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The latest news on Glen (rhymes with "what might have been") Stanley

We connected with Ocala Star-Banner reporter Byron Saucer who's been working to find out the latest on Glen Stanley. While Stanley hasn't returned Saucer's calls, the reporter did get word from his Ocala high school coach that Glen is now at Abilene Christian University in Texas. According to the coach it's because "FSU didn't accept a course" from his Eastern Arizona Community College transcript.

Who knows if Stanely would've provided quality defensive depth this year for the Noles, or just been another junior college disappointment. But his loss is a reminder to all of us not to get too fired up about any recruit until the fat lady in the registrar's office sings.

Intercepted phone call 10 minutes after Wilder's commitment to FSU

Seminole signees Damien Jacobs and DeJoshua Johnson land at East Mississippi Community College

Two non-qualifiers who signed with FSU's 2010 class are getting a second chance at East Mississippi Community College. Consider them "futures," who -- if they earn a JC degree like Debrale Smiley and Amp McCloud -- will someday return to pay dividends for the Noles.

Damien Jacobs (Rivals 3-Star from Houma, LA) plays DT, a critical position that all schools need more of. He's still waiting to hear his fate from the NCAA Academic Clearinghouse, according to East Mississippi head coach Buddy Stephens. Apparently FSU believed there's slim chance Jacobs would get a green light for 2010 and recommended he head for EMCC.

So with Jacobs' status still in limbo, will he play for Stephens this season?

"We'll see," says coach Stephens. "We want what's best for Damien's future and see how well he does in the classroom. So he could sit this year, play next, then graduate and have three years to play at Florida State."

Still, Jacobs is practicing with the team, says Stephens. "He's very good and in good shape."

As for WR DeJoshua Johnson (Rivals 4-Star from Pahokee), Stephens says, "He's fast and quick on the stop-and-go. He could use more size but he's fast enough to run by people." Stephens says Eastern has a good weight room and Johnson will develop muscle and pack more weight on his 155 lb. frame.

Both appear to be in a good place to play and learn. EMCC is ranked 7th nationally in the JC pre-season top 25. And Stephens says they'll get plenty of academic assistance. Last year 26 of his players graduated, nine with honors, and all got scholarships at four-year schools.

Being in a small town (Scooba, MS; Pop. 632 in the 2000 census) also helps, says Stephens. "We have more deer here than people. Not even a Wendy's. Just a few gas stations and the school." So with nothing to do but go to class and play football, both Jacobs and Johnson have a great shot at getting it together for a future spot on FSU's roster.

Hell hath no fury like Jimbo Fisher's up close and personal on-field coaching

This is not a slam on Coach Bowden in his later coaching years, but more of a "sometimes change is a good thing" comment. Instead of getting the big picture of FSU practice from the vantage point of a tower, feel the heat of Jimbo Fisher actively coaching and teaching on the field. That includes being in the face -- actually more like chewing the tails -- of players, like no. 16. Watch as QB Will Secord gets no mercy when he fails to understand the nuances of some X's and O's. The video is from Fox Sports Florida and part of the Seminole Football Preview that airs on the channel beginning August 23.

Seminoles have gotten their share of Georgia talent over the years

FSU recruiters have always had Georgia on their minds. And it shows in the major haul of talent from the Peach State for the last quarter century.

The Sunday Atlanta-Journal Constitution lists FSU as no. 5 among schools signing the state's top players who made the AJC's annual Super 11 teams. The Noles have signed 15 of the Super 11 over a 25 year period. That's more than several other border state powers, including the lizards from Hogtown, South Carolina, Clemson and Alabama.

After in-state schools UGA and Tech, only Auburn and Tennessee have signed more Super 11 bluchippers over the years than FSU. And the Noles keep coming back for more. This season's roster includes 14 former Georgia high school stars, including 2008 Super 11 selection Greg Reid.

Florida State 2010 Fearless Forecast No. 3

by TomRob

Best Case W - L Scenario? Looking at our schedule, I think best-case win-loss scenario is probably 10-2. While I think talent-wise, FSU is starting to climb back and the offense looks quite good, the trio of Oklahoma, UM, and UF probably all have better talent and depth than we do right now. You add the fact that Clemson and UNC should have stout defenses and BC will be solid as usual and I think it's impossible to foresee anything better than 10-2. I think in the best-case, we might sneak by Oklahoma, drop one ACC game, and keep it close against UF, but lose in the end. 

