, might prove to be a more natural fit over the long haul. He put up big numbers in high school, where he was allowed the freedom to make plays on the ball in a zone defense. Those skills didn't translate as a corner for Andrews' man-to-man press scheme but are perfectly-suited for free safety.
Incoming freshmen Nick Moody (6-1, 21 and Ed Imeokparia (6-0, 18 boast blazing speed (4.4 40s) and were two-way standouts in high school, but they will have to impress early in camp to stake a claim to playing time.
PUNTERS
A third-year starter, Graham Gano is the ACC's top returning punter after putting up career-best numbers in '07. His 43.4 average ranked 17th nationally, aided by a string of 11 consecutive games with at least one punt of more than 50 yards.
More importantly, the senior has become more proficient at pinning opponents deep in their own territory. He had a career-high 19 punts inside the 20 and a career-low four touchbacks, and thanks to improved punt coverage, boasted a net average of 35.9 yards. Gano will also try and close out his career without yielding a blocked punt.
With the graduation of walk-on and former Louisville punter Brent Moody, Shawn Powell will assume the back-up duties as a freshman.
SPECIAL TEAMS
For the second consecutive season Jody Allen will coordinate all special teams for the Seminoles. Though the duties were once shared throughout the staff -- and remain so to some extent -- Allen's organization skills made a difference.
FSU's coverage units, a sore spot in recent seasons, were vastly improved. Opponents averaged 21 yards on kickoff returns and an impressive 7.5 on punt returns, as the Noles leaned on more scholarship players and few walk-ons to set up better field position for the defense.
The Seminoles also saw a reduced number of special teams penalties, especially illegal blocks, and were seldom forced to burn timeouts to get the right personnel on the field.
Still, there are voids to fill and improvements to be made.
Most notably, the Noles must replace deep snapper Garrison Sanborn, who in two seasons earned himself a shot at the NFL with his quick and accurate snaps.
Walk-on juniors Zack Aronson (6-2, 212) and Jeremiah Thomson (5-10, 230) will carry the battle for that job into the fall.
Powell and Ponder are the likely candidates to replace Moody as the holder on all kicks, though neither has collegiate experience in those areas.
Yet the area FSU must improve the most is in the return game. While Parker is the top punt returner (10.6 ypr) back in the ACC, the Noles have not brought back one for a score since Willie Reid left for the NFL after the 2006 season.
That goes for kickoffs as well. Garvin ranks among the fastest players in all of college football, but he averaged a pedestrian 19.9 yards for a unit that ranked dead last in the ACC and 107th nationally in kickoff returns (18.7).
The arrival of Pennsylvania high school sprint star A.J. Alexander (5-11, 170) could provide a nice upgrade in an area where the Noles once excelled. Alexander has been repeatedly timed at 4.3 in the 40 and returned two kicks for scores as a high school senior.
BLUE RIBBON ANALYSIS
[table][tr][th=""]
Bowden has never been one to shy away from a challenging schedule, but faced with widespread suspensions through the first three games, the Seminoles scheduled accordingly. FSU should get off to a quick start against FCS weaklings Western Carolina and Chattanooga, which will give a host of newcomers -- and perhaps a new starting quarterback -- the chance to acclimate.
The improvement through two games will be critical, because ACC Atlantic Division rival Wake Forest visits Tallahassee in week three for a game that could alter the long-range success or failure of Bowden's 32nd FSU team. The Demon Deacons have beaten the Seminoles the last two seasons.
With the suspensions lifted in time for the Sept. 27 date with Colorado in Jacksonville, FSU can't afford to be any worse than 3-1. Weatherford should either be entrenched as the starter, or Ponder must be warmed up and ready, because the stretch run is a bear.
October includes trips to Miami and NC State, before the team returns home to face Virginia Tech, the first of six consecutive opponents who closed out the 2007 season in a bowl game. Road trips to Georgia Tech and Maryland are surrounded by home dates against Clemson, Boston College and rival Florida.
Good health, especially along the paper-thin offensive and defensive lines, will be critical along the way. The Seminoles must be able to run the football and score touchdowns in the red zone if they are going to get off the 7-6 cycle and begin to resemble a conference contender again.
For the most comprehensive previews available on the Division I-A teams, order the "Bible" of college football, the 2008 Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook, at www.blueribbonyearbook.com or call 1-866-805-BALL (2255).
Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook
Updated: July 9, 2008
Editor's Note: ESPN Insider has teamed with Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook to provide a comprehensive look at the Division I-A teams. To order the complete 2008 edition of Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook, visit www.blueribbonyearbook.com or call 1-866-805-BALL (2255).
(All information as of June 20, 200
[h4]Florida State Seminoles[/h4]
[table][tr][td]LOCATION[/td] [td]Tallahassee, Fla.[/td] [/tr][tr][td]CONFERENCE[/td] [td]ACC (Atlantic)[/td] [/tr][tr][td]LAST SEASON[/td] [td]7-6 (.53
[/td] [/tr][tr][td]CONFERENCE RECORD[/td] [td]4-4 (4th)[/td] [/tr][tr][td]OFF. STARTERS RETURNING[/td] [td]6[/td] [/tr][tr][td]DEF. STARTERS RETURNING[/td] [td]7[/td] [/tr][tr][td]NICKNAME[/td] [td]Seminoles[/td] [/tr][tr][td]COLORS[/td] [td]Garnet & Gold[/td] [/tr][tr][td]HOME FIELD[/td] [td]Doak Campbell Stadium (82,300)[/td] [/tr][tr][td]HEAD COACH[/td] [td]Bobby Bowden (Samford '6[/td] [/tr][tr][td]RECORD AT SCHOOL[/td] [td]300-87-4 (32 years)[/td] [/tr][tr][td]CAREER RECORD[/td] [td]373-119-4 (42 years)[/td] [/tr][tr][td]ASSISTANTS[/td] [td]⢠Chuck Amato (NC State '69), Executive Head Coach/Linebackers ⢠Mickey Andrews (Alabama '64), Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Secondary
⢠Rick Trickett (Glenville State '72), Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line
⢠Jimbo Fisher (Salem College '89), Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
⢠Jody Allen (Valdosta State '83), Defensive Ends/Special Teams Coordinator
⢠Dexter Carter (Florida State '90), Running Backs
⢠James Coley (Florida State '97), Tight Ends/Recruiting Coordinator
⢠Lawrence Dawsey (Florida State '90), Wide Receivers
⢠Odell Haggins (Florida State '93), Defensive Tackles
[/td] [/tr][tr][td]TEAM WINS (Last five yrs.)[/td] [td]10-9-8-7-7[/td] [/tr][tr][td]FINAL RANK (Last five yrs.)[/td] [td]11-19-35-32-35[/td] [/tr][tr][td]2007 FINISH[/td] [td]Lost to Kentucky in Music City Bowl.[/td] [/tr][tr][td]2008 Schedule | 2007 Results | 2007 Stats[/td] [/tr][/table]
COACH AND PROGRAM
Transition seasons seldom unfold seamlessly, and 2007 was no exception at Florida State, where the final record (7-6) bore an exact resemblance to the 2006 campaign despite an overhaul of the offensive staff and the return of a long-time defensive assistant.
Bobby Bowden never once suggested that the arrival of offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, offensive line coach Rick Trickett, receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey and running backs coach Dexter Carter -- plus Chuck Amato's return to direct the linebackers -- would induce time-warp results.
In fact, Bowden preached patience, albeit to a fan base that had emptied a tank full of it in the darkening seasons that followed the end of a 14-year dynasty in 2000. Ironic, isn't it, that the 78-year-old Bowden can practice what he was preaching?
Be careful not to confuse Bowden's patience with someone marking his time until he's had enough. Despite the December 2007 announcement that Fisher will eventually succeed Bowden -- who is now working on a one-year contract with the annual option to re-up -- he is as committed to as ever.
"I want to go out with a championship," Bowden said.
It appears that might require more than an extreme staff makeover.
FSU heads into the 2008 season still coping with the fallout of an academic scandal that created a season-long undercurrent in '07 and virtually sucked the life out of a trip to the Music City Bowl. Approximately two dozen players, some of whom were walk-ons, were ruled ineligible for the bowl game. Most of those who return will miss the first three games of the '08 season -- which Bowden described as a "dark cloud" -- resulting from the school's self-imposed sanctions after input from the NCAA.
Approximately six returning starters were involved in the scandal, which revolved around a tutor providing answers to an on-line section of a music elective within the confines of the school's academic athletic support study area.
While FSU will not have its case go before the NCAA Infractions Committee until January '09 at the earliest, the school has also self-imposed scholarship reductions which new athletic director Randy Spetman told a Seminole booster gathering in the spring numbered eight, spread over a two-year period (four each year).
Those scholarship reductions will exact a toll on the program, which no longer boasts the most top-to-bottom talent in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Bowden is well aware of the program's personnel shortcomings, something fans have steadfastly refused to acknowledge.
"I think the [2008 NFL] draft shows it as good any," Bowden said. "Where's the big-play guy that we you used to have? Where's the Charlie Ward, the Warrick Dunn, the Derrick Brooks? I think that's the thing we've got to come up with. I think the draft kind of typifies it -- it was the third round before anybody was taken."
The '08 NFL draft marked the first since 1987 that FSU -- which had more players on any opening day roster last season than every school but Miami -- did not have a player selected on the first day. Defensive tackle Andre Fluellen was the first 'Nole off the board in round three.
Bowden was aware of the fall-off in talent, though he may not have realized what a profound impact it has played over the last seven seasons.
"I didn't recognize it as, 'It's going to kill us,' but I've been saying for two years we need a big-time player; we need an All-American," he said. "Somebody needs to go out there and play like [Heisman-winning Florida quarterback Tim] Tebow or some of these other great players. It might be the only thing we're lacking. You could get by if you had that.
"We need some more game-breakers. Preston Parker was as close a thing as we had to that."
The versatile Parker, who was FSU's top receiver, punt returner and more-than-capable fill-in at tailback, will also miss the first two games of the regular season after his April arrest for carrying a concealed weapon and possession of marijuana. The felony gun charge was later reduced, clearing his conditional return to the program.
Still, the off-field troubles resulted in another black eye for a program trying desperately to upgrade its performance on the field and its reputation off it.
As for filling the talent void, the Seminoles have made significant inroads already. With Fisher serving as the point man and Bowden playing the role of closer, FSU landed a consensus top-10 recruiting class in '08 and is already off to a strong start with double-digit early commitments for '09. Adding director of player personnel Bob LaCivita, now in his second season, is also paying dividends. His primary responsibility is identifying prospects early on.
From there, he turns it over to Bowden's staff. Fisher is a dynamic recruiter who was largely responsible for the accumulation of talent at LSU during his days there. Dawsey and Trickett have also earned their stripes on the recruiting trail, as has Amato, who is re-opening the once-fertile South Florida pipeline of talent. Perhaps most importantly, Fisher's enthusiasm for identifying and landing talent seems to have re-energized defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews and the staff on his side of the ball.
And not to be forgotten, James Coley was brought in to replace long-time recruiting coordinator/tight ends coach John Lilly. Coley has not only worked with Fisher before, but is both an FSU grad and a South Florida native who was on Nick Saban's Miami Dolphins staff.
With the staff in place, now it's a matter of bringing all the components together to produce a winning football program. Bowden concedes that will require changing the culture.
"We're trying to get back to where we were," Bowden said. "Nearly everybody in the conference has beaten us. We want to get back to the way it was, and you'd have to say it's nearly another culture."
That won't happen overnight.
