|
WR
Craphonso Thorpe |
|
2002
Statistics
|
Coach:
Bobby Bowden
27
years, 259-64-4 |
2002
Record: 9-5
|
|
Iowa
State |
WON
38-31 |
VIRGINIA |
WON
40-19 |
at
Maryland |
WON
37-10 |
DUKE |
WON
48-17 |
at
Louisville |
LOST
20-26 (OT) |
CLEMSON |
WON
48-31 |
at
Miami FL |
LOST
27-28 |
NOTRE
DAME |
LOST
24-34 |
at
Wake Forest |
WON
34-21 |
at
Georgia Tech |
WON
21-13 |
NORTH
CAROLINA |
WON
40-14 |
at
NC State |
LOST
7-17 |
FLORIDA |
WON
31-14 |
SUGAR
BOWL
|
Georgia |
LOST
13-26 |
|
2002 Final Rankings
AP-21, Coaches-23, BCS-14
|
2003
Outlook
|
Fans,
media, and opponents have already ear marked
the decline of Florida State football. That
is, if you consider an ACC title and 8-4
type seasons to be devastating. Anyone involved
with the program can tell you it is. 2003
will be no different when it comes to standing
up to the competition - the Seminoles face
possibly the toughest schedule in the nation,
bar none. Non-conference opponents Colorado,
Notre Dame, Miami, and Florida outline the
list. If that wasn't enough, this is possibly
the toughest ACC the Noles have yet faced.
Quite a daunting task to foresee any team
in the Top 5 at the end of the year with
that type of situation. If they do make
it that high, they'll have earned it. The
best recommendation for FSU is to first
concentrate on another conference title,
as national aspirations will prove too daunting-a-goal
at this point without some luck.
Some
feel the reasons for FSU's decline still
remains with the coaches. Well documented
is the fact that coaches such as Mark Richt
and Chuck Amato have moved on to successful
careers elsewhere, leaving some vacancies
that were quietly filled with inexperience
from within. Bobby Bowden was the first
to state years ago that the reasons for
his triumphs were a result of surrounding
himself with great coaches. At present,
this staff is taking serious heat. Bowden
has always proved to be loyal to his understudies,
a case that may prove to be his downfall.
Take this team back to the 90s and you really
cannot see much difference when analyzing
and comparing the talent. It all comes down
to coaching that talent.
With
a (finally) much-improved defense, expect
the Seminoles to again be right in the thick
of the 2003 ACC crown. They may not be favored
this time around in many preseason predictions,
but, at the same time, the championship
will still go through Doak Campbell Stadium.
2003 marks a very crucial season for the
balancing seesaw of Nole success. "The
talent is certainly there", remains
the same ole adage.
Projected
2003 record: 9-3
|
|
|
LB
Michael Boulware |
|
SPRING
MVP
QB Chris Rix
|
OFFENSIVE
MVP
C David Castillo
|
DEFENSIVE
MVP
DE Chauncey Davis
|
TOP
NEWCOMER
RB Lorenzo Booker
|
|
|
|
FLORIDA
STATE
*POWER RATINGS
|
Offense
|
Defense
|
QB
- 4 |
DL
- 4.5 |
RB
- 4.5 |
LB
- 4.5 |
WR
- 4 |
DB
- 3.5 |
OL
- 3.5 |
.. |
|
RETURNING
LEADERS
|
Passing:
Chris Rix, 225-118-7, 1684 yds., 13 TD's
Rushing: Greg Jones, 161 att., 938
yds., 8 TD's
Receiving: Craphonso Thorpe, 17 rec.,
377 yds., 4 TD's
Scoring: Xavier Beitia, 19-28 FG,
51-51 PAT, 108 pts.
Punting: Chris Hall, 2 punts, 35.0
avg.
Kicking: Xavier Beitia, 19-28 FG,
51-51 PAT, 108 pts.
Tackles: Kendyll Pope, 131 tot.,
68 solo
Sacks: Travis Johnson, 4 sacks; Kevin
Emanuel, 4 sacks
Interceptions: Stanford Samuels,
3 for 91 yds.
Kickoff returns: Leon Washington,
13 ret., 28.3 avg.