Now what do you really think the final record will be? Realistically, I think we go 8-4 or 9-3.  My gut tells me 8-4, my heart says 9-3. Losing McCray doesn't help our defensive line depth and that scares me a bit. As of right now, I say we go 8-4 with a 6-2 ACC record. I think we are going to drop games to Oklahoma, UM, and UF and then one of UNC, Clemson, and BC.

The 2010 MVP? This is a cop-out of sorts, but I think it has to be Ponder. He has a ton of pressure on him, but I think he's going to have a big year. He just has all the tools and I don't think the pressure will bother him because both he and Jimbo already put enough pressure on him that it won't faze him.

Breakout Player of the Year? I'm going to pick one on each side of the ball. On offense, I think it's going to be Chris Thompson. With Fortson's dismissal, it could easily be Rodney Smith or Willie Haulstead, but I think Thompson is going to have a solid year and get better and better. He may not put up huge stats because I think Thomas, Pryor, Jones, and Smiley will also get carries, but I think Thompson emerges from the pack. On defense, I'm going to go with Vince Williams. He isn't penciled in as a starter yet, but people forget this guy was a big-time recruit, showed some stuff as a freshman, and practice reports have been glowing. The fact that he can play WLB or MLB and is the best LB off the bench means he'll see plenty of playing time and I wouldn't be surprised if he stole a starting job at some point.

Top Newcomer? By newcomer, I'm going to pick guys who haven't played at all yet and I'm going to pick one for each side of the ball again. On offense, I think it will probably be a true freshman WR. I'm going to pick Kenny Shaw out of that group. Freshman WRs don't always get a ton of playing time and Shaw has a small frame (although he's reportedly up to 170 pounds), but of all the freshmen, he is the most college-ready in terms of route-running and hands. He may not play a lot at first, but I bet by midseason he is a solid contributor. On defense, Xavier Rhodes seems to be the no-brainer. Mark my words, Rhodes will beat out Jenije at some point. The guy has great raw talent, great size, good hands since he used to be a wideout, and seems to be flourishing in the zone scheme. I'm going to predict it now: Rhodes will be FSU's next great CB in the NFL.

Low point of the season? Unfortunately, I think it's going to be going 0-2 versus our rivals. I think we *can* beat UM and UF, but I just don't think it's going to happen this year. 

High point of the season? In my best-case scenario, it would be upsetting Oklahoma. Realistically, though, I don't think we beat the Sooners, so I think our high point will be going to the ACC championship game. Going to a BCS game would top that, but given our schedule and implementing a new defense, I think reaching the ACC championship game would show true progress and pave the way for another solid recruiting class and future gains under Fisher.

When the season ends FSU fans will be saying...? "Promoting this Jimbo Fisher guy might've been the right call after all." Yeah, the way Bowden was forced out rankled a lot of people, but at the end of the day Fisher will prove that promoting him was the right move, regardless of what happened with Bowden. Given all the changes Fisher has made, I think 2010 will show that FSU is back on the way up. We'll put a better product on the field, there are promising signs off the field in regards to training and such, and our recruiting efforts are picking up. I think fans will be anxiously awaiting 2011, but not because we had a rough 2010 and are saying "Wait 'til next year."

Terry Bowden "comfortable" in adding Jarmon Forston at North Alabama

Surprise, surprise. Jarmon Fortson will be a North Alabama Lion this fall. Here's what Terry Bowden told the local press after Fortson joined the team.

"Bowden said he felt comfortable adding Fortson to the team after talking with the FSU coaches.

'The Florida State coaches love the kid and hate to lose him,' Bowden said. 'We feel like he has a good heart and in a different environment and the right guidance he’ll be fine. Just like Preston Parker last year, he has to learn to follow team rules.'

Bowden said the 6-foot-3, 221-pound Fortson brings an added dimension to the receiving corps with his size.

'He was the biggest playmaker at Florida State last year,' Bowden said. 'He’s another big body at wide receiver. With Donald Bowens and Jyrone Hickman, we will have an unusually tall group of wide receivers.'”