"If you've got inferior players, they can't get it back," Bowden said, pointedly. "If we can recruit the right guys with these coaches, we can get it back. There's no doubt. I've got so much confidence in Mickey, Chuck Amato, Jimbo, Trickett ... If we can get the right guys, we can get it done. We have to improve on the draft board. We have to improve draft day."
More immediately, Bowden and staff must find a way to get the most out of a squad that will be significantly thin in a number of key positions, in part by design. At least a dozen players who would have had eligibility remaining for the '08 season have left the program since the end of last season.
For those who stayed, spring practice was far more productive the second time around with the retooled coaching staff.
"The biggest difference this spring, compared to a spring ago, is the coaches knew the boys, the boys knew the coaches and the boys knew the system," Bowden said. "A spring ago, none of that was true. You could really tell the difference."
Bowden isn't ready to say the Noles should contend for a national championship in '08 -- something he regularly did throughout the '90s -- but he expects to see his team improve.
"I'll be really disappointed if it doesn't," he said.
QUARTERBACKS
It's 2008 P.D. (post dynasty) and the one constant -- beyond Bowden's presence -- is the Seminoles head into fall practice with questions to be resolved at the quarterback position. [table][tr][th=""]Inside the ACC[/th] [/tr][tr][td]
Oddly enough, Lee was picked up by the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent tight end.
Lee's absence and Weatherford's spring surgery to repair torn knee cartilage opened the door for the next wave of quarterback contenders, led by redshirt sophomores Christian Ponder (6-2, 212) and D'Vontrey Richardson (6-1, 205).
Then there's incoming freshman E.J. Manuel (6-4, 215), Fisher's hand-selected choice to lead the Noles into the future, and the nation's second-rated quarterback in 2007. Manuel has told multiple media outlets that he has no intention of accepting a redshirt season without first putting up a fight for immediate playing time.
Regardless of who lands the job, or when, this figures to be the most competitive quarterback competitions in years.
Given his experience in Fisher's offense, Weatherford is the early leader, based largely on his 20-13 track record as the starter. He ranks among the top three in school history for passing yards (7,411), completions (634) and 300-yard games. After offering up 29 interceptions over his first two seasons, Weatherford led the nation in interception avoidance last year, yielding just three in 318 attempts.
What Weatherford didn't do was make enough plays to secure the job, especially once the Noles reached the red zone. The spring knee injury prevented him from showing Fisher that he had improved his mobility and arm strength to the point he was ready to take the next step in progression. Still, he enters fall practice atop the depth chart, but with Ponder and Richardson in hot pursuit.
"[Weatherford's injury] gave us a chance to work with Christian Ponder and D'Vontrey Richardson," Bowden said. "They got a lot of work, and I'm hoping they can close the gap and make it a real competition."
Though Fisher lists Ponder and Richardson as co-backups on the preseason two-deep, there's clearly a pecking order. Ponder received all of the first-team spring snaps when Weatherford went down and was especially effective leading the offense in the red zone. That's an important quality on a unit forced to kick a nation-leading 27 field goals last sea-son.
Blessed with confidence, quickness, good speed and enough arm, Ponder backed up the skills he flashed against Virginia Tech in his only action of the '07 season. More importantly, he's been a quick study, which should come as no surprise; he enters the fall holding an undergraduate degree in finance.
"He's extremely bright, which is something that jumps off the page right away," Weatherford said of Ponder. "He understands the offense; he understands the defenses. I think he does a good job understanding the players and how to deal with people. For a young kid, he does a good job leading them out on the field, being assertive in the huddle. He's way beyond his years, I think."
Fisher acknowledged as much: "He's pushing now. He's ready to play."
Richardson, who is bigger, more elusive and possesses a bigger arm than either Weatherford or Ponder, closed the gap with a strong spring finish.
Fisher, however, was somewhat protective of Richardson, limiting his spring reps to second-team duties.
"It's easier to break [a quarterback] than make one," said Fisher, who will loosen the reins once August rolls around to determine whether he has a full-fledged, three- or perhaps four-man battle to lead the offense.
RUNNING BACKS
It doesn't take long to run through the tailbacks on FSU's roster with significant game experience. The list begins with senior Antone Smith (5-9, 18
, and unless you count last season's worthy fill-in work by receiver Preston Parker, it ends there. Since the close of the '07 season, veteran reserves Jamaal Edwards and Russell Ball have transferred. Redshirt freshman Brandon Paul (5-10, 170), a gifted athlete without a natural position, did little to distinguish himself as Smith's backup in the spring.
With senior walk-on Pat Davis (5-9, 180) limited by injury, the Noles were forced to use junior H-back/fullback Marcus Sims (6-0, 230) to lighten Smith's practice load.
That doesn't figure to be an issue in the fall when the cavalry arrives.
In his desire to bring in bigger, more versatile backs, Fisher signed three to scratch that itch. Junior college transfer Tavares Pressley (6-1, 215) will be joined by freshmen Jermaine Thomas (6-1, 190) and Carlton Jones (5-11, 215) in the competition to push Smith for playing time.
Though the popular theory is that Pressley will eventually supplant the starter, Smith won't go away quietly, despite his decision to decline interview requests all spring.
Smith's best bet to hold off the trio of challengers is to start the way he finished last season. As FSU's featured back, Smith ran for a career-high 819 yards on 192 carries (4.3 ypc), highlighted by a career-high 156 yards on 19 totes in the Seminoles' Music City Bowl loss to Kentucky. His season also included back-to-back 100-yard rushing games against Duke and Miami, a first for the run-challenged Noles since Leon Washington did it in 2004.
Not to be discounted, Smith also collected a career-high 22 pass receptions. His value to the passing game figures to give him an edge over the contenders, who boast quality resumes.
Pressley provided El Camino (Calif.) Community College with plenty production in limited at-bats, piling up 832 yards and 11 touchdowns, despite averaging fewer than 10 carries a game in a spread attack. The well-traveled Arcadia, Fla. native was even more impressive as a freshman, when he accounted for 1,713 yards of total offense for Monterey Peninsula College, including 1,211 on the ground. Those are impressive stats for anyone, let alone a guy who was exclusively a quarterback when he entered the JUCO ranks.
Thomas brings a skill set to the table comparable to Parker, who rushed for 250 yards while filling in for the injured Smith last season. One of three Jacksonville (Fla.) First Coast High signees by the Noles, Thomas ran for more than 1,500 yards over his final two prep seasons, but his real value is his versatility. In addition to lining up in the backfield, he's capable of creating mismatches while lining up in the slot.
Jones is a more traditional between-the-tackles back, after powering for 1,200 yards in his junior and senior seasons for Tampa Middleton.
Fisher's emphasis on the ground game relies heavily on utilizing fullbacks and H-backs, primarily as blockers. Junior Seddrick Holloway (5-10, 247) fills the bill well as a guard wearing No. 41, though he's also capable of moving the pile in short yardage.
Senior Joe Surratt (6-1, 262), who missed last season because of injury and suspension, is the most capable receiver from the lead back spot, while Sims has the speed to pop big plays from the pile.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
The return of its top two receiving yardage leaders and rapid development of a pair of redshirt freshmen -- plus the arrival of three big and fast newcomers -- left Fisher pondering the possibilities of the unit becoming a team strength this season.
"If our receivers will continue to get more consistent, I think it can be a definite strength, because I think we have playmakers," said Fisher.
It's hard to argue against Fisher's assessment.
There isn't a wide receiver in college football with the size and resume of FSU senior Greg Carr (6-6, 210). With 109 career receptions covering 2,032 yards, including 25 touchdowns, Carr has the nation's highest yards-per-catch average (18.6) among returnees with more than 100 grabs.
Statistically speaking, Carr is coming off his best campaign, setting personal bests for receptions (45) and yards (795), though he managed a career-low four touchdowns. That production, however, came during a year when Carr's bread-and-butter jump ball route was called sparingly.
Under receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey's guidance, Carr became a more complete receiver, improving his route running and becoming a more effective downfield blocker. Despite the dip in touchdown production, Carr's improved work ethic and attitude earned him offensive game captain honors four times.
While Carr was a known commodity entering the '07 season, Preston Parker (6-0, 190) came from nowhere and emerged as the Seminoles' top receiver and playmaker in the open field.
The team leader in receptions (62) and yardage (791), Parker's intuitive make-you-miss skills were critical to the attack. A nightmare match-up for linebackers coming out of the slot, Parker was responsible for a team-high 51 first downs. His versatility as a punt returner and fill-in tailback helped him pile up a team-leading 1,513 all-purpose yards, though Fisher repeatedly said Parker was only scratching the surface of his potential.
Parker's two-game suspension to open the season means Dawsey will have to find some capable replacements to fill the void early on. Among the veterans, senior Richard Goodman (6-0, 186) and junior Rod Owens (6-0, 179) are the most seasoned.
Goodman's junior season was cut short by a fractured fibula, but not before the speedster set personal bests with 20 receptions for 184 yards and a pair of scores. After missing the '06 season after undergoing reconstructive surgery, Owens caught only six passes last season, but those came in the final two games. Four of those came against rival Florida.
Experience aside, it's the new faces that provide the most optimism for the receiving corps. Redshirt freshmen Bert Reed (5-11, 165) and Taiwan Easterling (5-11, 192) were the most productive pass catchers throughout the spring.
Reed, a former high school quarterback, has a burst of speed and plenty of shake to be especially effective out of the slot. He also benefited substantially from working with the second-team offense throughout his freshman season. Easterling, who spent his first year on the scout team, came on strong as spring progressed.
Easterling's ability to catch the ball in traffic and get up field drew rave reviews from all corners.
"I really thought he was kind of the offensive star," Bowden said, after Easterling grabbed five receptions for 81 yards in the spring game.
Much like the tailback position, the receiving corps will be upgraded substantially with the summer arrival of three newcomers, all of whom possess size and speed. El Camino (Calif.) Community College wideout Corey Surrency (6-5, 210), who is blessed with 4.45 40-yard dash speed, caught 53 passes for 1,102 yards in two years of JUCO ball. What makes those numbers more impressive is the fact he didn't play high school football, despite attending powerhouse Miami Southridge.
Freshmen Jarmon Fortson (6-3, 220) and Avis Commack (6-4, 182) "are going to have a shot" at contributing, Fisher says. Fortson, whom the Noles lured from Auburn's grasp, had 1,500 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns over his final two seasons. Commack, a two-time state hurdles champion out of Jacksonville First Coast, has outstanding body control in addition to a sprinter's burst.
The tight end spot remains a bit of a mystery. Incumbent junior starter Charlie Graham (6-3, 23
left school in January to get his academics in order, but is expected to return. Junior Caz Piurowski (6-7, 277) also returns but must sit out the first three games. They combined for 16 receptions for 141 yards last season.Junior Matt Dunham (6-2, 255) and senior walk-on Josh Dobbie (6-4, 221), who is the best receiver of the bunch, could factor into the mix as well. They are joined by incoming freshman Ja'Baris Little (6-4, 240).
OFFENSIVE LINE
Rick Trickett was nothing short of a miracle worker in his first season directing the offensive front, a group he pared down considerably upon arrival and built into a vastly im-proved unit by the end of the year.
Act II will require more magic, as the Seminoles, for the first time in Bowden's coaching tenure, don't have a single junior or senior on the roster. Perhaps more daunting, collectively this is a unit small in number, stature and experience.
The departure of four with starting experience -- three graduates and would-be junior left tackle Daron Rose's transfer to a junior college for academic reasons -- leaves Trickett with two returning starters and only one other player with college experience on the roster.
