2003 Statistics

The back-up scenario now rests with Wyatt Sexton (son of RB coach Billy Sexton) since Fabian Walker decided to transfer to Valdosta State. Some FSU coaches have stated that Sexton is the next great QB in Tallahassee. However, incoming freshman recruit Xavier Lee (the nation's #1 rated QB by Super Prep, broke all high school passing records in the state of Florida for career completions, yardage and TDs) is likely to be the early fan favorite when the discontented Rix boo-birds make their voice known.

Running Back
The only departing senior on the offensive side was bruiser Greg Jones at TB. But Jones had problems moving laterally. That won't be a problem with his incumbents. The new starter looks to be a combo of Leon Washington (Mr. Florida Football 2001) and Lorenzo Booker (former #1 ranked high school RB out of California). Washington has the speed, but brings a little more power and size to the table. Booker is the closest thing resembling Warrick Dunn and Travis Minor…he's the smaller scat back with amazing agility and quickness. If healthy, this may be one of the best set of TBs nationwide. Neither will rack up the lofty rushing totals, because they both are too talented and thus will split time, meaning fresh legs into the fourth.

The Noles rely on blockers and short-yardage specialists at the fullback spot…and of course, for lining up better field goal angles on first down. Like 2003, B.J. Dean and James Coleman share the same attributes as well as playing time, good blockers but below average runners.

Wide Receiver
Depth, speed, size, experience and talent…FSU has it all at the receiver spot. Forget that P.K. Sam left prematurely for the NFL. Leading the way is Craphonso Thorpe, a First Team All-ACC pick in 2003 even after breaking his leg late in the season. The medical word out of Tallahassee rehab - the ACC 100-meter champ is ahead of schedule and should be full-speed when August practice starts. FSU digs the long ball and Thorpe has a career stat of over 20-yard average per catch. Prep superstar Dominic Robinson is finally a senior. He has played both the CB spot and WR spot since arriving as a heralded freshman. He may be the most athletic of the bunch. Former JUCO All-American Chauncey Stovall is another important part of the mix. All three of the above-mentioned are seniors. But let's not forget about sensational sophomore Chris Davis. Two years removed from a torn-ACL, the former prep QB may be the most electric of the group. Another receiver, Willie Reid, is versatile enough to play the slot or carry the ball at TB, which he has done both. Any questions?

Offensive Line
The meat and potatoes lining up front in 2004 is the best group FSU has had since the national championship run of 2000. Every three to four years FSU appears to load the table with a group of this caliber. OT Alex Barron is the only offensive lineman returning from the AP First Team All-American list of 2003, quite an honor. His lofty status is only diminished by the fact Ray Willis, his partner at the other OT spot, is considered just as magnificent. Both will be three-year starters. Ron Lunford (350 pounds) will provide hefty backup service and has shown his athletic versatility by playing both the guard and tackle spots.

The guards are not as strong, and much of that has to do with ailments and injuries. Senior Bobby Meeks is the most gifted, but suffers from asthma and struggles to go full-speed on occasions. Eric Broe, a prep All-American who was sidelined much of 2003 with a knee injury, will push for playing time. Sophomore Matt Meinrod anchors the other side after garnering All-ACC Honorable Mention as a freshman. Another guard suffering from injury is Matt Heinz. Back problems leave his status as uncertain. If FSU has a weakness up front, depth on the inside would be that crutch.

If you are searching for a leader on offense, center David Castillo may be your man. A Second Team All-ACC pick, Castillo is full of grit. He spent much of 2003 playing through injury due to a lack of subs. Just when you thought there was no way Castillo could go on Saturday, he strapped on the helmet.

Tight End
Much like the fullback spot, the TE at FSU is primarily a blocker. Ironically, former fullback Paul Irons holds the starting spot. In his final year, hopes are that Irons can provide something more than just a blocker. If pass catching tends to be the fancy, look for former Tennessee High School QB standout Matt Henshaw to get more time on the field. We obviously recommend they try to do such to add an extra dimension for Rix to overthrow.

OFFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
Locating a weakness on this side of the ball will be difficult. Essentially, the strengths start up front as five of the six starters on the OL will be seniors. To go even further, the only other unit that has a non-senior is in the backfield, as gifted underclassmen Leon Washington and Lorenzo Booker assume the star role(s). However, the keys to this smooth-running, offensive machine ultimately get handed to QB Chris Rix and his history of inconsistency. Will offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden give Rix the freedom to open up the playbook? The I-formation with a two-receiver set, combined with a foundation of play-action passing, hasn't produced with Rix at the helm when times get tough.

Defensive Line
During the 2001 and 2002 seasons, FSU had a major deficit in the sack category. In '03, the numbers and QB pressures rose. A big part of that climb had to do with second-team All-ACC DE Eric Moore and his 7.5 sacks. Former JUCO All-American Chauncey Davis steps in to fill the other spot after being tabbed the MVP of 2003 spring practice. Don't forget about Kansas-native Kamerion Wimbley, another parade All-American. With a huge burst of speed and long arms, he may be the most gifted of the bunch.

A quick glance at the key losses shows two vacant spots on the inside. However, sturdy replacements can be found starting with well-seasoned Travis Johnson. He will be an important leader up front and possibly the most intricate part of the DL. Another player tagged for instant notoriety is junior Brodrick Bunkley. Although possessing the most physical attributes, he is short on experience. Look for pass rushing specialist Charles Howard, a former DE, to play inside on most passing situations - FSU loves to rotate on the inside. That tactic may prove difficult until some talented, but inexperienced back-ups gain some much-needed reps.

Linebacker
Much like the DTs a massive array of young superstars appears ready for the limelight after waiting patiently. Wild anticipation exists with the future play of young phenom Ernie Sims, the nation's undisputed top-rated prep linebacker just one year removed from local North Florida Christian High School in Tallahassee. LB coach Kevin Steele once called Sims "a freak of nature rivaled only by the FSU likes of Derrick Brooks". Look for Sims to move over to the strong side to make way for yet another young shooting star in A.J. Nicholson, a former USA Today Prep All-American who leads all LBs with three starts. The biggest question mark may be in the middle, as newcomers Sam McGrew and Buster Davis battle to start. Davis, a former Parade All-American, spent most of last season watching from the sidelines. His speed and pass rushing skills make him a well-balanced natural for this Seminole position.

Defensive Back
This area needs tweaking, and defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews is finally starting to turn the corner on this. On paper, Bryant McFadden looks good. But this former No. 1 rated cornerback out of high school has yet to meet expectations. McFadden was grounded much of last season with a groin injury. Now a healthy senior, his NFL stock is predicted to rise quickly. On the other side, Leroy Smith has seen the most action as a starter and tied for a team-leading three INTs. However, former-USA Today ""Defensive Player of The Year" Antonio Cromartie is likely to win a close battle between the two for starting duties. Cromartie is an imposing 6-foot-3 and showed brilliant flashes as a true freshman, which included a team leading 27.3 average on kick returns.

Four seniors return at two safety spots. Needless to say, the cupboard may be as full as it's ever been. Jerome Carter is a three-year starter as a Rover, but questions have been raised about his coverage ability. Former FS Kyler Hall has been moved to Rover, and, much like the last two seasons, will likely find quality playing time despite a resume of blown coverage. The battle at FS is as tight as it gets. Senior B.J. Ward has started almost every game over the course of the last two seasons and is the team's leading returning tackler. Another highly touted prep player vying for double time at the position is local native Pat Watkins. His arrival to FSU was much anticipated. At a looming 6-foot-4, Watkins was also able to snare three picks in just his second campaign.

DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
Most of the questions exist on defense due to the losses of key personnel. Don't be surprised if this is the group, however, that ends up leading FSU to its ultimate BCS destination. The names may not be as noticeable to novice viewers, but on paper it's a "Who's Who" of high school all-world potential. Unfortunately for FSU, what is on paper doesn't necessarily equate to sure victories. Inexperience will be their only downfall. Some of the position battles during the off-season are as good as it gets.