Breaking down Florida State's schedule -- Basketball schedule, that is

by Bill from Tampa

OK, I know it's nearly college football season with our favorite college team putting the toe to leather (as Gene Deckerhoff likes to say) in less than a month and few are thinking ahead to the start of basketball season.

But in a week or two the season schedule of FSU's basketball team will be released. So let's go over what we know as to who will be on the schedule or who might be.

The Mercer Bears will be an early season opponent coming to the civic center on November 23rd to finish that home and home contract. The 'Noles destroyed the Bears last year 89-50.

We know that the Seminoles will play Billy Donovan's team in Tallahassee on November 28th, the day after the annual football clash. Donovan's team, which returns all five starters, is expected to be ranked in the top ten in the preseason polls and should be highly ranked when they come to town.

FSU will also host Ohio State as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on November 30th at 7:30. No Evan Turner this time, but Jon Diebler who lit the Seminoles up from three point land a la Scott Wood is back.

On December 23rd, the 'Noles will take on Hawaii for the first time in 39 years (since the infamous game in which Hugh Durham was tossed by the ref and then refused to leave the floor forcing the refs to call the game as a forfeit, and Hawaii later in that tournament beating FSU 81-76) as part of the Diamond Head Classic. A game with Butler or Utah awaits after that game. Oh, and be sure to take a nap prior to the game with the Rainbows as tip off will be after 1:00 AM EST.

A few days before that the Seminoles will make use of the trip out west by playing at Loyola Marymount, prior to heading to Hawaii. The Lions were 18-16 last season, that included wins over Notre Dame and Gonzaga.

Other out of conference teams FSU has on the schedule is the return game at Auburn, FSU won last year 76-72, and a well placed source tells me UNCG will be coming to Tallahassee.

Other possibilities include Stetson, which has been on the schedule annually the last several years, and Jacksonville, the opponent FSU has played the most in its history (but they don't consult with me for some reason putting the schedule together, so we will have to see when the schedule is released how correct I am).

There was also talk a few years ago that once the College of Charleston built its new facility that they wanted FSU to come visit. I'm not sure if that has been finalized or not, but if it is I would think it would be a home and home series. You probably also recall former Seminole player Andrew Wilson is an assistant coach there.

As for the ACC part of the schedule, obviously the 'Noles will play home and home versus Clemson and Miami, the Seminoles primary conference partners. Home and away conference games will also include UNC, NC State, and Wake Forest. Conference home games only with no return trip will be Boston College, Duke, and Virginia. FSU will travel to Georgia Tech, Maryland (no Greveis Vasquez, aka Shimmy Boy, anymore to torture FSU fans), and Virginia Tech.

So it looks to be a pretty decent home schedule that FSU fans should enjoy coming out to see.

Another day, another Fearless Forecast from a ChantRant contributor

by Ryan for ChantRant

Best Case W - L Scenario? “Undefeated and national champions are always the best case scenario, and it really should be the end goal of every team, regardless how last season was. If it is not in the hearts and minds of everyone associated with the squad to be the best team in the nation, then we have already lost the season.”

Now what do you really think the final record will be? “Gee, after my own little rant, how can I put anything less than 12-0? From a pessimistic standpoint, I like a 9-3 regular season finish. However, I couldn’t tell you who the losses would be too.

“FSU in the past has had difficulty showing up for winnable games, and despite the regime change, I’m hard pressed to think differently. This is a team that could win an emotional game against Oklahoma, then fall flat against BYU. We face NC State on the road on a Thursday, and historically, the team has struggled with weekday games. But at least we have an off-week in between. Smart scheduling for once.

"Miami and Florida are always Miami and Florida.

“Following that, I predict we will lose the ACC Championship game to Virginia Tech, but win the Chick-Fil-A bowl to finish out as 10-4, FSUs first ten win season since 2003.“



The 2010 MVP? “The chic pick has been QB Christian Ponder, so I’m going on the other side of the ball and selecting LB Nigel Bradham. I think in a new defensive scheme, where he will have the opportunity to rotate among the three LB spots, as well the ability to blitz and play in coverage, will give Bradham the chance to really shine. He’ll break 100 tackles easily this season, and will have plenty of sacks and interceptions. With the increased pressure on the defense due to last year’s ineptitude, Bradham will be one of the key leaders in bringing back the old-school Seminole-style defense.