Two of those, sophomore center Ryan McMahon (6-3, 274) and sophomore left tackle Rodney Hudson (6-2, 283), were good enough to be consensus Freshmen All-Americans last season. Hudson, however, moves from guard to tackle, filling the void left by Rose's departure.
Hudson, a freshman in '07, put up some mind-numbing numbers in his nine starts. He missed five assignments all year -- the majority of which came against Clemson in the opener -- allowed one sack and was not flagged for a penalty all season.
McMahon, a converted defensive tackle, was the lone freshman or sophomore among Bowl Subdivision schools to take every offensive snap at the center position. That makes his penalty-free first season all the more impressive.
Sophomore Evan Bellamy (6-4, 296) is the likely starter at left guard after making his only previous start at right tackle in the Music City Bowl because of the rash of suspension.
The remaining cast is a collection of freshmen or redshirt freshmen, none of whom have seen the field.
Redshirt freshman Antwane Greenlee (6-6, 302) is the most heralded of the bunch. A potential contributor last season, he suffered a cervical injury near midseason and wasn't cleared for contact again until the start of spring ball. Redshirt freshman Will Furlong (6-2, 262) displayed the kind of tenacity Trickett wants as the starting right guard all spring.
Collectively, their greatest asset is they know what to expect from the demanding Trickett and have displayed a willingness to deliver.
"Last year it seemed like every day you just went out coaching effort, trying to get them going," Trickett said. "Hopefully now they understand. This group here flies around pretty good. Now we can zero in a lot more on technique, fundamentals and really get grooved in that way."
Among the reserves, sophomore guard/center Brandon Davis (6-2, 272) and redshirt freshman center A.J. Ganguzza (6-3, 269) have little more than practice time to count toward experience. That's better than the incoming freshmen -- left-tackle Zebrie Sanders (6-5, 273), left/right-guard David Spurlock (6-5, 287) and Rhonne Sanderson (6-4, 280) and right-tackle Andrew Datko (6-6, 285).
"I'm going to play them all," Trickett said of the incoming freshmen. "They knew that when they signed. They're all second team. I'm going to try to find out between Zebrie and Datko, which one makes the best left tackle. The other guy will go to right tackle. Spurlock and Sanderson will probably start out at guards.
"We'll open up the first game with our top 10 and seven of them have not been in a game. It will be interesting."
KICKERS
Bowden and Fisher are hopeful that senior Graham Gano (6-1, 197) won't be burdened in the same way that graduated kicker Gary Cismesia was a year ago. The Seminoles' red zone offensive struggles enabled Cismesia to kick an ACC- and school record-tying 27 field goals.
Gano, who has been FSU's starting punter and kickoff specialist for two seasons, has yet to attempt a single game kick, though he has plenty of leg.
As a high school senior, the athletic Gano set a Florida high school record by converting from 65 yards, one of three longer than 55. He also had a 67-yarder erased by penalty.
Junior transfer Zach Hobby (5-11, 200), who played at Delaware, received most of the second-team reps in the spring. He'll compete against sophomore walk-on Nathan Ojibway (6-3, 253) and grey-shirt scholarship freshman Shawn Powell (6-5, 212) for emergency duties.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Over the last 10 years, the Seminoles have produced a half-dozen NFL-quality interior defensive linemen, which followed a lengthy run of first-round defensive ends. Now it looks as if FSU could be ready to churn out another run of pass rushers.
A quartet of junior ends, led by veteran Everette Brown (6-4, 246) and the arrival of national junior college player-of-the-year Markus White (6-4, 245), could be poised to put some punch in the Seminoles' recently dormant pass rush.
If the spring game was any kind of indicator, the Noles are heading in the right direction. The defense dominated, piling up 11 quarterback sacks and countless hurries, contribut-ing to a pair of interceptions.
Brown, who is tabbed as the starting right end ahead of walk-on Ben Lampkin (6-0, 212), spent the entire game in the backfield. After finally cracking through the starting lineup in '07, the jet-quick Lampkin delivered his best season, leading the team in sacks (6.5) and all linemen in tackles (37) and tackles for loss (11.5).
One of the biggest surprises from the spring game was the play of senior left end Neefy Moffett (6-1, 255), who used a pair of sacks to climb to the top of the depth chart. Consistency has eluded Moffett to this point, but with the arrival of White and the return of junior Kevin McNeil (6-2, 255) from injury and suspension, the bull-rushing specialist will either put up or step aside.
McNeil came on strong as a freshman in '06, registering a pair of sacks and five tackles for loss in 10 games after missing the first three until he was cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse. His sophomore season was derailed by an offseason auto accident that left him with foot and shoulder injuries. He was ultimately caught up in the academic scandal, sacking him for the year. McNeil spent the spring working off the ring rust and was at his best at the end of the 20-day practice period.
White brings a stunning resume to the Noles from Butler (Kansas) Community College, leading the nation with 24.5 sacks and six forced fumbles for the 12-0 Grizzlies, who won the NJCAA national title.
Redshirt freshman Jamar Jackson (6-4, 232) finally got on the field in the spring after suffering an ACL injury during the first weeks of practice last fall. The depth will likely allow incoming freshmen Everett Dawkins (6-2, 242) and Toshmon Stevens (6-5, 205) to mature as redshirts.
Unlike recent seasons, the interior line is an area of concern. Junior Budd Thacker (6-2, 26
missed four games because of injury and suspension, but he still contributed 23 tackles (4.5 for loss) and plenty of energy.Senior Paul Griffin (6-2, 27
, the team's strongest player, is expected to be more of a factor a second season removed from ACL reconstructive surgery. Still, Griffin did make 24 stops (6.5 for loss) in '07. Junior Justin Mincey (6-5, 265) appears to have finally settled on a spot inside the line, after splitting time inside and out his first two seasons.Unfortunately, the status of all three players at the start of the season remains fuzzy, which means interior line coach Odell Haggins will have to piece things together with significant contributions from a cast of less-distinguished players.
Juniors Kendrick Stewart (6-2, 269) and Emmanuel Dunbar (6-5, 284) could well be the opening day starters; roles they served in the Music City Bowl. Stewart, however, missed spring practice with an injury after contributing 11 tackles in '07. Dunbar, who is two years removed from career-threatening back surgery, has played in only 13 games.
The wild card in the bunch is senior Dumaka Atkins (6-4, 296) who missed all of last season with a knee injury and was moved from offensive line in the spring. Atkins, whose brother was former Miami standout Baraka Atkins, provides a physical presence against the run.
Given the lack of depth, Haggins has told incoming freshman Moses McCray (6-2, 26
to be ready for action upon arrival. McCray is certainly athletic enough, boasting a 4.68 40-yard dash which helped him log 15 sacks for Tampa Hillsborough High, where he was also a wrestler.LINEBACKERS
Once stockpiled with potential NFL talent, FSU's linebacker corps is facing a year of transition. That's not to say the Noles are void of talent or productive players, but defections have depleted a group once teeming three-deep with quality.
Senior middle linebacker Derek Nicholson (6-2, 234) is back for a final season after establishing himself as a solid run-stuffer in leading FSU in tackles last season with 99.
Nicholson is backed by junior Recardo Wright (6-2, 223), redshirt freshman Aaron Gresham (6-2, 230) and early-entry freshman Vince Williams (6-0, 210). Four of Wright's 18 career stops came in the Music City Bowl.
If there's a star in the making within linebacker coach Chuck Amato's group, it's clearly junior weak-side starter Dekoda Watson (6-2, 222). In his first season as a starter, Watson racked up 50 tackles, but eight of those were behind the line of scrimmage -- 3.5 at Virginia Tech, including a sack and a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Andrews showers Watson with praise.
"He's more confident," FSU's veteran coordinator said during spring practice. "He carries himself loose, but more important, he's been a good leader. He's, 'Follow me' and 'I'll holler at you when you need hollering at.' He's a guy who's very emotional and plays with a lot of enthusiasm, the way you're supposed to."
It's those leadership skills the Noles have been missing since Buster Davis moved on two seasons ago. Still, he's the most physically gifted guy in the unit after Geno Hayes' decision to jump to the NFL and Marcus Ball's suspicious departure from the squad.
Watson, however, will miss the first three games, which creates opportunity for sophomore Kendall Smith (6-1, 224). Smith played in every game last season, primarily on special teams, until he earned his first start at strong-side linebacker in the bowl game. With length and speed, converted senior safety Kenny Ingram (6-6, 233) may have found a home leading up to the bowl.
The strong-side linebacker spot is a little less clear. Projected starter, senior Toddrick Verdell (6-3, 222), wasn't in school for the spring semester but was back on campus this summer. Verdell was on the verge of a breakout season in '07 when he broke his leg in the 10th game. As a backup to Hayes, he logged 22 tackles and had a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown against Miami. A safety when he signed with the Noles out of the JUCO ranks, Verdell has the skills to provide an upgrade to the pass defense.
Heralded freshman Nigel Bradham (6-2, 227), the nation's top-rated outside linebacker prospect, has the physical tools to become a force but made little impact throughout spring practice. Sophomore Maurice Harris (6-0, 210) and senior Rodney Gallon (6-0, 192) provide depth.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
A unit that in theory should have been one of the Seminoles' strongest last season, based on experience, proved to be a weak link. Despite the return of three starters, FSU ranked 11th in the ACC and 85th nationally in passing defense (245.4 ypg).
No ACC team surrendered more touchdown passes (24).
Whether the return of three starters (again) will make a difference is anyone's guess, but there is no shortage of physical talent among the group, especially at cornerback.
Senior field corner Tony Carter (5-9, 166) is back as a fourth-year starter, coming off a career-best four interception, 45-tackle campaign. Carter has a knack for making the big play (four touchdown returns), but he's also prone to indecision. Still, Andrews believes he has the talent to make a living on the edge, and this season will provide one last stage to prove that.
Junior boundary corner Patrick Robinson (5-11, 189) led the Seminoles with six interceptions last season, including one in five consecutive games to tie a school mark held by former Thorpe winner Terrell Buckley. Robinson, however, will miss the first three games, which allows senior Michael Ray Garvin (5-8, 185) to regain a spot he has held periodically. Like Carter, Garvin is small but makes up for it with national class sprint speed and a combative disposition.
Sophomore Ochuko Jenije (5-10, 185) saw considerable time a year ago in FSU nickel- and dime coverage packages, but remains a raw talent. Redshirt freshman Dionte Allen (5-11, 167), the prized secondary signee from the '07 class, made considerable strides while spelling Carter at the field corner spot in the spring.
Junior Korey Mangum (6-0, 190) earned high marks this spring at boundary corner, when Robinson was nursing a tender hamstring. A physical player, his coverage skills were noticeably improved. Freshman Terrance Parks (6-1, 200) suffered the usual ups and downs associated with inexperience, but with size and speed, he made enough plays in the spring to merit a long look in August.
Where the Noles need to improve the most, however, is at the back end of the secondary. Junior rover Myron Rolle (6-2, 21
enters his third season as the starter and could be on the verge of a breakthrough campaign.Stout against the run (144 career tackles), Rolle has just one interception in two seasons to go along with seven other pass breakups. The highly acclaimed honor student has yet to flash the playmaking skills that one would associate with being the nation's No. 1 prep prospect in 2006.
Rolle is back up by senior Roosevelt Lawson (5-11, 202), a former walk-on and long-time special teams contributor.
There's a healthy battle being waged between senior Darius McClure (5-11, 207) and converted corner Jamie Robinson (6-2, 187) to replace three-year starter Roger Williams at free safety. Both players are significantly better than Williams in coverage, which should provide a significant lift.
