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Andrews Excited About Defensive Prospects

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 6, 2008

TALLAHASSEE Mickey Andrews arrived at Florida State in 1983 with the challenge to build a championship defense and help the Seminoles become a football powerhouse.

The veteran defensive coordinator will enter his 25th preseason camp today with an equally big challenge — to guide FSU's return to the national elite after consecutive 7-6 seasons.

"We're excited about it," Andrews said of the upcoming season and challenges. "When you're in coaching, you have to judge yourself by what the team does, too. I don't think there is a coach on our staff who sees themselves as a 7-6 coach and I don't think we have a player at that point. And we're not."

"We'll get a chance this year to find out if we can coach and if we're going to step up as players and get the job done. I'm looking forward to it. I think all our guys are as much as any time we've been here."

Andrews loses four starters off a defense that ranked eighth in the ACC in total defense during the regular season. At least five current players with starting experience won't be available for the season opener. Yet Andrews is energized by the progress his players have made since the Music City Bowl.

"It appears to have been an outstanding offseason for us," Andrews said. "The guys, according to Todd [Stroud, FSU's strength coach] are probably in the best shape that we've had in a group in a long time. They're stronger, moving better and more confident in what they are doing. They've also spent a lot of time studying the game.

"I think they'll come in mentally and physically ready to work."

Steve Ellis

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