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.