Though he's battled a variety of nagging injuries throughout his career, McClure is the likely starter. Robinson, however, might prove to be a more natural fit over the long haul. He put up big numbers in high school, where he was allowed the freedom to make plays on the ball in a zone defense. Those skills didn't translate as a corner for Andrews' man-to-man press scheme but are perfectly-suited for free safety.
Incoming freshmen Nick Moody (6-1, 21
and Ed Imeokparia (6-0, 18 boast blazing speed (4.4 40s) and were two-way standouts in high school, but they will have to impress early in camp to stake a claim to playing time.PUNTERS
A third-year starter, Graham Gano is the ACC's top returning punter after putting up career-best numbers in '07. His 43.4 average ranked 17th nationally, aided by a string of 11 consecutive games with at least one punt of more than 50 yards.
More importantly, the senior has become more proficient at pinning opponents deep in their own territory. He had a career-high 19 punts inside the 20 and a career-low four touchbacks, and thanks to improved punt coverage, boasted a net average of 35.9 yards. Gano will also try and close out his career without yielding a blocked punt.
With the graduation of walk-on and former Louisville punter Brent Moody, Shawn Powell will assume the back-up duties as a freshman.
SPECIAL TEAMS
For the second consecutive season Jody Allen will coordinate all special teams for the Seminoles. Though the duties were once shared throughout the staff -- and remain so to some extent -- Allen's organization skills made a difference.
FSU's coverage units, a sore spot in recent seasons, were vastly improved. Opponents averaged 21 yards on kickoff returns and an impressive 7.5 on punt returns, as the Noles leaned on more scholarship players and few walk-ons to set up better field position for the defense.
The Seminoles also saw a reduced number of special teams penalties, especially illegal blocks, and were seldom forced to burn timeouts to get the right personnel on the field.
Still, there are voids to fill and improvements to be made.
Most notably, the Noles must replace deep snapper Garrison Sanborn, who in two seasons earned himself a shot at the NFL with his quick and accurate snaps.
Walk-on juniors Zack Aronson (6-2, 212) and Jeremiah Thomson (5-10, 230) will carry the battle for that job into the fall.
Powell and Ponder are the likely candidates to replace Moody as the holder on all kicks, though neither has collegiate experience in those areas.
Yet the area FSU must improve the most is in the return game. While Parker is the top punt returner (10.6 ypr) back in the ACC, the Noles have not brought back one for a score since Willie Reid left for the NFL after the 2006 season.
That goes for kickoffs as well. Garvin ranks among the fastest players in all of college football, but he averaged a pedestrian 19.9 yards for a unit that ranked dead last in the ACC and 107th nationally in kickoff returns (18.7).
The arrival of Pennsylvania high school sprint star A.J. Alexander (5-11, 170) could provide a nice upgrade in an area where the Noles once excelled. Alexander has been repeatedly timed at 4.3 in the 40 and returned two kicks for scores as a high school senior.
BLUE RIBBON ANALYSIS
[table][tr][th=""]
Grading the Seminoles
[/th] [/tr][tr][td]Unit[/td] [td] Grade
[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Offense[/td] [td] B
[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Special teams[/td] [td] B-
[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Defense[/td] [td] B
[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Intangibles[/td] [td] B+
[/td] [/tr][/table]Bowden has never been one to shy away from a challenging schedule, but faced with widespread suspensions through the first three games, the Seminoles scheduled accordingly. FSU should get off to a quick start against FCS weaklings Western Carolina and Chattanooga, which will give a host of newcomers -- and perhaps a new starting quarterback -- the chance to acclimate.
The improvement through two games will be critical, because ACC Atlantic Division rival Wake Forest visits Tallahassee in week three for a game that could alter the long-range success or failure of Bowden's 32nd FSU team. The Demon Deacons have beaten the Seminoles the last two seasons.
With the suspensions lifted in time for the Sept. 27 date with Colorado in Jacksonville, FSU can't afford to be any worse than 3-1. Weatherford should either be entrenched as the starter, or Ponder must be warmed up and ready, because the stretch run is a bear.
October includes trips to Miami and NC State, before the team returns home to face Virginia Tech, the first of six consecutive opponents who closed out the 2007 season in a bowl game. Road trips to Georgia Tech and Maryland are surrounded by home dates against Clemson, Boston College and rival Florida.
Good health, especially along the paper-thin offensive and defensive lines, will be critical along the way. The Seminoles must be able to run the football and score touchdowns in the red zone if they are going to get off the 7-6 cycle and begin to resemble a conference contender again.
For the most comprehensive previews available on the Division I-A teams, order the "Bible" of college football, the 2008 Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook, at www.blueribbonyearbook.com or call 1-866-805-BALL (2255).
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Junior rover Myron Rolle (6-2, 21
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!!$* OUTTA HERE!
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Originally Posted by GUNNA GET IT
if that sorry !!$* gets 1 forced fumble and 2 oskies its considered a break out season
!!$* OUTTA HERE!
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LEAVE MYRON AND HIS 4.68 40 ALONE!!!!!!!!!
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Originally Posted by GUNNA GET IT
if that sorry !!$* gets 1 forced fumble and 2 oskies its considered a break out season
!!$* OUTTA HERE!
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Notre Dame suffered its first loss of the season on Friday.
[table][tr][td]
[/td] [td]
[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Matt Cashore[/td] [/tr][/table]The University announced that starting cornerback Darrin Walls will not be enrolled at Notre Dame during the fall semester, stripping the Irish ofperhaps their most talented player. Walls will return home to Pittsburgh, Pa., at summer school's completion for "personal reasons" althoughNotre Dame did not elaborate.
Sources tell Irish Illustrated that the reason behind Walls' departure concerns academics.
"We won't have Darrin with us this season but I hope to have him return for the spring semester," Charlie Weis said in a statement."Fortunately, cornerback is a position of strength on our team and this will provide opportunities for increased playing time for our corners."
Unfortunately, none of those cornerbacks have the abilities of Walls, who led the secondary in pass breakups last season with nine. To put that in perspective,Terrail Lambert, Tom Zbikowski, David Bruton, Raeshon McNeil, Kyle McCarthy and Ambrose Wooden combined to break up seven passes last season.
Walls also made 32 tackles and one interception, returning it 73 yards for a touchdown during Notre Dame's 31-10 loss at Penn State.
It is unclear whether Walls will return to Notre Dame for his senior season or transfer. Efforts to reach father Darrin Walls Sr., were unsuccessful.
The loss figures to open a starting job for McNeil or sophomore GaryGray, who took a red shirt last season. Freshmen Robert Blanton and Jamoris Slaughter would also be options.
Notre Dame also announced that senior wide receiver .J. Hordhad left the program to transfer to a I-AA school. Hord, among the most touted prospects in Notre Dame's 2005 recruiting class, finished his career withtwo catches for seven yards. He appeared in 12 games in three seasons, missing his entire sophomore year with an Achilles injury.
"I'd like to thank D.J. for all he has given to this team in his three years and wish him well in his future endeavors," Weis said.
Gray better be ready to go...
[table][tr][td]
Sources tell Irish Illustrated that the reason behind Walls' departure concerns academics.
"We won't have Darrin with us this season but I hope to have him return for the spring semester," Charlie Weis said in a statement."Fortunately, cornerback is a position of strength on our team and this will provide opportunities for increased playing time for our corners."
Unfortunately, none of those cornerbacks have the abilities of Walls, who led the secondary in pass breakups last season with nine. To put that in perspective,Terrail Lambert, Tom Zbikowski, David Bruton, Raeshon McNeil, Kyle McCarthy and Ambrose Wooden combined to break up seven passes last season.
Walls also made 32 tackles and one interception, returning it 73 yards for a touchdown during Notre Dame's 31-10 loss at Penn State.
It is unclear whether Walls will return to Notre Dame for his senior season or transfer. Efforts to reach father Darrin Walls Sr., were unsuccessful.
The loss figures to open a starting job for McNeil or sophomore GaryGray, who took a red shirt last season. Freshmen Robert Blanton and Jamoris Slaughter would also be options.
Notre Dame also announced that senior wide receiver .J. Hordhad left the program to transfer to a I-AA school. Hord, among the most touted prospects in Notre Dame's 2005 recruiting class, finished his career withtwo catches for seven yards. He appeared in 12 games in three seasons, missing his entire sophomore year with an Achilles injury.
"I'd like to thank D.J. for all he has given to this team in his three years and wish him well in his future endeavors," Weis said.
Gray better be ready to go...
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Irish getting in them L's...early.
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Gary Gray can ball forreal. I expect him to step up and grab that spot with ease. Blanton at the nickel is gonna be tough. Dude is 160lbs if he is lucky. Kidis a rail but can play too.
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someone post the UCLA insider for me thanks
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can someone post the miami insider too
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The Miami insider was already posted.
Team preview: UCLA
Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook
Insider
Updated: July 11, 2008, 2:29 PM ET
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Editor's Note: ESPN Insider has teamed with Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook to provide a comprehensive look at all Division I-A teams. To order thecomplete 2008 edition of Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook, visit www.blueribbonyearbook.com or call 1-866-805-BALL (2255).
(All information as of June 20, 200
UCLA Bruins
LOCATION Los Angeles
CONFERENCE Pac-10
LAST SEASON 6-7 (.462)
CONFERENCE RECORD 5-4 (t-4th)
OFF. STARTERS RETURNING 5
DEF. STARTERS RETURNING 5
NICKNAME Bruins
COLORS Blue & Gold
HOME FIELD Rose Bowl (91,500)
HEAD COACH Rick Neuheisel (UCLA '84)
RECORD AT SCHOOL First Year
CAREER RECORD 66-30 (8 years)
ASSISTANTS ⢠Norm Chow (Utah '6, Offensive Coordinator
⢠DeWayne Walker (Regents '92), Defensive Coordinator/Secondary
⢠Chuck Bullough (Michigan State '92), Linebackers
⢠Frank Gansz Jr. (Citadel '85), Special Teams
⢠Tim Hauck (Montana '90), Safeties
⢠Todd Howard (Texas A&M '91), Defensive Line
⢠Reggie Moore (UCLA '91), Wide Receivers
⢠Wayne Moses (Washington '77), Running Backs
⢠Bob Palcic (Dayton '71), Offensive End
TEAM WINS (Last five yrs.) 6-6-10-7-6
FINAL RANK (Last five yrs.) 57-70-12-35-49
2007 FINISH Lost to BYU in Las Vegas Bowl.
2008 Schedule | 2007 Results | 2007 Stats
COACH AND PROGRAM
Rick Neuheisel is out of the NCAA doghouse and back at his alma mater as the 16th head coach of UCLA football. He quarterbacked the Bruins to victory in the1984 Rose Bowl and compiled a record of 66-30 in eight seasons as the head coach at Colorado (1995-9 and Washington (1999-2002). His teams won at least 10games three times, finished in the Top 10 three times and went to seven bowl games. He was 23-9 against the Pac-10 with the Huskies and went to the Rose Bowlin 2000.
Neuheisel, 47, is a polar personality opposite of stoic predecessor Karl Dorrell, who lost at least six games in four of his five seasons. He has the charm andcharisma to compete with USC's Pete Carroll in the blinding L.A. media spotlight and inside the living rooms of blue-chip recruits.
"Rick is a proven head coach with a very successful record in the Pac-10 and he will be able to compete with any team in the conference," formerBruins coach Terry Donahue said. "He will do a great job of attracting some of the best football players in the country to Westwood."
Neuheisel doesn't come without baggage. Dubbed "Slick Rick" after numerous recruiting indiscretions led to NCAA sanctions at Colorado andWashington, he was axed by the Huskies after lying about a job interview with the San Francisco 49ers and participating in an NCAA basketball pool (but helater received a reported $4.5 million in a wrongful-termination settlement). Considered an untouchable in the collegiate ranks, he worked as a volunteer coachat a Seattle high school before spending the last three years in the NFL as an assistant coach with the Baltimore Ravens.
