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RBs Banged Up After Loss To Hokies

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Michael McGuffee

Published: November 13, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - TALLAHASSEE - Florida State received quite a scare this past weekend as running backs one, two and three on the depth chart were all banged up in Saturday's 41-20 loss to Virginia Tech. Starter Antone Smith and backup Jamaal Edwards both suffered shoulder injuries during the game, while third-string option Russell Ball hurt his ankle.

"I don't think Ball will be ready because of his ankle, but I think the other two tailbacks will be OK," FSU coach Bobby Bowden said after practice Tuesday. "Nothing real serious about them so we'll see if we can get them some work tomorrow. I'd be surprised if those two aren't ready to go by Saturday."
According to Smith, who did not practice again Tuesday, he will most likely be held out of contact this week, but expects to play in Saturday's conference game against Maryland.

While coaches seem optimistic for the return of both Smith and Edwards, they have quietly been preparing others to fill in at tailback if needed. Bowden said Monday that other than redshirt freshman QB D'Vontrey Richardson, he did not want to elaborate on other possible candidates. Running backs coach Dexter Carter also declined to address the running back situation.

However, WR Preston Parker said openly Tuesday that he has also been working at running back, along with Richardson and FB Seddrick Holloway, and expects to start Saturday against Maryland.
"I think it's great," Parker said on playing running back. "Just got to learn all the running plays and all the protections. Basically I'm going to be starting. I'm going to get a lot of touches and I'm going to go to receiver too at the same time.

"I talked to Coach Carter and he's giving me hints and tips on what to do."

NEED FOR ROSE: Sophomore LT Daron Rose is expected to return this week after suffering a sprained knee against Boston College. Rose participated in all of practice both Monday and Tuesday and, according to offensive line coach Rick Trickett, the Noles need him back.

"Our left tackle had a long day [against Virginia Tech]," Trickett said. "We've got to get Daron back in there as quick as we can."

Senior David Overmyer slid over from right tackle to fill in for Rose against the Hokies, a position he has not played much before this season. This week Trickett hopes to have Rose back at left tackle, Overmyer at right and move senior Shannon Boatman back to guard.

"It's been a roller-coaster ride," Trickett said on the progression of the offensive line. "We got four procedure penalties up there in the game and all four of them are by three seniors. I've got a freshman and a redshirt freshman out there and they don't get any. That stuff's driving me crazy."

VERDELL OUT: Junior LB Toddrick Verdell may be out for the rest of the season after suffering what Bowden believed has been ruled a broken foot against Virginia Tech. The Hartwell, Ga. native has worn a boot to practice each day this week.

Verdell, a converted safety, has impressed coaches this season with his versatility and provided much needed depth last week with Marcus Ball suspended and Rodney Gallon injured.

NOLE NUGGETS: Bowden confirmed Tuesday that sophomore LB Marcus Ball will play this week after serving a one game suspension for violating team policy. … CB Tony Carter (head and groin) did not practice Tuesday, but has been cleared and expects to return today.

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