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Hayes Demoted But Makes Impact

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 30, 2007

JACKSONVILLE - Florida State WLB Geno Hayes, demoted to the second team Saturday because of an incident that ended in his arrest last week, sat out the first quarter before entering during Alabama's first possession in the second quarter.

Hayes was in for only two plays before Alabama was forced to punt, but he made his presence felt on the first play of the next series. On that play, Hayes sprinted through the line and snagged Crimson Tide TB Terry Grant for a 3-yard loss.

The junior finished the game third on the team with seven total tackles, two for a loss. He also forced a fumble that prevented Alabama from converting a third-down play.

'It was very important since the media had taken it out of proportion and to the next level,' Hayes said of his arrest outside a Tallahassee bar. 'It was very important for me to take that criticism and use it for motivation.

'I was very anxious to play. I just wanted to go out and prove a statement. You have to learn from your mistakes and keep moving.'

Hayes said he had no idea prior to the game when he would enter or how much playing time he would get.

'I didn't have a clue,' Hayes said. 'They just told me I would be out and whenever they called me to go in.'

FIRST TO 100: Greg Carr was the first FSU receiver to reach the century mark in 2007, finishing with a team-leading 107 receiving yards on five catches. It was Carr's fifth 100-yard receiving effort of his career and his first since Oct. 14, 2006, against Duke.

PIUROWSKI STARTS: TE Caz Piurowski got his first start of the season back at his old position and recorded one reception for 8 yards. Piurowski switched to offensive tackle in the offseason, but he was asked to return to tight end after Charlie Graham pulled his hamstring last week.

The sophomore, who says he hopes to stay at tight end for the remainder of the season, was still wearing the tight end eligible, but nameless No. 87 jersey against Alabama.

INJURIES: Starting FB Marcus Sims suffered a fractured right ankle and was carried off the field during FSU's second drive of the game. TB Antone Smith was tackled into Sims from behind on the play and his ankle was caught up underneath.

RT David Overmyer left the game in the second quarter with what looked to be a right knee injury. Overmyer was able to walk off the field on his own power, but he did not return and was replaced by senior Shannon Boatman.

MISSING OUT: Jacksonville native John Frady, who converted from center to tight end this season, was unable to play in his hometown. A back injury continues to keep the senior on the sidelines.

Frady started 21 games at center in his Seminoles career before switching positions.

SHAW CLEARED: Senior WR Joslin Shaw, who has missed the first four games of the season for his involvement in an academic scandal, has been cleared to play for next week's game.

EXTRA POINTS: Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, who said he liked being in the coaches' box for the first time against Colorado, was back on the sideline against Alabama. ... Saturday's scoreless first half was the first for an FSU game since Oct. 3, 1971, against Virginia Tech. ... FSU's win over Alabama is the team's first against an SEC opponent other than Florida since 1991.

Michael McGuffie

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