Neuheisel mentions his past, but says his mistakes will shape his future, and that of the UCLA program.
"We are going to build a program our supporters will be proud of, both on and off the field," Neuheisel said. "I made some mistakes early in mycareer and I take responsibility for those mistakes. I have learned from that experience and I would never do anything that would reflect negatively onUCLA."
He got off on the right foot during the offseason, securing a Top 10 recruiting class and building a top-notch coaching staff. He retained popular defensivecoordinator DeWayne Walker, who was a candidate for Dorrell's job and will probably be on several athletic directors' short lists for head coachingvacancies next year. Neuheisel also hired former USC and BYU offensive coordinator Norm Chow, a respected veteran with three national championships and threeHeisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks on his rÃ[emoji]169[/emoji]sumÃ[emoji]169[/emoji] Chow was the offensive coordinator for the NFL's Tennessee Titans the last three seasons.
Neuheisel called Chow's hiring a great "coup" for the Bruins.
"It wasn't any coup, I promise you," Chow told Blue Ribbon. "I'm 17 miles from home after spending the last three seasons living in ahotel room. It's great to be back and fun to be a part of what can hopefully be the beginning of a great story."
Inside the Pac-10
Pac-10Take an Inside look at the Pac-10 with Blue Ribbon's 2008 team reports Insider:
Arizona Wildcats
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Oregon Ducks
Oregon State Beavers
Stanford Cardinal
UCLA Bruins
USC Trojans
Washington Huskies
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2008 Blue Ribbon Index
QUARTERBACKS
Black (and Blue) Thursday occurred about 48 hours before the UCLA spring game when senior quarterbacks Patrick Cowan (6-5, 21 and Ben Olson (6-4, 235)suffered non-contact injuries on back-to-back plays in practice. Cowan is out for the season with a torn ACL in his left knee and will have to apply for asixth year of eligibility. Olson fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. With a screw inserted to speed the healing, he was expected to resumeworkouts in late July.
Welcome back to school, coach Chow.
"There's no waiver wire here," he said. "There's nobody to pick up."
It will take some major Westwood wizardry for Chow to achieve the same success at the position he enjoyed across town, where he tutored Heisman winners CarsonPalmer and Matt Leinart. Although it was widely reported before his injury that Cowan had been chosen the starter for 2008, Chow said the competitionwasn't settled.
"We'd named Pat the starter for the spring, but nobody had really been made the No. 1 guy," Chow said. "We needed somebody to take the firstsnap."
Most UCLA fans have given up on Olson living up to the hype that came with being the nation's No. 1 prep recruit back in 2002. He has spent more time ontraining tables than in huddles and has been erratic when healthy. He completed just 48.3 percent of his passes last season and has almost as many careerinterceptions (11) as touchdown passes (12). Olson has shown tantalizing flashes of brilliance, including a 286-yard, five-touchdown performance in the 2007opener at Stanford.
Perhaps with some overdue injury luck and expert instruction from Chow and Neuheisel, Olson can reach his potential. Or maybe he already has. The 25-year-oldis actually three months older than both Leinart and the Tennessee Titans' Vince Young, Chow's two most recent proteges. Cowan is out of the picture,but Olson will have competition this fall from junior college transfer Kevin Craft (6-5, 210). Craft is the son of former San Diego State head coach Tom Craft.After an All-American season at Mt. San Antonio (Calif.) College in which he worked mostly from the shotgun and completed 61.3 percent of his passes for 4,231yards, 44 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, he originally committed to Hawaii before June Jones' departure for SMU. Craft, a junior, started his collegecareer with his father at San Diego State. As a redshirt freshman in 2006, he appeared in nine games and earned five starts. The younger Craft completed69-of-121 passes for 737 yards, four TDs and six interceptions. In his first career start, Craft completed 20-of-32 passes for 216 yards against Purdue.
At least the Bruins will have a couple of experienced hands competing for the job.
"We're not handing the job to anyone and they both understand that," Chow said. "Kevin has tremendous ability. At times this spring, it didseem like he was a little overwhelmed, but once he got squared away he played well and made good decisions. Sometimes when you become 'the guy,' yourise to the occasion. Hopefully that's what happens."
Also on the depth chart are junior Osaar Rasshan (6-4, 214), who started three games in 2007 but received limited reps this spring and reportedly balked atchanging positions to safety or back to wide receiver. Redshirt freshman Chris Forcier (6-3, 185) served as the scout team quarterback last season and was4-of-6 for 52 yards in the spring game.
Arriving this fall are Nick Crissman (6-3, 193) out of Edison High in Huntington Beach, Calif., and possibly Kevin Prince (6-2, 185) of Crespi High in Encino,Calif. Prince, who chose UCLA over Washington (a satisfying score for Neuheisel), is rehabbing from knee surgery and wasn't scheduled to enroll untilJanuary 2009, but he might come earlier after the injuries to Cowan and Olson.
RUNNING BACKS
Running backs coach Wayne Moses knows the Pac-10. He spent the last two seasons with the St. Louis Rams, but the 28 years before that in the college ranks,including a previous stint at UCLA (1990-95) and four other Pac-10 schools -- Stanford (2002-03, 2005), USC (2001), Washington (1997-2000) and Cal (1996).
The position was difficult to evaluate this spring with senior Kahlil Bell (6-0, 206) out of action and redshirt freshman Raymond Carter (5-11, 202) wearing ared jersey. Both are coming back from major knee surgeries. Bell rushed for a team-high 795 yards and five touchdowns in eight games, including 195 yards atStanford, 142 versus California and 109 against. Washington. Carter, a top 2007 recruit, is a burner who missed the entire season after tearing his right ACLin fall camp. The depth chart may be blurry, but Chow's goals for the running game are crystal clear.
"At the end of the day, we want to average 4.0 yards per carry," Chow said. "We're not looking for heroic or spectacular things, but we aregoing to run the football. Everybody needs to know that."
Junior bulldozer Chane Moline (6-1, 236) and junior Christian Ramirez (6-3, 211) had an opportunity to showcase their skills this spring. Moline ran for 196yards last season and did his best work in short-yardage situations. Ramirez, a converted safety, averaged 5.2 yards on 19 rushing attempts. In the finalspring scrimmage, Moline carried 16 times for 42 yards and Ramirez had 11 carries for 33 yards and a touchdown.
A couple of high-profile recruits join the competition in August and Bell is expected back in time for the opener against Tennessee. With the Bruins'untested offensive line, expect two or three backs to divide the carries and absorb the inevitable physical punishment.
"It would be nice to have a slasher and change things up with a pounder, so defenses have to plan for different styles," Chow said. "In thisgroup, Raymond is the slasher and Chane is the three- to four-yard guy. If we can play both of them at the same time, that's a nice problem to have."
Junior Trevor Theriot (6-0, 233) is a returning starter at fullback and sophomore Tobi Umodu (6-0, 235), a converted linebacker, is the backup.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
Former UCLA receiver Reggie Moore returns to coach his old position after four seasons on the staff at North Dakota State. During his playing career (1987-90),he was a favorite target of quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Tommy Maddox and still ranks 18th in program history with 92 catches for 1,483 yards and 10touchdowns.
Chow said at least five receivers looked good this spring, although he expects more than just "good" from sophomore Dominique Johnson (6-3, 20.Johnson had 25 receptions for 322 yards and four touchdowns last year and is being counted on to replace Brandon Breazell as a dangerous deep threat.
"Dominique maybe wasn't as good as we'd hoped," Chow said. "Being an average player is not quite good enough. I told him we need moreout of him. I think that once he gets comfortable, he'll be OK."
Pushing Johnson on the depth chart at split end are junior Gavin Ketchum (6-5, 209) and freshman Taylor Embree (6-4, 195). Ketchum missed nine games with abroken ankle and was granted a medical redshirt. Embree, an early enrollee from Blue Valley West High in Overland Park, Kansas, is the son of former UCLA tightends coach Jon Embree and was arguably the most consistent spring performer.
At flanker are senior Marcus Everett (6-1, 212) and junior Terrence Austin (5-10, 160). Everett, granted a fifth year of eligibility after an ankle injury lastSeptember, is the most experienced wideout on the roster with 82 receptions for 1,084 yards and seven scores. Austin, who also returns punts, makes up for hissize with outstanding athletic ability. He was a national pentathlon champ in high school and cleared 6-10 in the high jump.
Chow believes senior tight end Logan Paulsen (6-6, 252) is a bona fide NFL prospect. He has started 22 consecutive games but has excellent depth behind him injunior Ryan Moya (6-4, 229) -- back after missing last season for personal reasons -- redshirt freshman Nate Chandler (6-3, 265) and newcomer Cory Harkey (6-4,240) out of Chino Hills (Calif.) High.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Bob Palcic is the Bruins' fourth offensive line coach in four seasons. He spent the last two years at Wisconsin, where his zone-blocking scheme helped theBadgers rush for 201.5 yards per game (22nd in the NCAA). Before that, Palcic spent 12 years coaching in the NFL with the Saints, Browns, Lions and Falcons. Healso coached at UCLA during the 1993 Pac-10 championship season.
There is considerable room for improvement for Palcic and his young charges. UCLA ranked sixth in the Pac-10 in rushing at 151 yards per game and 3.7 yards perrush attempt. Only Stanford (4 and Arizona State (55) surrendered more sacks than the Bruins (36). UCLA lost two 2007 starters to graduation and a third,tackle Aleksey Lanis, left the team this spring because of persistent knee pain.
Junior Micah Kia (6-6, 29 started eight games last season at left tackle and senior Micah Reed (6-4, 316), a former walk on who also started eight games,moves from right guard to center. Exiting the spring, the other projected starters were sophomore Sean Sheller (6-5, 282) at right tackle, undersized seniorScott Glicksberg (6-4, 269), a converted tight end, at right guard, and sophomore Darius Savage (6-4, 325) at left guard. Savage originally came to campus as adefensive tackle and is an All-American in the shot put.
A capable backup at all five spots is versatile junior Nick Ekbatani (6-4, 290).
The Bruins struggled with snaps throughout the spring, with as many as six balls hitting the turf in one scrimmage. Sophomore guard Jake Dean (6-4, 286) andjunior tight end Adam Heater (6-5, 246) both worked out at center to build depth at the position.
KICKERS
A sour ending could not spoil a phenomenal freshman season by Kai Forbath (6-0, 197), whose game-winning 28-yard field-goal attempt was deflected as timeexpired in a 17-16 loss to BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl. The honorable mention All-Pac-10 honoree had kept the Bruins close with kicks of 22, 52 and 50 yards.
For the season, Forbath booted 25-of-30 field goals and converted all 30 extra points. He had two separate streaks of 10 consecutive makes and was the firstUCLA player to drill five field goals of 50 yards or longer in a season, including a school freshman-record 54-yarder against Oregon. Nationally, he tied forthird in field goals per game (1.92) and tied for sixth in field-goal percentage (.833). He was also the offensive team's winner of the John Boncheff, Jr.Memorial Award given to the UCLA rookie of the year.
Junior Jimmy Rotstein (5-11, 174) averaged just under 60 yards on 68 kickoffs last year. Parade All-American Jeff Locke (6-1, 185) could take away those dutiesand put some pressure on Forbath this fall. Locke nailed a 63-yard field goal as a senior at Mountain Ridge High in Glendale, Ariz., and put 47-of-54 kickoffsinto the end zone.
