Ward better than Tebow!

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Prodigal Son Returns Home!!!

That's right, one the most famous and recognizable athlete's in FSU's history returned to campus, Deion Sanders. He was accompanied by some Pee Wee players that he helps coach in his camp back in Dallas, Texas. This brings some much needed love to the program from one it's best of all time. It has been rumored that Sanders had a grudge against FSU, but never really confirmed. FSU's football program was in some need of some good pr in the news and Sanders brought it. Not only was he saying great things about the this year's team, but he also had his campers (future prospects) doing the war chant. He had a chance to speak to this year's team and help motivate them, which couldn't come at a better time because practice will be starting soon. Deion's words should help quiet any rumors and show his true love for the school he helped put on the map in college football.

College Football Running Back Rankings (Pre-season)

Southeastern Running Backs for 2009 - Fall:

Here is a breakdown of the running backs that I think people should pay attention to this coming year within the southeastern nation.

1. Jonathan Dywer, Georgia Tech. It will be interesting how the rest of college football responds to the sophomore season of the triple option run by Ga Tech. Dywer was able to put up some big numbers last years. With all the mis-direction the offense presents, he should have another big year.

2. C.J. Spiller, Clemson University. Now the main man in the back field, he will have more opportunities for some explosive runs. But, Spiller could be the only offense for the team and should be heavily relied on, which leads to more focus from defenses.

3. Noel Devine, West Virginia. To truly appreciate Noel you should type his name into YouTube. Kind of boring to watch down to down, but is always good for at least a few big runs a game and at least one jaw dropping moment. Recommend watching highlights when West Virginia is mentioned.

4. Charles Scott, Keiland Williams, and Richard Murphy, LSU. It never seems to matter what running back is in the back field in order to run the ball. I have always been a fan of Williams and not a fan of the running back by committee. It is hard to get in a rhythm for a running back when he has to take a series off.

5. Jermaine Thomas, FSU. I am excited about the possibility of Thomas getting a large amount of carries throughout a game. Has the ability to be a great college running back. Also, catches the ball well out of the backfield, which is a huge part of Jimbo Fisher’s offense. I predict he will rush for over 1,000 yards, not done since Warrick Dunn.

6. Darren Evans, Virginia Tech. Very talented player that works in a very quick offense. He came on big in the middle of the season last year and now moves into the spot as the main man. Va Tech has always seemed to have a good running back and now they realized there is one on the team, they will use him to full capacity.

7. Brandon Bolden, Ole Miss. A potentially great all-around player in Bolden, who will have a much larger role as a starter in the backfield this year. A lot is expected out of the Rebels this coming year. With a great quarterback under center, Bolden should complement the offense very well in whatever play is called.

8. Andre Anderson, Tulane University. Anderson got injured half way through the year past season but not before putting up some big numbers. Hard to keep up with him because of not playing on a national stage, however when you view stats for running backs this year, he should be on top or close to it.

9. Carlton Thomas, Georgia. Some big shoes to fill in the back field because of the departure of Knowson Moreno. Thomas is more than likely going to be the best candidate to fill the spot. He will have to build some confidence in his game, but the whole offense will have to be doing the same thing. Possible ‘running back by committee’ at first, in order to find who will step up, Thomas should separate himself as the year goes on.

10. Tim Tebow, Florida. Often confused as a quarterback, but I see right through his little game. Has a lot of will power to run over a defense. And sometimes fakes a run and then throws the ball somewhat like a quarterback. Pretty unstoppable once he approaches the goal line. Not that you will have to search to hear this player’s name because he should be plastered everywhere. Just note that when the media mentions the greatest college quarterback of all time, please just realize he is a running back first.

Balance of Talent

Congratulations to the LSU Tigers baseball team. They won their sixth national championship since 1990. In watching them play I noticed some familiar names on the field. The first player I noticed was Chad Jones, who not only plays on the baseball team but is probably better known for his talent on the football field. Jones was brought into the game as a middle reliever pitcher and made his presence known by striking batters out with his fastball. He started the season as an outfielder but struggled some and then decided to try out pitcher, which seemed to work. On the football field, he is a hard hitting safety on defense.

Another player I recognized playing in the outfield was Jared Mitchell, who also plays wide receiver on the football team. Mitchell was recently drafted in the first round of the MLB draft. On the football field, he is not a big star but still gets some reps on offense.