“The biggest shame is his success in 2010 will only mean another FSU linebacker is drafted to the NFL in the spring.”



Breakout Player of the Year? ”WR Rodney Smith. After the dismissal of Jarmon Fortson last week, Smith was anointed the starter opposite Bert Reed, and I feel FSU can only benefit from this. While Fortson was expected to be the breakout player, Smith possesses a lot of the same qualities that will give him a chance to put up huge numbers. Smith gives Ponder a huge deep threat (6’6’’, 220lbs), and coaches have been raving about him all spring and offseason. When Ponder unleashes a deep ball on 2nd and 8 from FSUs 35 yard line, look for Smith to be streaking down the sideline, pulling in another Seminole touchdown."

Top Newcomer? “CB LaMarcus Joyner. He comes in with the ability to contribute on all sides of the ball. He’ll be a situational cornerback, expected to see time on nickel and dime packages. He’ll be part of FSUs return team with fellow CB Greg Reid, and Coach Fisher even hinted about using Joyner in certain offensive sets. For a true freshman to come in and have a piece in each part of a football team is remarkable. What is even more remarkable is that Joyner could be a starter by the end of the season, if he continues on the pace he is at now.“

Low point of the season? “I think it happened already. Two players kicked off the team for breaking rules (Nigel Carr and Jarmon Fortson), and two players out for the season, one who was expected to contribute heavily (Moses McCrary and Tavares Pressley). Injuries happen, and McCrary and Pressley are unfortunate souls who hopefully will get a chance to come back down the road. Carr and Fortson are two idiots who needed to be made examples of. I told some friends following the Fortson incident that this isn’t Bobby’s team anymore, and I think the hard punishment on them will only curb future players desire to run afoul of the rules.”

High point of the season? “Winning ten games in a season for the first time in seven years, including our bowl game, will be a nice high point. It gives FSU hope again, it will show our desire to be among the nationally elite squads, and will show that Coach Fisher has what it takes to lead the Seminoles back to the promised land. We also will be in the mix for some top-tier recruits, and a successful season can only increase the chances of landing future Seminoles.“

When the season ends FSU fans will be saying...? “Only 230 days until FSU begins their quest as 2012 National Champions!”

Opponent Preview #3: Wake Forest

by TomRob

Wake Forest Demon Deacons
2009 Record:  5-7 (3-5 ACC)

OFFENSE

Scheme: When Jim Grobe first arrived at Wake, the Deacons were expected to run an option offense since Grobe had cut his coaching teeth at Air Force and ran an option attack at Ohio.  Instead, Grobe implemented a spread offense that utilized misdirection, wide receiver running plays, and motion. Once Riley Skinner took over at QB, however, Wake became more of a pass-oriented offense, finishing 26th in passing offense last season. With Skinner having graduated, expect Wake to revert back to an offense that features the option, misdirection, and lots of different players getting the ball on running plays. 

Quarterbacks: Skinner leaves Wake Forest as the school’s winningest and most productive QB.  A four-year starter, the Deacs will have a huge drop-off in experience as no other QB on the roster has even attempted a pass. However, the situation may not be as dire as it appears thanks to the fact that Wake will lean on the ground game. That would suit junior Skylar Jones just fine.  Jones, who came out of spring leading to start, is a tremendous athlete who runs the 40 in the 4.3-4.4 range and played some WR last year. As a passer, Jones has a ways to go as he struggles with accuracy, but as a runner Jones could be one of the more exciting QBs in the country.

Jones has two guys nipping at his heels. Redshirt freshman Brendan Cross, the son of the NFL’s Randy Cross, was not heavily recruited, but has a nice mix of arm strength and athleticism and is a surprising leader for a guy in his second year in the program.  Sophomore Ted Stachitas, who succeeded Tim Tebow in high school, is the best pure passer of the group, but nagging injuries have thwarted his development during his career. Stachitas has the athleticism to run the ball as well, but he is clearly the #3 now and needs to avoid injuries to climb up the depth chart.