DEFENSIVE LINE
A formidable front four has carried the banner for UCLA's revamped defense the last two seasons under defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker and defensiveline coach Todd Howard, combining a ferocious pass rush with an impenetrable run defense. In 2007, the Bruins ranked second nationally in tackles for loss (8.8per game), 14th against the run (109.2 yards per game) and 29th in total defense (343.2 yards per game).
The line is loaded again, especially at tackle with the return of fifth-year senior Brigham Harwell (6-2, 292) and explosive sophomore Brian Price (6-1, 297).Harwell, who is on the 2008 Outland Trophy watch list, received a medical redshirt after missing the last 11 games last year with a knee injury. He has 20.5career tackles for loss. Price got a late start to his freshman season because of eligibility issues, but he was getting double-teamed by midseason and madeThe Sporting News Pac-10 All-Freshman team with seven tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.
At defensive end, the Bruins must replace high-energy pass rusher Bruce Davis, a third-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Senior Tom Blake (6-4,259) started eight games, collected three sacks and led the team with four fumble recoveries. Junior Korey Bosworth (6-1, 233) made three starts and rankedfourth on the team with 8.5 tackles for loss. The converted linebacker impressed Walker this spring with his quickness, motor and intelligence.
"I think he's ready," Walker said. "The thing we stress on defense is run to the ball, tackle and play with a lot of energy. From thatstandpoint, Korey has really established himself as being ready to take care of business."
Reserves at tackle include junior Jess Ward (6-4, 280), who missed spring drills while rehabbing from surgery on his left knee, and senior Chase Moline (6-2,252), back from a career-threatening neck injury. Junior Jerzy Siewierski (6-2, 285) appeared in all 13 games last season
Competing for playing time at defensive end are junior Chinonso Anyanwu (6-4, 216), sophomores David Carter (6-5, 257) and Reginald Stokes (6-3, 250) andredshirt freshman Justin Edison (6-3, 244).
LINEBACKERS
Junior Reggie Carter (6-1, 221) moves from the weak side to his preferred position in the middle, replacing Christian Taylor. He had 62 tackles last season,including 12 behind the line of scrimmage, and proved his toughness by undergoing a knee operation during a bye week and not missing a game.
"Reggie is a natural Mike linebacker -- that's who he is," Walker said. "He's playing where he should be this year. He just needs tocontinue to establish himself as a leader. He has a ways to go with that; it's not really his personality. He's more of a lead-by-example guy, but hehas to take charge."
Senior Kyle Bosworth (6-1, 222) returns at strong-side linebacker, where he started seven of the last 10 games last season. His 74 tackles rank second amongreturning players and include an epic 19-tackle effort at Washington State, the most by a Bruin in two decades.
Competition on the weak side will resume this fall between senior John Hale (6-4, 220), junior Joshua Edwards (6-1, 232) and promising redshirt freshman AkeemAyers (6-2, 231). Edwards sat out the spring with a broken right cheekbone and Hale suffered a torn medial meniscus in his right knee during camp, but both areexpected back in August.
Reserves include sophomore Mike Schmitt (6-0, 224), who had a game-high seven stops in the final spring scrimmage, and redshirt freshman Steve Sloan (6-3,225).
The Bruins shored up the position with three prep stars -- Donovan Carter (6-1, 227) of Birmingham High in Lake Balboa, Calif., Patrick Larimore (6-3, 230)from Hart High in Newhall, Calif., and Sean Westgate (5-11, 205) of Oak Park (Calif.) High.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Sharing the coaching duties in the secondary this season are Walker (cornerbacks) and staff newcomer Tim Hauck (safeties). Hauck guided Montana's secondaryin 2007 as the Grizzlies ranked 10th nationally in pass efficiency defense, allowing eight touchdowns while making 17 interceptions. He played safety in theNFL for 13 seasons before retiring in 2002.
"He hasn't been coaching that long, but all those years in the NFL count for something," Walker said. "He was an overachiever as a playerand he got ahead with grit, toughness and aggressiveness, and he's brought all those qualities to this defense."
Junior cornerback Alterraun Verner (5-11, 176) is the only returning starter and also the Bruins' top returning tackler with 75 stops last season to goalong with four interceptions and 15 pass breakups. He has returned three of his six career picks for touchdowns and is on the Lott Trophy watch list for 2008.
The other starters coming out of the spring season were senior Michael Norris (5-9, 177) at cornerback, senior Bret Lockett (6-2, 204) at strong safety andjunior Aaron Ware (6-0, 193) at free safety. Those three combined for just 32 tackles last season, appearing mostly on special teams or in nickel or dimepackages. Despite that lack of experience, Walker doesn't believe there will be a huge drop-off from 2007, when the Bruins had the Pac-10'sfourth-ranked pass defense (234.1 yards per game).
"Verner is a playmaker with room to grow and I think he's ready to grow into one of the top corners in the Pac-10," Walker said. "Lockett ismore athletic than the two safeties we lost. He understands the game. It won't be too big for him. With his size and motor, we're fortunate to havehim."
Redshirt freshman Courtney Viney (5-8, 153) and senior Chris Meadows (5-11, 175) add depth at the corners, although Meadows missed most of the spring with aseparated shoulder. Redshirt freshman free safety Glenn Love (6-4, 207) caught Walker's eye this spring, despite playing with a broken left thumb andinjuring his knee in the spring game.
Four top recruits will add much-needed depth to the position this summer.
PUNTERS
You don't have to look too far down the list of least desirable school records to find "most punts in a season." Thanks to UCLA's inabilityto move the chains last fall, senior Aaron Perez (6-4, 229) tied the team mark with an astonishing 91 punts. The fourth-year starter didn't suffer fromoveruse, however, finishing second in the Pac-10 and 29th in the nation with a 42.3-yard average. He pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line 35 times and hiscareer average of 41.8 yards per punt ranks 10th on the Bruins' all-time list.
Sophomore walk on Danny Rees (6-3, 175) is No. 2 on the depth chart, at least until the competition heats up in fall camp with the arrival of blue-chip recruitJeff Locke. Locke averaged 43.3 yards per punt as a high school senior, with a long of 71 yards.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Bruins fortified an already strong unit with the hiring of coordinator Frank Gansz, Jr., who spent the last two seasons on the Baltimore Ravens' staffwith Neuheisel and the five years before that with the Kansas City Chiefs.
There is plenty of experience returning, starting with arguably the best kicking tandem in the Pac-10 in Kai Forbath and punter Aaron Perez, who is also theholder on place kicks. Sophomore Christian Yount (6-1, 250) is an accurate deep snapper with great velocity and sophomore P.J. Tobyansen (5-11, 219) is acapable backup.
Receiver Terrence Austin averaged 10.0 yards on 31 punt returns last season to rank fifth in the conference. His 68-yard return to the 1-yard line set up theBruins' only offensive touchdown against Arizona State.
The Bruins must replace the dynamic Matthew Slater, who averaged 29.0 yards per kick return with three touchdowns in 2007 and was drafted by the New EnglandPatriots in the fifth round. Michael Norris, Ryan Graves and Austin are among the candidates expected to compete for the role in fall camp
BLUE RIBBON ANALYSIS
Grading the Bruins
Unit
Grade
Offense
C+
Special teams
A
Defense
B+
Intangibles
A-
The Bruins went 6-7 last season with 20 returning starters. They return half that many in 2008 and have major questions at quarterback, on the offensive lineand in the secondary. With no proven game-breakers at running back or wide receiver, UCLA could take a step backward before it moves forward under Neuheiseland Co. in 2009.
Seven opponents on the schedule won at least nine games last season, including perennial SEC heavyweight Tennessee, reigning Mountain West champion BYU (whichdefeated the Bruins in the Las Vegas Bowl) and Fresno State. There are five home games in conference play, but the road trips are all tough (Oregon, Cal,Arizona State and Washington.)
Anything greater than a .500 regular season and a fifth-place finish in the Pac-10 this fall would have to be considered a success.
After finishing third in the Pac-10 in total defense last season and second in 2006, Walker believes his defense remains one of the best in the league.
"Coming into the spring I didn't have a clue what we would look like or where we were," he said. "Leaving the spring, I'm veryoptimistic. I think this defense is more athletic than last year and I think we run better. It's just a matter of us continuing to jell."
Chow has established his own goals for an offense that ranked 92nd nationally in scoring, 99th in total offense and 101st in passing last season.
"We want to average four yards per carry, complete more than 62 percent of our throws and not turn the ball over," he said. "If we do thosethree things, everything else will take care of itself. Whether we win 3-0 or 32-29 doesn't matter to me. You will win football games if you do all thosethings."
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Team preview: UCLA
Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook
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Updated: July 11, 2008, 2:29 PM ET
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(All information as of June 20, 200
UCLA Bruins
LOCATION Los Angeles
CONFERENCE Pac-10
LAST SEASON 6-7 (.462)
CONFERENCE RECORD 5-4 (t-4th)
OFF. STARTERS RETURNING 5
DEF. STARTERS RETURNING 5
NICKNAME Bruins
COLORS Blue & Gold
HOME FIELD Rose Bowl (91,500)
HEAD COACH Rick Neuheisel (UCLA '84)
RECORD AT SCHOOL First Year
CAREER RECORD 66-30 (8 years)
ASSISTANTS ⢠Norm Chow (Utah '6
, Offensive Coordinator⢠DeWayne Walker (Regents '92), Defensive Coordinator/Secondary
⢠Chuck Bullough (Michigan State '92), Linebackers
⢠Frank Gansz Jr. (Citadel '85), Special Teams
⢠Tim Hauck (Montana '90), Safeties
⢠Todd Howard (Texas A&M '91), Defensive Line
⢠Reggie Moore (UCLA '91), Wide Receivers
⢠Wayne Moses (Washington '77), Running Backs
⢠Bob Palcic (Dayton '71), Offensive End
TEAM WINS (Last five yrs.) 6-6-10-7-6
FINAL RANK (Last five yrs.) 57-70-12-35-49
2007 FINISH Lost to BYU in Las Vegas Bowl.
2008 Schedule | 2007 Results | 2007 Stats
COACH AND PROGRAM
Rick Neuheisel is out of the NCAA doghouse and back at his alma mater as the 16th head coach of UCLA football. He quarterbacked the Bruins to victory in the1984 Rose Bowl and compiled a record of 66-30 in eight seasons as the head coach at Colorado (1995-9
and Washington (1999-2002). His teams won at least 10games three times, finished in the Top 10 three times and went to seven bowl games. He was 23-9 against the Pac-10 with the Huskies and went to the Rose Bowlin 2000.Neuheisel, 47, is a polar personality opposite of stoic predecessor Karl Dorrell, who lost at least six games in four of his five seasons. He has the charm andcharisma to compete with USC's Pete Carroll in the blinding L.A. media spotlight and inside the living rooms of blue-chip recruits.
"Rick is a proven head coach with a very successful record in the Pac-10 and he will be able to compete with any team in the conference," formerBruins coach Terry Donahue said. "He will do a great job of attracting some of the best football players in the country to Westwood."
Neuheisel doesn't come without baggage. Dubbed "Slick Rick" after numerous recruiting indiscretions led to NCAA sanctions at Colorado andWashington, he was axed by the Huskies after lying about a job interview with the San Francisco 49ers and participating in an NCAA basketball pool (but helater received a reported $4.5 million in a wrongful-termination settlement). Considered an untouchable in the collegiate ranks, he worked as a volunteer coachat a Seattle high school before spending the last three years in the NFL as an assistant coach with the Baltimore Ravens.
Neuheisel mentions his past, but says his mistakes will shape his future, and that of the UCLA program.