Punt returns: Leon Washington, 34
ret., 11.5 avg.
|
|
|
|
|
FLORIDA
STATE |
|
|
OFFENSE
- 4
|
----RETURNING
STARTERS----
|
DEFENSE
- 10
|
|
KEY
LOSSES
|
OFFENSE:
Nick Maddox-TB, Robert Morgan-WR, Talman Gardner-WR,
Patrick Hughes-TE, Brett Williams-OT, Todd
Williams-OG, Antoine Mirambeau-C, Montrae
Holland-OG, Adrian McPherson-QB (dismissed),
Anquan Boldin-WR (NFL) |
DEFENSE:
Alonzo
Jackson-DE, Jerel Hudson-MLB, Chance Gwaltney-P |
|
|
|
2003
OFFENSE
|
written
by Todd Helmick
Who's
on first? What's on second? These just may be
the questions asked in Tallahassee when discussing
the QB situation. The signs point to Chris Rix
once again, who had a very promising end to the
2001 season as a redshirt freshman. Hopes mounted
for a three-year dynasty from the California native.
Then, Rix hit a stretch starting in late September
(2002) that culminated in losing three out of
four starts, the last being a TO-marred defeat
to Notre Dame, costing Chris the job. Replacement
Adrian McPherson's off-the-field problems offered
Rix another shot. After getting the job done in
a victory, he missed a final exam and was ruled
ineligible for the Sugar Bowl (enter #3 option
Fabian Walker). In summation, there is presently
a QB puzzle that needs to be figured out and put
together.
Rix
will now have to take snaps without the services
of his top pass catching seniors (Boldin, Gardner,
and Morgan). FSU enjoys operating with multiple
receiver sets. This system will be difficult for
offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden to employ knowing
new, unproven faces will have to step up. This
may be the first year in quite some time that
FSU doesn't have a large array of proven wideouts
from which they can choose. Highly touted recruit
Chris Davis sat out 2002 as a true freshman after
tearing knee ligaments. His return will be crucial,
as will any other emerging names to provide the
#3-5 receivers. It is wide open at this point
we will keep you updated on this area. The top
WR candidate is Craphonso Thorpe, who has superb
ability, but has been slowed with a foot injury.
Another name fans will get to know better is Dominic
Robinson. The #1 rated CB out of high school has
been switched to receiver in hopes of carrying
some of this load. Thorpe and Robinson give FSU
the two playmakers once again on paper. Experience
is short, however, as is time.
The
most potent unit for the Seminoles on either side
of the ball will be at RB. Monster Greg Jones
(6-1, 248) returns after bowling over opponents
until a knee injury ended his ten-game 2002 season.
Had it not been for the knee, Jones most likely
would have chosen early entry into the NFL. Two
other young athletes that should make life easier
in the depth department will be TB Leon Washington
(Mr. Florida Football) and Lorenzo Booker (nation's
top RB out of California). But who will pave the
way for this trio?
The
biggest losses exist on the OL as four out of
five starters were seniors. This will put FSU
in a serious pickle if a competent front wall
cannot be reformed. FSU has had problems in the
past living up to expectations with top rated
groups. Now one must be developed with new faces
in new places. The leadership has to start with
tackle Ray Willis, who may be the most underrated
OT in America. The Noles cannot afford to have
him outshine the other linemen by large margins.
Why
FSU continually fails to utilize its FB and TE
is anyone's guess - both are basically wasted
positions (as offensive weapons) and have been
for years. Don't look for that to alter much as
the roster is void of playmakers for these slots.
Overall
depth will be an issue. If the recent injury bug
has its way, FSU could struggle offensively. The
Noles are no strangers to athleticism on this
side of the ball. Claims that talent does not
remain are false. The biggest question - can this
coaching staff get the offense playing together
with so much inexperience? This answer will be
the critical difference between a Top 10 finish
and another 4-5-loss disappointment.
|
|
TB
Greg Jones
|
FLORIDA
STATE 2003 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters in bold
|
OFFENSE
|
QB |
Chris
Rix-Jr (6-4, 205) |
Fabian
Walker-Jr (6-2, 216) / Wyatt Sexton-Fr |
FB |
B.J.
Dean-So (5-11, 256) |
Torrance
Washington-So (6-1, 245) |
TB |
Greg
Jones-Sr (6-1, 248) |
Leon Washington-So (5-9, 190) / Lo. Booker-Fr |
WR |
P.K.
