null]]>General Newshttp://www.dalewright.net/fsublog/index.php?itemid=92Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:27:05 -0400FSU to name Fisher as coach-in-waiting?
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FSU will finalize a contract extension with head coach Bobby Bowden this week at $2.5 million per year, plus incentives, "for for as long as he continues to be the Seminoles football coach".
In addition to the salary and annual incentives, the new deal will pay Bowden a guaranteed $1 million lifetime achievement bonus if & when he retires from FSU.
The interesting twist is that the new agreement will name Florida State OC Jimbo Fisher as Bowden's eventual successor, should Fisher agree to accept the position.
With Bowden in his final year(s), the Seminoles are looking to secure the future.
Fisher as hand-picked Bowden's heir apparent has long been rumored within certain circles at FSU. University president T.K. Wetherell alluded to the widely rumored handshake deal a few weeks ago in comments.
Everyone within the program believes in Fisher, and so he's their man, but there has been considerable debate to the merits of publicly naming Fisher as coach-in-waiting.
On one hand, FSU can send a visible message to recruits that the coaching staff at FSU will largely remain in place for years to come. It gives the fanbase some signal as to the plan, especially when many are beginning to question the team's future. It gives Fisher some visible signal that he doesn't need to entertain offers from other schools. On the flip side, what if Fisher falls out of favor with the university or a different candidate is available?
So... any move to name a coach in waiting is certainly a double-edged sword for the Seminoles. That said, it is a risk that FSU is -- apparently -- ready to take.
In trying to look at this objectively, I think this is probably the best for all parties. The pressure is growing on Bowden to make his intentions clear and this is likely to be enough to keep the wolves at bay for the time being. Bowden badly wants to go out on top and this move buys him a little time to do so. I know the coaching staff wants to get the team to a conference championship level and give the coach the season he deserves.
I think it also signals Bowden's true feelings to the fanbase. He is not "hanging around for the record" and that he truly cares about the future and his legacy at FSU. Meanwhile, Fisher has endeared himself to the FSU community as if he has been there for years already. The university wants to keep him long-term, and this will give him (and the team/recruits/fans) some much deserved security.
So, in the end, maybe this is the right move for Bowden, Fisher, and the Noles.
http://www.fanblogs.com/florida_state/007370.php]]>FSU Sportshttp://www.dalewright.net/fsublog/index.php?itemid=90Tue, 4 Dec 2007 19:43:48 -0500Bernie Sliger dead at age 83
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http://tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007710100358
]]>General Newshttp://www.dalewright.net/fsublog/index.php?itemid=89Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:52:28 -0400BNL Football Preview
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OFFENSE
With this group there is nowhere to go but up. With Jeffy gone and every position coach other than tight ends (seriously boys, this is the year for for the tight end) with him, there will be a new look and better results. Jimbo Fisher has the reins and high expectations.
QUARTERBACK
Weatherford edges out Lee once again because he remains the only one of the two of them that can line the team up in the correct formation and make the everydown plays consistently. If the team can rally around him again, the offense, should be fun to watch. Look for Lee to contribute significantly before the year is over.
RUNNING BACKS
With a new perspective from Dexter Carter (if only it were 1989 again), and if Antone Smith stays healthy, we will run the ball. How successfully depends on the next group. Look for Marcus Simms to get some of the short yardage work.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The hype machine has been turned off. This group stinks. It has consistently stunk for more than five years despite what Sports Information tells you. Rick Trickett will turn this around. We will be better or he will run about ten guys back to their mamas. The depth chart tells you everything you need to know about the group he inherited. When we kick off against Clemson, see how many positions are filled with the same player as last year. It looks like it could be zero. John Frady is so soft, he’s moved to tight end to avoid Trickett. Ryan McMahon replaces him at center. He is a redshirt freshman moving from D Line. Look for him to be the heart and sole of this bunch. This line will be lean and mean. I just hope it comes together this year.
RECEIVERS
As I recall, Lawrence Dawsey was a hard nosed football player who could catch the ball. Maybe he can figure out how to get that out of this underachieving group. Greg Carr’s slide down the depth chart gives me hope. We all know De’Cody Fagg will be a main target, but look for young Preston Parker to shine. His speed and toughness have impressed. Carr will eventually pull his head out and contribute. Tight ends will block a lot.
DEFENSE
Mickey Andrews will have to overcome the loss of his son and focus himself and this defense on being better. Discipline is an issue. Talent is not.
DEFENSIVE LINE
It all starts up front. This is a deep group. You’ll here Andre Fluellen’s name the most, but expect big things from Neefy Moffett, Alex Boston, and Everette Brown. The rotation will include at least eight guys, probably more. As long as the group stays healthy and out of trouble they will be strong.
LINEBACKERS
Chuck Amato returns. Geno Hayes will be joined Dekoda Watson, Derek Nicholson, Marcus Ball and Rodney Gallon. They have a rich tradition to uphold. There is no reason to think they will not.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Tony Carter and Myron Rolle lead this veteran group. If they improve on last year by reducing the big plays given up and increasing the number made, the defense could be lights out. As always, a lot of guys will play. T-Buck is on board as a student assistant while he finishes off his degree.