This got me to thinking about what seems to be a current dilemma at Florida State University. For some reason a player must choose one sport to focus on and can not do well at both. Take for example from my recent posting about D'Vontrey Richardson. He like the two LSU players is a very talented athlete and may even be better than the two in either respective sports, football or baseball. Yet for some reason the coaches on both sides do not know how to manage a talented athlete excelling at both sports. Gone are the days of Deion Sanders or Charlie Ward, who excelled in two sports while in college. Now of days it causes so much of a problem that both sides just try to ignore the player and alienate him into quitting. Football coaches have not been in contact with Richardson since the season was over. And in baseball he saw his time severely diminish. Yet he was good enough to be drafted in the fifth round of the MLB draft.

Can FSU please start to get their act together when it comes to player relations? They seem to practice the philosophy that he who cares the least, wins. However, it seems like no one is winning. It makes me feel sorry for D'Vontrey in that he stuck with the school he choose out of high school, when he could have gone to a school like LSU and could've had better opportunities.

Fun Fact.

Leon Washington, in his interview by ESPN the magazine, made it known that he likes to drop a deuce before a game. "I gotta take a dump. It's a huge benefit to release that gas you don't need. The facilities are beautiful. We're spoiled. If I get a good one, I know I am gonna score two touchdowns." I couldn't have said it better myself. I can see the pre-game reporters now, "Leon just dropped a giant one so he should have at least 2 touchdowns today, which makes for a long day for the Miami Dolphins." Let this be a lesson to all you youngsters out there, in order to fully succeed on the playing field, it all starts in the toilet.

If you are a fantasy football player, make Leon your first pick this coming year. This is the kind of information you need in order to pick a fantasy stud. He is the back up running back and special teams ace for the New York Jets.

Good News!!!

Finally, FSU football receives some good news. 5-star defensive tackle recruit, Jacobbi McDaniel has made up his mind as to what his future will be, and that is football. McDaniel was recently drafted in the 30th round of the major league baseball draft. At first it seemed to be a no brainer that he should pass on baseball and pursue football. However, the Milwaukee Brewers threw a wretch into the decision by offering him a contract of $800,000. A lot of money for a kid just coming out of high school. But, after weighing his options and future in either sport, he decided on football at FSU. After reading interviews on McDaniel and his decision, it sounds like he had a lot of good people helping him. Education is one big reason why is declined the easy money right now because he foresees more money with an education.

His next phase in life moves pretty quickly after making his decision. He will report to FSU this coming Saturday to begin summer workouts with his new team mates. McDaniel brings much needed depth to the defensive line. He has a very good chance of being a starter or at least being heavily used in the rotation on the line. The future looks bright for this kid and who knows, in a few years the NFL may come calling and offer a substantial amount of money. Work hard and it all should pay off in the end.

Please play football...

Dear D’Vontrey Richardson,

Let me first apologize for all the frustration you were put through last year with the football team. You really had some flashes of greatness and set some impressive records. However, the team decided to go the safe route at quarterback instead of possible greatness. I greatly appreciate the hard work you put in last year on the football field and the great strides you made in progressing as a quarterback. I know your love of playing baseball made it impossible to fully commit to one sport.

With all of your athletic talent as a football player, I would like to ask you to come to practice and try out for the wide receiver position. This position has had a lot of set backs in the off season and we would love to use your stellar talent. I believe in your abilities on the football field and think you would be a huge asset to the offense. Also, I know baseball is looking very interesting as a possible future for you. However, by making the transition to wide receiver, it might just make you a valuable commodity for the NFL.

So let me officially say that the football team needs you, even though some of the coaches are a little humiliated to admit it. I promise if you continue to work as hard as you have in the past you will have a very successful rest of your career on the college football field.

Yours truly,

R-Squared (FSU fan)

College Football QB Ranking (Pre-season) continued

Rest of the Nation Quarterbacks for 2009 - Fall:

This is a continued post from a previous look at upcoming quarterbacks. While I have already covered the Southeastern region, here is my take on the rest of the nation.

1. Colt McCoy, University of Texas. With one of the greatest names in college football since Major Applewhite, McCoy is poised to have a great senior season. He has led the Texas offense since his freshman year and should finally win the Heisman trophy this football season.

2. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma University. Probably should have tested the NFL waters but decided to at least wait another year. His offense will be missing some major receiving threats and offensive line players.

3. Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State. High power offense with the best wide receiver in the nation, Dez Bryant, Robinson has all the tools to have stellar season.

4. Robert Griffin, Baylor University. This upcoming season will be his sophomore campaign and he should be a one man show for Baylor. Probably the most athletic quarterback in recent years in college football. He had an outstanding offseason for conditioning - could be a Heisman hopeful by year’s end.

5. Case Keenum, University of Houston. Who you ask? Last year he passed for 5,020 yds, 44 TD’s passing and 7 rushing TD’s, 11 INT’s. He has some lofty numbers to follow up from his sophomore year, but playing in conference USA should allow him to put up those numbers again.

6. Kellen Moore, Boise State. As a freshman last year he led the team to an undefeated season. Another player that operates in a high powered offense and has a lot demanded of him to run it.

7. Max Hall, BYU. BYU has been known in the past for putting out some great college quarterbacks and it looks that trend is being reignited with Hall. Has a big showcase game against Oklahoma to open up the season and then they hose Florida State a couple of weeks later.

8. Todd Reesing, Kansas University. Little guy with a big arm. He is the major reason Kansas has been so successful in the past couple years and he will finish up a great career in a really good conference for quarterbacks.

9. Colin Kaepernick, Nevada. A 6’6” QB that passes and runs for touchdowns. With 2,849 yards passing, 22 touchdowns passing and 1,130 yards rushing, 17 rushing touchdowns, he shows some impressive numbers. He is the team's main playmaker and as long as he stays healthy with all this work load he should have the same numbers this coming year. Hopefully this will lead to team wins.

10. Taylor Potts, Texas Tech. Head Coach Mike Leach always has a quarterback that can run this massive pass attack offense and Potts will be the new man in the backfield putting up huge numbers.

NBA Playoffs

For those of you who do not watch NBA basketball playoffs on a regular basis, do yourself a favor and watch the Orlando Magic on Thursday night at 8:30 eastern. They have a 3 games to 1 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers, who had the best record in the NBA during the regular season. The Magic were underdogs coming into this series against the Cavs. I clearly remember the NBA "experts" say that the series would not be much of one - and that the Cavs should easily handle the Magic. I guess they got lost in all of the Lebron hype and forgot that it takes a team to win a championship and not one player. Lebron has been very impressive in the games but everyone else looks like they should be playing on the streets. Anyway, if you want to watch some good basketball check out the Magic-Cavs series. Do not get confused with what is going on in the other series playoff (Lakers-Nuggets). My prediction, which is not that bold of a pick, is the Magic will take the entire NBA championship.

Sports Talk Radio

I don't know about a lot of people but I really enjoy my sports talk radio. It helps pass the time in the car and always gives something new to think about. However, I find myself less and less in my car from day to day around town...which means my sports talk radio car time is very valuable. I remember the days of going to school, waiting for a parking spot, killing time and feeding my sports knowledge with the likes of ESPN radio and local FSU coverage. Fast forward to present day where there is no longer ESPN radio in town and local coverage is on at a time where I am away from the radio.

Now I am forced to listen to the Jim Rome "In the Jungle" program when I am in the car. After observing this program for about six months, I am not sure where the sports comes into play and where the insight comes from. He is always reading e-mails from listeners who sign some famous sport's name after blurting some stupid banter. It is mind-blowing that this guy has been around for so long and even has a television show. (I find myself admiring Jim Everett from 10 years ago for tackling him just for being his regular self.) I would say if you never heard him before to tune in, but wait. That would be stupid because it would help his ratings. Take it from me, if you enjoy real sports information and updates then do not listen to Jim Rome, it might just lower some IQ points.

Jermaine Thomas

This upcoming season for FSU football the player I believe will have the biggest impact for the team will be Jermaine Thomas. I feel like this will be the first year where seniority does not rule and the truly best player for that position will be the starter. Thomas will be the starting running back for FSU and is only a sophomore. He was electrifying last year when he was in the backfield and showed everyone glimpses of how great his future could be. With a much improved offensive line and the talent of Thomas, the combination could be deadly. This will allow FSU to not rely so heavily on passing the ball to move it down the field but have a balance on offense. The last statement was often stated in years past but I have a feeling this year it can be backed up. Finally, a running back that can be featured because he earned that title, not because he has been on the team longer.