Sam-Jr (6-3, 195) |
Chauncey
Stovall-Jr (6-2, 215) |
WR |
Craphonso
Thorpe-Jr (6-2, 175) |
Dominic
Robinson-Jr (6-1, 200) |
TE |
Paul
Irons-Jr (6-2, 250) |
Matt
Henshaw-So (6-4, 209) |
OT |
Alex
Barron-Jr (6-6, 316) |
Corey
Niblock-Fr (6-4, 300) |
OG |
Matt
Meinrod-Fr (6-4, 297) |
Matt
Heinz-So (6-4, 273) |
C |
David
Castillo-Jr (6-2, 300) |
Andrew
Henry-Kennon-So (6-4, 308) |
OG |
Bobby
Meeks-Jr (6-3, 295) |
Eric
Broe-So (6-6, 327) |
OT |
Ray
Willis-Jr (6-6, 295) |
Ron
Lunford-So (6-5, 345) |
K |
Xavier
Beitia-Jr (5-10, 210) |
.. |
|
|
2003
DEFENSE
|
written
by Todd Helmick
The
DL is bolstered by the return of Darnell Dockett
on the inside. FSU has shown solid ability to
stop the run and that trend looks to continue
with heavy playmakers Travis Johnson and Jeff
Womble in the rotation. On the outside, FSU is
blessed with depth at DE. Why this group has not
been able to bring pressure is a mystery with
guys like Eric Moore and Kevin Emmanuel. But a
name that should emerge on that list is Kansas
native Kamerion Wimbley. Look for bigger and better
situations in the rush department. After the three
above inside men, depth is limited and could prove
fatal unless some new names emerge. This is FSU's
biggest weakness, knowing the lack of depth here
can start a domino affect if a team can easily
run up the middle.
The
LB's may be one of the best units in the south.
Leading tackler Kendyll Pope teams with senior
Michael Boulware (second leading tackler) to give
the Noles a great one-two outside-punch. There
have been rumors that Boulware wanted to return
for his senior year to play strong safety, which
could get very interesting. A wealth of young
talent exists at LB, which could possibly pave
the way for such a switch (Nicholson, McGrew,
Davis, and Hardage). On the other hand, FSU has
also failed to locate a dominating MLB.
For
two years (running), the defense has been the
main reason for the unfamiliar won/loss standings.
At times, any opposing QB could have had their
way passing the ball all day. No pass rush and
no pass coverage equaled a very un-Nole-like 85th
ranked pass defense. Need we say more? Before
you write this group off for 2003, 10 of 11 starters
return to a defense that displayed some positive
signs with defensive success(es) at year's end,
paving the way for brighter hopes. The entire
secondary is a concern until they solidify.
Everyone
in Seminole Country will hold their breath once
again with the same DB's that have dotted the
depth charts for three straight seasons. Though
a veteran group, most of the college football
world is still living in a "Show Me State"
concerning their play, meaning results have proven
little worth of this secondary. Most folks are
still scratching their heads considering this
group is coached by one of the all-time bests
in Mickey Andrews. FSU has not possessed a lock
down corner for some time. This is the year Bryant
McFadden must step up and prove his highly rated
recruiting status was not a joke. Returning starters
Samuels and Brown still hold the starting roles
for now. At the safety spots, two heralded youngsters
who appear to be improving with each play are
Jerome Carter and Pat Watkins. How far they keep
developing will be the bone of contention.
The
Seminoles will undoubtedly field a better defense,
but how much is that really saying? The schemes
have been some of the worst to date since the
great run started in the late-1980s. FSU has gone
from a total bump-and-run pressure defense to
a sit-back-on-your heels-and-react approach. The
results have been a far cry from the days of winning
championships. If pressure cannot be found from
the DEs and/or better blitzing schemes, opposing
QBs will continue to give Mickey Andrews fits.