SPECIAL TEAMS
I’m not sure we’ll ever make another field goal, but our return teams should be good. Speedsters Michael Ray Garvin and Parker should see a lot of the load. We will block some kicks because the Back to the Future theme continues with Dawsey pitching in to help out newly named Special Teams Coordinator Jody Allen in that area. Actually kicking the football and tackling people better improve. Kick offs are moved back five yards.
As we sit ready to kick off another campaign and a new era, the Florida State community should be cautiously optimistic. The schedule is tough, but with a couple of breaks, the Noles could return to Jacksonville December 1 for the ACC Championship Game. I leave you with this:
As Dale Wright counts us down to each kickoff, remember that smoke, mirrors, and rock and roll music do not win football games. Blocking and tackling do. Go Seminoles.]]>General Newshttp://www.dalewright.net/fsublog/index.php?itemid=88Sat, 1 Sep 2007 13:24:51 -0400Another Former Star on Staff
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]]>General Newshttp://www.dalewright.net/fsublog/index.php?itemid=87Wed, 8 Aug 2007 10:25:47 -0400FSU Researchers Developing Diagnostic 'Lab On A Chip'
http://www.dalewright.net/fsublog/index.php?itemid=86
http://www.photonicsonline.com/content/news/article.asp?docid=ebd4ae30-35af-46c8-a126-ac5057a7cf3e]]>General Newshttp://www.dalewright.net/fsublog/index.php?itemid=86Wed, 8 Aug 2007 09:44:18 -0400FSU appearance gives Jerry Rice ‘chills’
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The former San Francisco star made 13 Pro Bowl appearances, helped the 49ers win three Super Bowls, and he owns several NFL records.
But when the future Hall-of-Famer made a visit last weekend to Tallahassee, he was left nearly speechless upon seeing the facilities at Doak Campbell Stadium.
Rice, who was invited by former 49ers teammate Dexter Carter to participate in FSU’s first ever Seminole Showtime camp for high school football players, said the Seminoles’ stadium was far different from his college days at tiny Mississippi Valley State.
“Just being in that locker room is amazing,” Rice said. “I got chill bumps just walking through that locker room.”
Rice said he also was tickled to run passing routes on the Doak Campbell Stadium grass.
But what impressed him most was Florida State’s tradition of sending great football players to the NFL. As he walked through the Moore Athletic Center before participating in the camp, Rice couldn’t help but admire the photos and portraits of Seminole greats such as Charlie Ward, Warrick Dunn, Derrick Brooks and others.
"All the legends, man," Rice said. "The guys who won the Heisman. And Florida State has put so many players into the NFL. Mississippi Valley State was nothing like this, OK? So I'm walking through there like, 'Hey, I could hang out here all day long.' It's really nice."
Rice, who transcended football recently with his appearance on the television hit, "Dancing with the Stars,” took time during his visit to give a motivational speech to the campers and to serve as an instructor at the camp.
Rice said he was thrilled to share his knowledge with the younger players. When Carter asked him if he would consider participating, Rice said he was on board immediately.
"I have always admired this college," Rice said. "Just to be here in this stadium is amazing. To work out here with the guys and try to pass on some knowledge to them ... I have had a fantastic time."
Rice was joined at the camp by a long line of former Florida State stars, including Peter Boulware, Terrell Buckley, Antonio Cromartie, Zack Crockett, Greg Jones, William Floyd, Kez McCorvey, Bill Ragans, Jamal Reynolds, Corey Simon, Ernie Sims, Tamarick Vanover, Casey Weldon and others.
"This was a lot of fun," Floyd said. "It was good for me because I got to see a lot of old friends, guys I went to war with. And the topping on the cake was to see Jerry Rice here."
Though the star factor was nice, Floyd said the best part of Rice's appearance was that he could share some of his secrets to success with the youngsters.
"He's a great player, and you always want to learn from the best," said Floyd, who also played with Rice in San Francisco. "All of us grew up watching him play. It was a blessing for me to get the opportunity to play with him. Any time you can get somebody of that stature -- I don't care what university they went to -- when they're that type of great football player, it's always good to have them apart of it."
Rice said this was his first trip to FSU but added that, "Hopefully, it's not my last. I want to come back during the season."
]]>FSU Sportshttp://www.dalewright.net/fsublog/index.php?itemid=85Mon, 30 Jul 2007 09:01:05 -0400Virginia Tech, Florida State picked to win divisions
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"Wake Forest was picked last last year and they ended up winning it, so it really doesn't mean anything," Bowden said.
Even so, Bowden didn't exactly voice a protest Monday when he learned that his Seminoles were tabbed for the third consecutive year as preseason favorites to win the ACC's Atlantic Division.
"I was surprised. I really was," Bowden said. "I was figuring after the year we had last year that they would count us out, you know. That wouldn't have bothered me. It doesn't mean anything."