College Football QB Rankings (Pre-season)

With about three months until college football dominates most of our time, I thought it would be fun to do a post spring ball rankings by positions. Leading up until the fall season, I will rank the top 10 players in QB, RB and WR and break them down by geographical location within the nation. I will judge the players by what they have done in the previous season and spring practice. By evaluating their work throughout the past year, I will be able to figure out who has the most potential to succeed next year and how they rank according to my calculations.

Southeastern Quarterbacks for 2009 - Fall:

1. Jevon Snead, Ole Miss. The best QB in the SEC this coming season, possibly in the nation. This guy is a winner and will have to do a lot himself for Ole Miss to win. You will hear a lot of his name this coming year because of his NFL potential and competing nationally with other QBs for individual awards.

2. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas. After sitting out a year because of his transfer from Michigan, Mallett is ready to start picking apart defenses in the SEC. Great pocket passer with a rocket of an arm and a huge presence under center. Resembles a lot like Matt Stafford but better I believe.

3. Austin Davis, Southern Miss. As a freshman he had huge numbers. Coached by Larry Fedora and with one more year under his belt he should have another great year. Don’t be surprised if you hear this guy’s name this coming year, along with Southern Miss.

4. Jordan Jefferson, LSU. I saw this guy play sparingly last year while LSU tried to figure out what to do with the QB position. After routing Ga Tech last year in the bowl game, it seems they have an answer.

5. Willy Korn, Clemson. Tough to say what will happen with this guy. I just have a gut feeling he is going to do pretty well in the ACC as long as the coaching staff doesn’t hinder him.

6. Nick Stephens, Tennessee. Even though as of now he is not the starter, more than likely he will be by the time the season starts. He seems to have more confidence than the starter Jonathan Crompton. Not sure how Crompton is still the starter, but not really sure about a lot of the things Tennessee has done in the off season.

7. Tyrod Taylor, Va Tech. Not a huge fan of his style of play, but I can not deny him. Really quick player and throws the ball if he has too. If he has matures a little more he should have a great year, however, history shows that Va Tech QB’s normally do not mature.

8. John Brantley, UF. The best QB on his team and he does not even play. Put on a show in the spring game, surrounded by speed, but because the guy in front of him was to selfish to move on, he will have to wait another year.

9. Cam Sexton, UNC. TJ Yates is transferring leaving the job to Cam Sexton, who led the team to several victories without skipping a beat when Yates went down with an injury.

10. Christian Ponder, FSU. Not completely sold on him. The only guy in the list that I saw in action at spring practice. I am just blindly hoping that somehow Jimbo Fisher does knows what he is doing.

The Future is Barry Sanders! Junior that is.

Many were disappointed when Barry Sanders hung up his shoes in 1998. After 10 years of highlights, the running back decided to retire. He still had mileage left in his legs and ankles to give fans a few more years. Fret not people, for Mr. Sanders has a son, Barry Sanders Jr. He is finishing up his freshmen year at Heritage Hall H.S. located in Oklahoma. His freshmen year he suited up for the varsity team, listed at 5-10 170lb. Remember this kid has 3 more years of high school and chances are he will go to an Oklahoma university once he is done with high school. Definitely keep an eye on this kid in the coming years. I know I will. I can still remember his Dad playing and being amazed by what he did on the football field. Now I can see a glimpse of that talent in his son and I am excited about the possibilities of seeing another Barry Sanders on the football field making jaws drop.

Check out the video of the young Sanders:

Third Time Not a Charm

For the third year in a row Deion Sanders was snubbed by the College Football Hall of Fame. The man who revolutionized the corner back position for any level of football is still not considered to be Hall of Fame material. He did not invent the self-promotion, but he perfected it. His self-promotion was only dictating the truth, that he is the best on the field. Who can say they taunted an entire team and fans about how he was going to take a punt return back for a touchdown and then actually do it? Umm...let me think Deion Sanders.

