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Bowden Tempted To Shift Parker To RB

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 19, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - At first, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden was hesitant to toss the Noles' most productive receiver into the backfield. When offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher first proposed using Preston Parker at tailback against Maryland, Bowden had a list of concerns:

"Will he be able to find the hole? Can he hang onto the ball? Are we barking up the wrong tree with this kid?" Bowden asked Fisher.

Once Fisher assured Bowden that Parker was FSU's best option to replace injured starter Antone Smith and Smith's injured backups, Jamaal Edwards and Russell Ball, Parker changed positions against the Terps. And then he took his first handoff and raced 20 yards.

"The apprehension I had going in, the first play, he changed most of that," Bowden said Sunday. All the sophomore did was rush for 133 yards and a touchdown in FSU's 24-16 victory.

Now what?

With Smith's status for Saturday's season finale at Florida still in question, Parker will most likely receive more work in the backfield this week in practice. But more importantly, what will the Noles do with Parker beyond this season? Will they consider moving him permanently to running back?

"It's going to be very tempting," Bowden said. "I'll let the offensive staff decide that, but I bet it's going to be very tempting. It just shows you've got options."

Of course, the downside of moving Parker permanently to running back is that Smith, a running back his entire career, would see much less playing time. Parker's versatility allows him to play receiver and running back. He also returns punts and has shown a strong arm on two pass attempts this season.

If given a choice, Parker prefers to remain at receiver.

"I would rather help instead of just being the main back," Parker said Sunday, still sore from the extra contact he took from Maryland's defensive linemen and linebackers. "They were using my face to get off the ground. They kept doing it the whole game; kept talking and punching under the pile."

WHAT WENT RIGHT: FSU raced to an early 21-3 lead by scoring three touchdowns on its first three drives into the red zone. QB Drew Weatherford showed no ill effects from a concussion sustained the week prior and Parker immediately showed he could play running back, rushing for 51 yards and an 18-yard touchdown in the first quarter.

WHAT WENT WRONG: Well, the offense stalled and didn't score again until a Gary Cismesia field goal in the fourth quarter. "The mystery Saturday was what happened after the first 21 points. All of a sudden, it was one, two, three and you're out," Bowden said.

INJURY REPORT: Starting CB Tony Carter (shoulder) was forced to leave the game, marking the second consecutive week he missed most of the game due to injury.

Scott Carter

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