"We are going to build a program our supporters will be proud of, both on and off the field," Neuheisel said. "I made some mistakes early in mycareer and I take responsibility for those mistakes. I have learned from that experience and I would never do anything that would reflect negatively onUCLA."
He got off on the right foot during the offseason, securing a Top 10 recruiting class and building a top-notch coaching staff. He retained popular defensivecoordinator DeWayne Walker, who was a candidate for Dorrell's job and will probably be on several athletic directors' short lists for head coachingvacancies next year. Neuheisel also hired former USC and BYU offensive coordinator Norm Chow, a respected veteran with three national championships and threeHeisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks on his rÃ[emoji]169[/emoji]sumÃ[emoji]169[/emoji] Chow was the offensive coordinator for the NFL's Tennessee Titans the last three seasons.
Neuheisel called Chow's hiring a great "coup" for the Bruins.
"It wasn't any coup, I promise you," Chow told Blue Ribbon. "I'm 17 miles from home after spending the last three seasons living in ahotel room. It's great to be back and fun to be a part of what can hopefully be the beginning of a great story."
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QUARTERBACKS
Black (and Blue) Thursday occurred about 48 hours before the UCLA spring game when senior quarterbacks Patrick Cowan (6-5, 21
and Ben Olson (6-4, 235)suffered non-contact injuries on back-to-back plays in practice. Cowan is out for the season with a torn ACL in his left knee and will have to apply for asixth year of eligibility. Olson fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. With a screw inserted to speed the healing, he was expected to resumeworkouts in late July.Welcome back to school, coach Chow.
"There's no waiver wire here," he said. "There's nobody to pick up."
It will take some major Westwood wizardry for Chow to achieve the same success at the position he enjoyed across town, where he tutored Heisman winners CarsonPalmer and Matt Leinart. Although it was widely reported before his injury that Cowan had been chosen the starter for 2008, Chow said the competitionwasn't settled.
"We'd named Pat the starter for the spring, but nobody had really been made the No. 1 guy," Chow said. "We needed somebody to take the firstsnap."
Most UCLA fans have given up on Olson living up to the hype that came with being the nation's No. 1 prep recruit back in 2002. He has spent more time ontraining tables than in huddles and has been erratic when healthy. He completed just 48.3 percent of his passes last season and has almost as many careerinterceptions (11) as touchdown passes (12). Olson has shown tantalizing flashes of brilliance, including a 286-yard, five-touchdown performance in the 2007opener at Stanford.
Perhaps with some overdue injury luck and expert instruction from Chow and Neuheisel, Olson can reach his potential. Or maybe he already has. The 25-year-oldis actually three months older than both Leinart and the Tennessee Titans' Vince Young, Chow's two most recent proteges. Cowan is out of the picture,but Olson will have competition this fall from junior college transfer Kevin Craft (6-5, 210). Craft is the son of former San Diego State head coach Tom Craft.After an All-American season at Mt. San Antonio (Calif.) College in which he worked mostly from the shotgun and completed 61.3 percent of his passes for 4,231yards, 44 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, he originally committed to Hawaii before June Jones' departure for SMU. Craft, a junior, started his collegecareer with his father at San Diego State. As a redshirt freshman in 2006, he appeared in nine games and earned five starts. The younger Craft completed69-of-121 passes for 737 yards, four TDs and six interceptions. In his first career start, Craft completed 20-of-32 passes for 216 yards against Purdue.
At least the Bruins will have a couple of experienced hands competing for the job.
"We're not handing the job to anyone and they both understand that," Chow said. "Kevin has tremendous ability. At times this spring, it didseem like he was a little overwhelmed, but once he got squared away he played well and made good decisions. Sometimes when you become 'the guy,' yourise to the occasion. Hopefully that's what happens."
Also on the depth chart are junior Osaar Rasshan (6-4, 214), who started three games in 2007 but received limited reps this spring and reportedly balked atchanging positions to safety or back to wide receiver. Redshirt freshman Chris Forcier (6-3, 185) served as the scout team quarterback last season and was4-of-6 for 52 yards in the spring game.
Arriving this fall are Nick Crissman (6-3, 193) out of Edison High in Huntington Beach, Calif., and possibly Kevin Prince (6-2, 185) of Crespi High in Encino,Calif. Prince, who chose UCLA over Washington (a satisfying score for Neuheisel), is rehabbing from knee surgery and wasn't scheduled to enroll untilJanuary 2009, but he might come earlier after the injuries to Cowan and Olson.
RUNNING BACKS
Running backs coach Wayne Moses knows the Pac-10. He spent the last two seasons with the St. Louis Rams, but the 28 years before that in the college ranks,including a previous stint at UCLA (1990-95) and four other Pac-10 schools -- Stanford (2002-03, 2005), USC (2001), Washington (1997-2000) and Cal (1996).
The position was difficult to evaluate this spring with senior Kahlil Bell (6-0, 206) out of action and redshirt freshman Raymond Carter (5-11, 202) wearing ared jersey. Both are coming back from major knee surgeries. Bell rushed for a team-high 795 yards and five touchdowns in eight games, including 195 yards atStanford, 142 versus California and 109 against. Washington. Carter, a top 2007 recruit, is a burner who missed the entire season after tearing his right ACLin fall camp. The depth chart may be blurry, but Chow's goals for the running game are crystal clear.
"At the end of the day, we want to average 4.0 yards per carry," Chow said. "We're not looking for heroic or spectacular things, but we aregoing to run the football. Everybody needs to know that."
Junior bulldozer Chane Moline (6-1, 236) and junior Christian Ramirez (6-3, 211) had an opportunity to showcase their skills this spring. Moline ran for 196yards last season and did his best work in short-yardage situations. Ramirez, a converted safety, averaged 5.2 yards on 19 rushing attempts. In the finalspring scrimmage, Moline carried 16 times for 42 yards and Ramirez had 11 carries for 33 yards and a touchdown.
A couple of high-profile recruits join the competition in August and Bell is expected back in time for the opener against Tennessee. With the Bruins'untested offensive line, expect two or three backs to divide the carries and absorb the inevitable physical punishment.
"It would be nice to have a slasher and change things up with a pounder, so defenses have to plan for different styles," Chow said. "In thisgroup, Raymond is the slasher and Chane is the three- to four-yard guy. If we can play both of them at the same time, that's a nice problem to have."
Junior Trevor Theriot (6-0, 233) is a returning starter at fullback and sophomore Tobi Umodu (6-0, 235), a converted linebacker, is the backup.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
Former UCLA receiver Reggie Moore returns to coach his old position after four seasons on the staff at North Dakota State. During his playing career (1987-90),he was a favorite target of quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Tommy Maddox and still ranks 18th in program history with 92 catches for 1,483 yards and 10touchdowns.
Chow said at least five receivers looked good this spring, although he expects more than just "good" from sophomore Dominique Johnson (6-3, 20
.Johnson had 25 receptions for 322 yards and four touchdowns last year and is being counted on to replace Brandon Breazell as a dangerous deep threat."Dominique maybe wasn't as good as we'd hoped," Chow said. "Being an average player is not quite good enough. I told him we need moreout of him. I think that once he gets comfortable, he'll be OK."
Pushing Johnson on the depth chart at split end are junior Gavin Ketchum (6-5, 209) and freshman Taylor Embree (6-4, 195). Ketchum missed nine games with abroken ankle and was granted a medical redshirt. Embree, an early enrollee from Blue Valley West High in Overland Park, Kansas, is the son of former UCLA tightends coach Jon Embree and was arguably the most consistent spring performer.
At flanker are senior Marcus Everett (6-1, 212) and junior Terrence Austin (5-10, 160). Everett, granted a fifth year of eligibility after an ankle injury lastSeptember, is the most experienced wideout on the roster with 82 receptions for 1,084 yards and seven scores. Austin, who also returns punts, makes up for hissize with outstanding athletic ability. He was a national pentathlon champ in high school and cleared 6-10 in the high jump.
Chow believes senior tight end Logan Paulsen (6-6, 252) is a bona fide NFL prospect. He has started 22 consecutive games but has excellent depth behind him injunior Ryan Moya (6-4, 229) -- back after missing last season for personal reasons -- redshirt freshman Nate Chandler (6-3, 265) and newcomer Cory Harkey (6-4,240) out of Chino Hills (Calif.) High.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Bob Palcic is the Bruins' fourth offensive line coach in four seasons. He spent the last two years at Wisconsin, where his zone-blocking scheme helped theBadgers rush for 201.5 yards per game (22nd in the NCAA). Before that, Palcic spent 12 years coaching in the NFL with the Saints, Browns, Lions and Falcons. Healso coached at UCLA during the 1993 Pac-10 championship season.
There is considerable room for improvement for Palcic and his young charges. UCLA ranked sixth in the Pac-10 in rushing at 151 yards per game and 3.7 yards perrush attempt. Only Stanford (4
and Arizona State (55) surrendered more sacks than the Bruins (36). UCLA lost two 2007 starters to graduation and a third,tackle Aleksey Lanis, left the team this spring because of persistent knee pain.Junior Micah Kia (6-6, 29
started eight games last season at left tackle and senior Micah Reed (6-4, 316), a former walk on who also started eight games,moves from right guard to center. Exiting the spring, the other projected starters were sophomore Sean Sheller (6-5, 282) at right tackle, undersized seniorScott Glicksberg (6-4, 269), a converted tight end, at right guard, and sophomore Darius Savage (6-4, 325) at left guard. Savage originally came to campus as adefensive tackle and is an All-American in the shot put.A capable backup at all five spots is versatile junior Nick Ekbatani (6-4, 290).
The Bruins struggled with snaps throughout the spring, with as many as six balls hitting the turf in one scrimmage. Sophomore guard Jake Dean (6-4, 286) andjunior tight end Adam Heater (6-5, 246) both worked out at center to build depth at the position.
KICKERS
A sour ending could not spoil a phenomenal freshman season by Kai Forbath (6-0, 197), whose game-winning 28-yard field-goal attempt was deflected as timeexpired in a 17-16 loss to BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl. The honorable mention All-Pac-10 honoree had kept the Bruins close with kicks of 22, 52 and 50 yards.
For the season, Forbath booted 25-of-30 field goals and converted all 30 extra points. He had two separate streaks of 10 consecutive makes and was the firstUCLA player to drill five field goals of 50 yards or longer in a season, including a school freshman-record 54-yarder against Oregon. Nationally, he tied forthird in field goals per game (1.92) and tied for sixth in field-goal percentage (.833). He was also the offensive team's winner of the John Boncheff, Jr.Memorial Award given to the UCLA rookie of the year.
Junior Jimmy Rotstein (5-11, 174) averaged just under 60 yards on 68 kickoffs last year. Parade All-American Jeff Locke (6-1, 185) could take away those dutiesand put some pressure on Forbath this fall. Locke nailed a 63-yard field goal as a senior at Mountain Ridge High in Glendale, Ariz., and put 47-of-54 kickoffsinto the end zone.
DEFENSIVE LINE
A formidable front four has carried the banner for UCLA's revamped defense the last two seasons under defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker and defensiveline coach Todd Howard, combining a ferocious pass rush with an impenetrable run defense. In 2007, the Bruins ranked second nationally in tackles for loss (8.8per game), 14th against the run (109.2 yards per game) and 29th in total defense (343.2 yards per game).
The line is loaded again, especially at tackle with the return of fifth-year senior Brigham Harwell (6-2, 292) and explosive sophomore Brian Price (6-1, 297).Harwell, who is on the 2008 Outland Trophy watch list, received a medical redshirt after missing the last 11 games last year with a knee injury. He has 20.5career tackles for loss. Price got a late start to his freshman season because of eligibility issues, but he was getting double-teamed by midseason and madeThe Sporting News Pac-10 All-Freshman team with seven tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.
