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Parker Will Showcase His Versatility

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Michael McGuffee

Published: November 19, 2007

TALLAHASSEE: FSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said Monday that versatile sophomore Preston Parker will see snaps at tailback again this week, but will move back and forth from wide receiver against in-state rival Florida.

Parker moved over from wide receiver to start his first game at tailback in last Saturday's 24-16 win over Maryland, with FSU's top three backfield options sidelined with injuries. The Delray Beach native was also supposed to be a part-time tailback against the Terrapins, but ended up carrying the ball 20 times for 133 yards and a touchdown.

"We'll mix him," Fisher said in his weekly news conference Monday. "He'll still stay at tailback and play there. I mean he's too productive. We should have the guys back, but we'll still have to define their status and how effective everybody will be."

Both starting TB Antone Smith and backup Jamaal Edwards participated in Monday's light practice., but according to Coach Bobby Bowden, their status will continue to be evaluated throughout the week.

"Antone worked out tonight and Jamaal ran," Bowden said after practice Monday. "It's still kind of wait and see. So I guess we'll have to go through practice this week and see how they do."

Smith has suffered but played through several injuries this season, including a concussion, turf toe and an ankle sprain, but had yet to miss a game until sitting out against Maryland. Smith and Edwards both left the Virginia Tech game with shoulder injuries.

Parker, who has had a breakout year for the Seminoles, leads the team in all-purpose yards with 113 a game and has drawn comparisons to Florida's Percy Harvin after last week's performance. Fisher, however, wouldn't buy into the comparison.

"He's our Preston Parker," Fisher said. "That's who he is and what he is. He's got to have the ball in his hands and we've got to find ways to get it there."

GOING DEEP: FSU defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews made it clear Monday that his defense is not just worried about Florida's Heisman hopeful quarterback Tim Tebow, but also about a talented cast of receivers.

It doesn't help that FSU's leading cover CB Tony Carter suffered a left shoulder injury last Saturday against Maryland — a guy Andrews hopes to have healthy in time to take on the Gators' passing attack.

"We'd love to have him because he's one of our better cover guys," Andrews said. "If we don't have him then somebody else has just got to step up. You just gotta play with what you got. If he can play he'd be a welcomed player back."

Carter participated in parts of practice Monday with his injured left shoulder wrapped up.

"I was surprised Tony Carter was running out there as well," Bowden said. "[He] went through some drills, but I don't know what his status will be."

NOLE NUGGETS: Redshirt freshman QB Christian Ponder likely will remain with the second team again this week, but redshirt junior Xaver Lee still is getting reps under center. … Sophomore WR Damon McDaniel, who did not dress against Maryland due to catching the flu, is expected to be available for Saturday's game against Florida.

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