However, do not be surprised if this group turns
out to be a vital source of victories
the
best it has been in three years. A wide range
of possible defensive quality is already sending
tremors through Tallahassee.
|
|
DT
Darnell Dockett
|
FLORIDA
STATE 2003 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters in bold
|
DEFENSE
|
DE |
Kevin
Emanuel-Sr (6-4, 240) |
Kamerion
Wimbley-So (6-4, 225) |
DT |
Darnell
Dockett-Sr (6-4, 280) |
Broderick
Bunkley-So (6-3, 260) |
DT |
Travis
Johnson-Jr (6-5, 275) |
Jeff
Womble-Sr (6-3, 290) |
DE |
Eric
Moore-Jr (6-4, 245) |
Willie
Jones-Jr (6-1, 234) / Chauncey Davis-Jr |
SLB |
Michael
Boulware-Sr (6-3, 220) |
Ray
Piquion-So (6-0, 215) |
MLB |
Allen
Augustin-Sr (6-1, 206) |
Sam
McGrew-So (6-3, 230) |
WLB |
Kendyll
Pope-Sr (6-2, 220) |
A.J.
Nicholson-So (6-2, 232) |
CB |
Stanford
Samuels-Sr (5-10, 190) |
Leroy
Smith-Jr (5-10, 190) |
CB |
Rufus
Brown-Sr (5-9, 185) |
Bryant
McFadden-Jr (6-0, 182) |
ROV |
Jerome
Carter-Jr (6-0, 216) |
Kyler
Hall-Jr (6-1, 190) |
FS |
B.J.
Ward-Jr (6-3, 210) |
Pat
Watkins-So (6-4, 195) |
P |
Chris
Hall-So (5-10, 204) |
.. |
|
|
|
2003
SPECIAL TEAMS
|
Just
when most felt the days of "Wide Right" were
over with new sensation Xavier Beitia at kicker, in
sneaks a "Wide Left". But don't hold that
against this promising youngster. Beitia has clearly
helped to lessen FSU's recent problems. Look for Xavier
to be one of the leagues best before he departs. Punting
may be another story as Second Team All-ACC honoree
Chance Gwaltney is gone. The job looks to be an open
market, although Chris Hall holds the position for now.
Their
quality-return-man drought may be over as sophomore
Leon Washington led the team in both the punt and kick
return departments with some outlandish numbers and
breakaway abilities. Keep an eye on this one.
The
Noles coverage teams blanketed opponents in 2002. Their
33.3 yards-per-punt net average raises some concern,
though. Good field position is NOT something this marginal
Nole squad can afford to squander.
|
|
Chris Rix has improved this spring and is
starting to win back some of Bowden's praise
(won Spring MVP). Making a strong case for
backup is Wyatt Sexton (son of RB Coach
Billy Sexton)
Dominic Robinson's switch
to receiver is going better than anybody
had expected. His addition will bring back
the reliable playmaker the 'Noles desperately
need on the outside. Fellow WR Chris Davis
has also rippled the waters, noted for consistently
getting behind defensive backs and hauling
in TD catches
RB talent Lorenzo Booker,
who will look to team with Greg Jones and
Leon Washington as one of the better 1-2-3
punches in college football, sprained his
ankle late in spring practice. Not to worry
though - he says he'll be ready to go come
August. Bowden says, "he can make a
three-yard run look like an All-American
highlight." Greg Jones (who led the
ACC in rushing before blowing out his knee)
is expected to be ready for the opener against
UNC. Greg has been working hard through
rehab, but still needs to shed some of his
current 251 pounds before putting on the
pads. A 251-pound tailback? As for the Noles
depleted OL, a new leader has been emerging
in center David Castillo, who was named
most outstanding offensive player this spring.
The 'Noles have some serious depth at LB.
Bowden sang the praises of four backups
this spring, namely McGrew, Nicholson, Piquion
and freshman Buster Davis. These four, teaming
with two Butkus candidate starters, make
this group one of the stronger units in
the nation. Keep a special eye on Davis.
Michael Boulware sat out most of spring
drills after getting his shoulder scoped
With a great spring, expect Kamerion Wimbley
to pose a serious challenge for Eric Moore
at the vacated DE spot. He and (spring)
defensive MVP Chauncey Davis, combine to
give the 'Noles six high-maintenance ends
DT Darnell Dockett appears to have his legal
matters cleared up and should now be available
for the start of August practice. Whether
or not he is suspended for a few games is
still up in the air. Darnell already served
a one game suspension in last January's
Sugar Bowl
The other big gun at DT,
Travis Johnson, still has not cleared up
his legal problems. Under FSU rules, he
cannot participate until the matter is resolved.
|
|
|
|
|
|