Mirroring the preseason scenario from 2005, Virginia Tech was selected as the favorite to win the Coastal title and beat FSU in the league championship game. The writers and broadcasters covering the league were only half right that year. FSU won the inaugural championship game.
Bowden would just like to get back there.
FSU and Miami were favored to square off in the league's 2006 title game, but instead both teams suffered through 7-6 seasons.
That disappointment led to a head coaching change in Miami when Randy Shannon was promoted to replace Larry Coker. The fact that Shannon is a first-year head coach might have played a role in the Hurricanes being selected to finish just third in the Coastal Division behind Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech.
Miami received just two first-place votes.
"What do I think? It's a poll," Shannon said.
Virginia Tech dominated the Coastal Division predictions, earning 77 of the 83 first-place votes while Georgia Tech earned four.
But in the Atlantic Division assessment, four schools earned No. 1 nods. FSU got 37 of the votes to outpace Boston College, which received 25. Clemson finished third in points despite having five fewer first-place votes than Wake Forest's 13.]]>FSU Sportshttp://www.dalewright.net/fsublog/index.php?itemid=84Tue, 24 Jul 2007 09:00:44 -0400Hart out at Florida State - Seminoles won't renew AD's contract
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The Seminoles' AD since 1995, Hart was informed of the decision in a two-paragraph letter from school president T.K. Wetherell. The two met Wednesday for the first time on the issue.
"T.K. has made the decision, notified the athletic director and at some point the two will come to a decision about the transition and departure date," school vice president Lee Hinkle said Wednesday.
Wetherell pushed Hart the past few years to improve working relationships with other university offices, improve procedures for investigating allegations of wrongdoing by athletes and the internal communications within the athletic department.
In his only comment on Wetherell's decision, Hart said in a statement from the sports information office that he intends to fulfill his contract, which expires in January 2009.
The 58-year-old Hart was paid $557,821 last year, state payroll records show.
During Hart's tenure, the Seminoles won one national title in football (1999) and two in track and field (2006-07). The baseball and basketball programs have struggled at times in recent years.
Bobby Bowden, whose 366 wins are the most among major college football coaches, would not comment on the pending change. Gov. Charlie Crist, a Florida State graduate and fan of the school's athletic program, also dodged the issue.
"I've got plenty of decisions to make and that's not one I have to make," Crist said. "I'll leave that one to the university."
Hart had mixed success with his coaching choices. Chris Gobrecht left after just one year as the women's basketball coach and her contractual situation wound up in litigation. Steve Robinson was fired after five seasons as the men's coach. The men's basketball program has been invited to NCAA postseason play only once during Hart's reign.]]>FSU Sportshttp://www.dalewright.net/fsublog/index.php?itemid=83Thu, 12 Jul 2007 06:34:03 -0400Jimbo Fisher's Presence Already a factor!!
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Darnell Moore believes Florida State will be getting more than a smart and talented quarterback in E.J. Manuel.
“He's going to be the face of the program,” said Moore, Manuel's coach at Virginia Beach (Va.) Bayside High. “He's going to be the kid you will want out front representing you on and off the field.”
Manuel committed to FSU on Wednesday after taking a hard look at schools that included LSU, UNC, Miami and Penn State. More than 40 schools offered but FSU will welcome him in the fall of 2008.
The pro-style quarterback passed for 1,973 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior. He also rushed for 345 yards. Moore calls Manuel a technically sound quarterback who works well out of the pocket but also has good mobility. The 6-foot-5 Manuel is touted for a strong and accurate arm.
“You get a kid who is already polished - his drops and throwing technique are flawless,” Moore said. “I asked each coach who was recruiting him what did they think he needed to work on. The majority of them felt that as far as technique and mechanics there wasn't anything he needed to work on.
“In high school, you find a lot of coaches will take the best athlete and try to make him a quarterback. But I wanted him to be a pro-style quarterback where he didn't have to make that switch from being a runner to a passer.
“He's a student of the game, and he wants to get better. I try to give him as much as possible because I don't want somebody throwing something at him he doesn't understand.”
Moore said that Manuel possesses the intangibles that a program looks for in a quarterback. The coach also said Manuel, whose first name is Erik but has gone by E.J. since he was a baby, communicates well with his teammates and adults.
“He's more mature than most kids his age,” Moore said. “His personality is the same on and off the field. He's a competitor and a competitor in the classroom as well.”
Manuel committed to FSU because he believed it was good fit as a student, athlete and person. He said the deal was sealed for FSU came when coaches prayed for his well being before he returned to Virginia. It was something that Moore had talked to Manuel about before the recruiting process began.
“I'm very comfortable with the whole situation,” Moore said. “I told him that they would know the school where he was supposed to go to when that particular coach prays for him. And there was only one coach who did that."]]>FSU Sportshttp://www.dalewright.net/fsublog/index.php?itemid=82Mon, 2 Jul 2007 13:45:44 -0400
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