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Notebook: FSU QB Richardson Gaining Ground

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 24, 2007

TALLAHASSEE At the start of two-a-days in August, redshirt freshman QB De'Vontrey Richardson, who spent last spring playing baseball, said he "didn't know anything" about first-year offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher's playbook. Richardson walked off the field following Wednesday's practice much more prepared.

"I'd say I'm about 85 percent with the playbook," Richardson said. "I just have to learn more of the signs he gives and some of the protection."

A large portion of FSU fans wanted Fisher and FSU coach Bobby Bowden to give Richardson a real shot at being the team's starting quarterback after both Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee were unable to keep the job. But when Lee was demoted to second string following Saturday's loss to Miami, Weatherford regained the job.

Richardson said he hasn't received any extra work in practice this week.

"I haven't taken any [reps]," he said. "It's just all the ones and twos."

While it appears he won't get any significant playing time this season, Richardson believes he and fellow redshirt freshman Christian Ponder can challenge Weatherford and Lee for the job next spring.

"Xavier and Drew are ahead of us right now," Richardson said. "We've just got to keep learning from them. In the offseason, we've got to work harder and study film."

THACKER CLEARED: DT Budd Thacker has been cleared to play Saturday against Duke. Thacker resolved an undisclosed "university issue" on Wednesday according to Bowden.

Thacker started the first three games but has missed the last four games – three due to a fractured toe and Saturday's game against Miami because he was ineligible. Thacker is relieved he can finally return to the field.

"It's definitely a good deal," he said after being told by a football team official to talk only about football. "I've can't wait to play."

BATTLE TESTED: As a first-year starter in 2005, Weatherford won seven of his first eight starts. After a three-game losing streak, Weatherford regrouped and led the Noles to an upset victory over Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship Game.

Bowden is counting on Weatherford to rekindle some of that past success as the Noles try to finish strong against several teams Weatherford defeated as a redshirt freshman starter.

"I think he is more confident," Bowden said. "The thing is, he has beaten Duke before; he has beaten Maryland; he has beaten Boston College; he has beaten Virginia Tech. At least you've got that."

NOLE NUGGETS: Sophomore DE Kevin McNeil, involved in an academic-fraud scandal that includes 23 FSU student-athletes, is not expected back this season. Bowden said he likely will be redshirted … WR Greg Carr is expected to have the cast removed from his wrist in the next couple of days and play against Duke … DT Emmanuel Dunbar suffered a concussion in the Miami game and is questionable for Duke.

Scott Carter

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