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Ponder Named Seminoles' Starter

Tribune photo by COLIN HACKLEY

Christian Ponder, left, has overtaken Drew Weatherford as starting QB for the Noles for Saturday's opener.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 4, 2008

Updated: 09/04/2008 09:21 am

TALLAHASSEE In a loss to Virginia Tech last season, Florida State coaches figured that they might have something good in Christian Ponder. They liked even more what they saw in the Texan during spring practice.

And now, after a closely contested battle among Ponder, veteran Drew Weatherford and redshirt sophomore D'Vontrey Richardson, FSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher has named Ponder the starting quarterback for Saturday's opener against Western Carolina.

Fisher informed Bobby Bowden, who has insisted that the choice would be Fisher's, and then told the three quarterbacks.

"It's so tight," Bowden said after Wednesday's practice. "It's a tough decision."

Bowden said he liked what he saw from all three quarterbacks.

"I feel real good about our quarterbacking," he said. "We're real solid there. I support his decision.

"[Ponder's] footwork is good, and he's throwing good," Bowden said. "That's the big thing."

The decision doesn't necessarily signal the end of the Drew Weatherford Era - 33 starts and a 20-13 record during the previous three seasons.

But Fisher certainly is looking to the future in tabbing one of his younger quarterbacks. Ponder, who graduated in 2 1/2 years, brings intelligence, better mobility, an accurate arm and a good demeanor to lead the team.

Ponder said the decision is a dream come true.

"I always had dreams as a little kid to come out here and play, and finally I have the starting job here," Ponder said. "I'm just going to take it and run with it."

Ponder, a redshirt sophomore, entered the second quarter of the Virginia Tech game for an injured Weatherford. He led FSU to 15 points before turnovers got him and FSU into trouble.

Ponder was the No. 1 quarterback during spring drills in place of an injured Weatherford. The former Land O' Lakes standout's preseason was hampered by a sore shoulder.

"Obviously, I am very disappointed in the decision," Weatherford said. "However, I am a team-first guy, and I am always willing to do whatever helps the team win, whether that's starting or helping from the sidelines."

Steve Ellis

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