As the 2010 College Football season approaches, the Florida State Seminoles have a starting quarterback that is the subject of warranted preseason hype for the first time in years. The quantum leap that Christian Ponder made between the 2008 and 2009 season caught a lot of people off guard. Sure there were encouraging off-season reports of his hard work and improved understanding of Jimbo Fisher's offense, but after a certain amount of sunshine pumped, people tend to write everything off as "coach speak". This season however, the positive things said about Ponder aren't just coming from the program. Fans and media alike have witnessed Christian Ponder's growth as a quarterback and leader under the tutelage of Jimbo Fisher. This season, another one of Fisher's star pupils, Dameyune Craig will do his best to help continue Ponder's progress as a college QB in his final season as a Seminole.
Position Coach: Head Coach Jimbo Fisher's specialty is developing an efficient and effective Quarterback. In 2010, Ponder will get a double dose of sorts, as his QB Coach will be Dameyune Craig, former Auburn quarterback who was coached by none other than, Jimbo Fisher. Craig still holds passing records at Auburn to this day. He has as strong of an understanding on what it takes to be successful in Jimbo Fisher's offense as anyone and his presence is particularly important for this reason: When Jimbo Fisher is focused on Christian Ponder in practice, Dameyune Craig can give EJ Manuel, Will Secord or Clint Trickett instruction and guidance that is nearly equal to what they would be receiving from Fisher. Obviously that scenario can work the other way around as well.
Players: Florida State has the benefit of having the best two-deep at quarterback in the nation. Of course there's Christian Ponder who shoulders tremendous expectations this season. The only questions surrounding Ponder entering his final season at FSU are how he will bounce back from off-season shoulder surgery and whether or not he can avoid getting banged up throughout the season. In both 2008 and 2009, Ponder ended his year either playing hurt or sitting out because of injury. Reports continue to reiterate that Ponder's shoulder has recovered well and the hype and pressure surrounding his senior season has not seemed to phase him in his interaction with the media. He has continued to be an outstanding ambassador for Florida State through charity work and demonstrating a strong understanding of his importance to the image of the FSU football program. One thing that should be noted about Ponder, that probably isn't mentioned enough, is his diligence in the weight room and on the practice field. Often, when a player is pushed by the media hype-machine, the incredible amount of hard work he puts in goes forgotten or gets overlooked. Christian Ponder is more than a media darling, he's a tough, gritty competitor that leads the Seminoles by example.
Ponder's back up is RS-Sophomore EJ Manuel. Manuel is a very bright and gifted athlete that has yet to meet his full potential as a college QB but was given the opportunity to shine last season when Christian Ponder went down against Clemson. Manuel performed admirably in his first taste of major playing time at the collegiate level. EJ Manuel is Jimbo Fisher's first hand picked QB out of high school to be recruited to play at Florida State. He was recruited as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation in 2008 and despite only 4 starts, is a fan favorite. He performed well under pressure against Maryland by leading FSU on a game winning drive set up by a Greg Reid punt return. Manuel's star will continue to rise as he learns and grows under the watch of coaches Craig and Fisher and follows the example of Christian Ponder. Manuel is also recovering from off-season surgery, reportedly well.
Newcomers/Other Contributors: Behind Manuel and Ponder are two players that aren't expected to see the field in 2010, RS-Freshman Will Secordand Freshman Clint Trickett. Both are solid players that have a lot to learn. Fortunately for them, they have time to grow and develop and eventually challenge for playing time.
FSU vs. Maryland, EJ Manuel's only home start.
Comments
Doesn't it feel good not to have to worry about the QB position anymore? WOW....
Thanks for reading Brandon. And yes its definitely a refreshing feeling!
Nothing from the 4th quarter from that game?
I just hope EJ can get some strength in his arm. His throws are super-slow. If he can get some zing, hello Heisman!!
@BC Manuel played hurt last season. He had a shoulder injury that altered his arm strength which is why he was floating the ball so much. Had he not played through the pain we would've had to waste a redshirt on Will Secord and likely lost all of our remaining games. EJ had surgery on that injured shoulder back in the spring and has been recovering well.
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