What is the criteria for a College Football Hall of Famer. Lets take a look at some of this year's inductees.
- Tim Brown, Heisman trophy winner, great receiver, and did not wear gloves throughout his career (only real receivers don't need the aid of gloves to catch footballs). Great pick by the hall.
- Gino Torretta, Heisman trophy winner, product of Miami's great teams in the from a couple decades ago. All right pick.
- Chuck Cecil, former walk-on at the University of Arizona. 21 career interceptions as a corner back. Kind of player you feared to catch a ball in his area. White guy. Feel good pick.
- Gordon Hudson, TE from BYU. Played in early 80's. Probably Mormon. Very weak pick.
- William Lewis, Center from Harvard. Harvard plays football? First African-American team captain.
- Curt Warner, not that Kurt Warner, the RB from Penn State. Good stats, only because he played 4 years. Confusion name pick.
- Dick MacPherson, head coach (UMass, Syracuse). 111-73-5 overall record. 11-0-1 record in 1987 season at Syracuse. Only coach to win at Syracuse pick.

In all there were 16 players and 2 coaches inducted into the hall.

Anyway whether you like Deion or not you can not deny his greatness on the football field. He would take away an entire section of the field for opposing offenses. There is no question he will eventually get into this Hall of Fame. But, the fact that he has been snubbed three times is pretty idiotic.

Check out the website of the College Football Hall of Fame. I am pretty sure it was designed by one of the board member's kids.

NFL Draft Recap 2009

First impression of the 2009 NFL Draft was one of confusion. The only pick that seemed to go according to plan was the 1st pick of Matthew Stafford to the Detroit Lions. Stafford had an impressive career at Georgia and his abilities should translate well in the NFL. After that the picks were either, I don't care because that team is going to suck anyway, or left me shaking my head wondering what they were thinking. At times it was as if the teams took the "do not pick" list of players and started to choose at random different players. For example, Graham Gano, best all around kicker in college football last year was not drafted, but other obvious "do not pick" kickers were taken. The most clutch kicker in college football last year was not even shown a bit of respect in the draft. At least Mel Kiper showed respect to his abilities.

Another ridiculous pick was that of the Oakland Raiders, who drafted a wide receiver from Maryland. His name eludes me but apparently he had a 4.3, 40 at the combine. Michael Crabtree was still on the board, what?!. It was like Helen Keller was brought in to help draft for the Raiders and picked him because his name felt cool on the Braille sheet. This is what happens when you have a senile old hipster have full rein of a professional team. Also, a wide receiver from Florida was drafted by the Raiders, enough said.

Florida State and Miami had a very poor showing at the draft. But USC put out a bunch of prospects to the NFL, once again riding the hype machine of USC brought about by ESPN and other media outlets. There seems to be a changing of the guard within the front offices of NFL teams led by new generation young people picking players only because they were listed on top pick lists in each position created by the media. The teams I was impressed by were those run by older executives who know how evaluate talent and how it could be used for the team.

Here are a few observations I will take away from the draft:

Team that did there homework - Baltimore Ravens, there first pick of Michael Oher (OT, Ole Miss) gives them one of the best O-lineman in college football last year and has the work ethic that will make him successful in the NFL. Also, by picking up Graham Gano in free agency gives them an absolute steal (this is the real reason I picked the Ravens). They got positions they need to fill by getting players who will be able to come in and play right away.

Honorable mention - Cincy Bengals (started very strong with picks, got a steal with Michael Johnson but then faded). Miami Dolphins (I love creativity and by drafting Pat White it shows what they are trying to accomplish next year on offense).

Most intriguing pick - Pat White (QB/WR/anything, West Virginia). Wildcat offense in the NFL should be interesting with White in the backfield. Dolphins were very successful with this offense last year and by having White as a weapon should be pretty interesting to witness this coming season.

Disappointing team - Tampa Bay Bucs (my team). Very uninspiring. Wasted first round pick. Young coach shows the direction he wants to take the team and it doesn't seem very smart. They had better do well in free agency or it is going to be a long year.

Most overrated player - Mark Sanchez (QB, USC). USC QB enough said.

Honorable mention - Percy Harvin, his lack of having a brain may get him trouble, but at least he is not in the back field of a certain college team.

Instant bust or waste of pick - Rhett Bomar (QB, who cares U). This guy was drafted but not Graham Harrell, mind blowing.