At defensive end, the Bruins must replace high-energy pass rusher Bruce Davis, a third-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Senior Tom Blake (6-4,259) started eight games, collected three sacks and led the team with four fumble recoveries. Junior Korey Bosworth (6-1, 233) made three starts and rankedfourth on the team with 8.5 tackles for loss. The converted linebacker impressed Walker this spring with his quickness, motor and intelligence.
"I think he's ready," Walker said. "The thing we stress on defense is run to the ball, tackle and play with a lot of energy. From thatstandpoint, Korey has really established himself as being ready to take care of business."
Reserves at tackle include junior Jess Ward (6-4, 280), who missed spring drills while rehabbing from surgery on his left knee, and senior Chase Moline (6-2,252), back from a career-threatening neck injury. Junior Jerzy Siewierski (6-2, 285) appeared in all 13 games last season
Competing for playing time at defensive end are junior Chinonso Anyanwu (6-4, 216), sophomores David Carter (6-5, 257) and Reginald Stokes (6-3, 250) andredshirt freshman Justin Edison (6-3, 244).
LINEBACKERS
Junior Reggie Carter (6-1, 221) moves from the weak side to his preferred position in the middle, replacing Christian Taylor. He had 62 tackles last season,including 12 behind the line of scrimmage, and proved his toughness by undergoing a knee operation during a bye week and not missing a game.
"Reggie is a natural Mike linebacker -- that's who he is," Walker said. "He's playing where he should be this year. He just needs tocontinue to establish himself as a leader. He has a ways to go with that; it's not really his personality. He's more of a lead-by-example guy, but hehas to take charge."
Senior Kyle Bosworth (6-1, 222) returns at strong-side linebacker, where he started seven of the last 10 games last season. His 74 tackles rank second amongreturning players and include an epic 19-tackle effort at Washington State, the most by a Bruin in two decades.
Competition on the weak side will resume this fall between senior John Hale (6-4, 220), junior Joshua Edwards (6-1, 232) and promising redshirt freshman AkeemAyers (6-2, 231). Edwards sat out the spring with a broken right cheekbone and Hale suffered a torn medial meniscus in his right knee during camp, but both areexpected back in August.
Reserves include sophomore Mike Schmitt (6-0, 224), who had a game-high seven stops in the final spring scrimmage, and redshirt freshman Steve Sloan (6-3,225).
The Bruins shored up the position with three prep stars -- Donovan Carter (6-1, 227) of Birmingham High in Lake Balboa, Calif., Patrick Larimore (6-3, 230)from Hart High in Newhall, Calif., and Sean Westgate (5-11, 205) of Oak Park (Calif.) High.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Sharing the coaching duties in the secondary this season are Walker (cornerbacks) and staff newcomer Tim Hauck (safeties). Hauck guided Montana's secondaryin 2007 as the Grizzlies ranked 10th nationally in pass efficiency defense, allowing eight touchdowns while making 17 interceptions. He played safety in theNFL for 13 seasons before retiring in 2002.
"He hasn't been coaching that long, but all those years in the NFL count for something," Walker said. "He was an overachiever as a playerand he got ahead with grit, toughness and aggressiveness, and he's brought all those qualities to this defense."
Junior cornerback Alterraun Verner (5-11, 176) is the only returning starter and also the Bruins' top returning tackler with 75 stops last season to goalong with four interceptions and 15 pass breakups. He has returned three of his six career picks for touchdowns and is on the Lott Trophy watch list for 2008.
The other starters coming out of the spring season were senior Michael Norris (5-9, 177) at cornerback, senior Bret Lockett (6-2, 204) at strong safety andjunior Aaron Ware (6-0, 193) at free safety. Those three combined for just 32 tackles last season, appearing mostly on special teams or in nickel or dimepackages. Despite that lack of experience, Walker doesn't believe there will be a huge drop-off from 2007, when the Bruins had the Pac-10'sfourth-ranked pass defense (234.1 yards per game).
"Verner is a playmaker with room to grow and I think he's ready to grow into one of the top corners in the Pac-10," Walker said. "Lockett ismore athletic than the two safeties we lost. He understands the game. It won't be too big for him. With his size and motor, we're fortunate to havehim."
Redshirt freshman Courtney Viney (5-8, 153) and senior Chris Meadows (5-11, 175) add depth at the corners, although Meadows missed most of the spring with aseparated shoulder. Redshirt freshman free safety Glenn Love (6-4, 207) caught Walker's eye this spring, despite playing with a broken left thumb andinjuring his knee in the spring game.
Four top recruits will add much-needed depth to the position this summer.
PUNTERS
You don't have to look too far down the list of least desirable school records to find "most punts in a season." Thanks to UCLA's inabilityto move the chains last fall, senior Aaron Perez (6-4, 229) tied the team mark with an astonishing 91 punts. The fourth-year starter didn't suffer fromoveruse, however, finishing second in the Pac-10 and 29th in the nation with a 42.3-yard average. He pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line 35 times and hiscareer average of 41.8 yards per punt ranks 10th on the Bruins' all-time list.
Sophomore walk on Danny Rees (6-3, 175) is No. 2 on the depth chart, at least until the competition heats up in fall camp with the arrival of blue-chip recruitJeff Locke. Locke averaged 43.3 yards per punt as a high school senior, with a long of 71 yards.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Bruins fortified an already strong unit with the hiring of coordinator Frank Gansz, Jr., who spent the last two seasons on the Baltimore Ravens' staffwith Neuheisel and the five years before that with the Kansas City Chiefs.
There is plenty of experience returning, starting with arguably the best kicking tandem in the Pac-10 in Kai Forbath and punter Aaron Perez, who is also theholder on place kicks. Sophomore Christian Yount (6-1, 250) is an accurate deep snapper with great velocity and sophomore P.J. Tobyansen (5-11, 219) is acapable backup.
Receiver Terrence Austin averaged 10.0 yards on 31 punt returns last season to rank fifth in the conference. His 68-yard return to the 1-yard line set up theBruins' only offensive touchdown against Arizona State.
The Bruins must replace the dynamic Matthew Slater, who averaged 29.0 yards per kick return with three touchdowns in 2007 and was drafted by the New EnglandPatriots in the fifth round. Michael Norris, Ryan Graves and Austin are among the candidates expected to compete for the role in fall camp
BLUE RIBBON ANALYSIS
Grading the Bruins
Unit
Grade
Offense
C+
Special teams
A
Defense
B+
Intangibles
A-
The Bruins went 6-7 last season with 20 returning starters. They return half that many in 2008 and have major questions at quarterback, on the offensive lineand in the secondary. With no proven game-breakers at running back or wide receiver, UCLA could take a step backward before it moves forward under Neuheiseland Co. in 2009.
Seven opponents on the schedule won at least nine games last season, including perennial SEC heavyweight Tennessee, reigning Mountain West champion BYU (whichdefeated the Bruins in the Las Vegas Bowl) and Fresno State. There are five home games in conference play, but the road trips are all tough (Oregon, Cal,Arizona State and Washington.)
Anything greater than a .500 regular season and a fifth-place finish in the Pac-10 this fall would have to be considered a success.
After finishing third in the Pac-10 in total defense last season and second in 2006, Walker believes his defense remains one of the best in the league.
"Coming into the spring I didn't have a clue what we would look like or where we were," he said. "Leaving the spring, I'm veryoptimistic. I think this defense is more athletic than last year and I think we run better. It's just a matter of us continuing to jell."
Chow has established his own goals for an offense that ranked 92nd nationally in scoring, 99th in total offense and 101st in passing last season.
"We want to average four yards per carry, complete more than 62 percent of our throws and not turn the ball over," he said. "If we do thosethree things, everything else will take care of itself. Whether we win 3-0 or 32-29 doesn't matter to me. You will win football games if you do all thosethings."
For the most comprehensive previews available on all Division I teams, order the "Bible" of college football, the 2008 Blue Ribbon College FootballYearbook, at www.blueribbonyearbook.com or call 1-866-805-BALL (2255).
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Look for Freshman DT Mike Martin to make an impact early for Michigan this fall. 6-2 285lbs and is built like a brick %!* house. He is already putting up225lbs 33 times. He is as mean as they come too. State Champ wrestler and shot-put. Marques Slocum is apparently out of school at Michigan and Martin fills abig void there.
Also. Early indications are that Tay Odoms should see a ton of time at the slot. Terrence Robinson should too but he has to work on his hands.
S Brandon Smith is a freak and will be tough to keep off the field.
Seems like the frosh are coming in ready to play. Love it.
Grady is suspended from the team and is going to have to work his butt off to get his spot back. Was the #2 RB who was slatd to start alongside of BrandonMinor but I have a hard time seeing him do that in the Utah game.
Also. Early indications are that Tay Odoms should see a ton of time at the slot. Terrence Robinson should too but he has to work on his hands.
S Brandon Smith is a freak and will be tough to keep off the field.
Seems like the frosh are coming in ready to play. Love it.
Grady is suspended from the team and is going to have to work his butt off to get his spot back. Was the #2 RB who was slatd to start alongside of BrandonMinor but I have a hard time seeing him do that in the Utah game.
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What did Grady get suspended for???
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DUI
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I bet Grady just got handed over to Barwis for his punishment, or at least part of it. Also this whole thing is too bad really, it sounded like RR really likeGrady too. I really wanted to see Grady get a shot too, seeing as I'm from Grand Rapids as well.
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I have heard Grady is getting the 5:30 wake-up call and is being put to work early. Grady was a captain this spring and that is why is sucks so bad. Kid hadhis shot to make his last 2 years very special and he set himself back quite a bit. Sucks for him.
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Woulda liked Gary to snag Lamberts spot tho, Walls showed promise.
..
First Week Lines released (some)
NC State @ South Carolina -13
Alabama @ Clemson -5
Wake Forest -10.5 @ Baylor
Utah @ Michigan -7
Oregon St. -5 @ Stanford
Virginia Tech -11.5 @ East Carolina
Illinois vs Missouri -7.5
Hawaii @ Florida -27
Michigan State @ Cal -7
USC -18 @ Virginia
Fresno State @ Rutgers -5
Memphis @ Ole Miss -10
Kentucky @ Louisville -3
CSU @ Colorado -12
Louisiana Monroe @ Auburn -27.5
UCLA/Tenn off the board
..
First Week Lines released (some)
NC State @ South Carolina -13
Alabama @ Clemson -5
Wake Forest -10.5 @ Baylor
Utah @ Michigan -7
Oregon St. -5 @ Stanford
Virginia Tech -11.5 @ East Carolina
Illinois vs Missouri -7.5
Hawaii @ Florida -27
Michigan State @ Cal -7
USC -18 @ Virginia
Fresno State @ Rutgers -5
Memphis @ Ole Miss -10
Kentucky @ Louisville -3
CSU @ Colorado -12
Louisiana Monroe @ Auburn -27.5
UCLA/Tenn off the board
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I think you are gonna see the Michigan line drop quite a bit. I could see it closing at -4. Everybody and their mother is picking Utah to win. Oh well.
The MSU/Cal line is quit surprising. That should be a good game. Really excited to see how Sparty starts the year.
The MSU/Cal line is quit surprising. That should be a good game. Really excited to see how Sparty starts the year.
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I think MSU will be the better team...but traveling out there Week 1 is no good.
Yeah, everyone likes Utah in that game....yall are kinda a mystery at this point
Yeah, everyone likes Utah in that game....yall are kinda a mystery at this point
