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Little, Surrency Cleared To Play By NCAA

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 5, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - The biggest question of Florida State's preseason camp was who would start at quarterback. Next were eligibility issues for a slew of newcomers.

The first was answered Wednesday with the naming of Christian Ponder. Now FSU coaches also have a better idea of who will be on the team that is a day away from its first game.

Coach Bobby Bowden confirmed that freshman TE Ja'Baris Little learned Thursday he was cleared by the NCAA's initial-eligibility clearinghouse. Little participated in the early part of preseason camp before his transcript was questioned. Despite missing practices, he could see playing time Saturday in the season opener against Western Carolina.

FSU coaches also learned that junior college transfer Corey Surrency, a wide receiver, has been cleared for this season at FSU.

Apparently at issue - according to an FSU coach - is a developmental league Surrency participated in at the age of 21 in Miami with the idea of being seen by junior colleges. Surrency, who is expected to contribute immediately, dropped out of school after ninth grade and later earned his GED. He played the past two seasons at El Camino (Calif.) Community College.

QB BUZZ: A buzz remained around the quarterback situation after Ponder was picked over veteran Drew Weatherford (Land O' Lakes) and D'Vontrey Richardson. Weatherford spoke to the media for the first time Thursday.

"I think your mind-set has to change a little bit," said Weatherford, wearing Richardson's No. 10 jersey as part of the quarterbacks having some fun. "Today I was a little more focused on helping the other guys out than I was worrying about my assignments and my corrections and my mistakes.

"But at the same time, I'm still trying to get myself prepared in case they need me. ... I'm not sure when those opportunities are going to arrive, but when they do I'll be ready."

Weatherford said he was not given a specific reason for the decision.

"Just that Christian would be starting this ballgame and I'm still an important part of the team and the leadership of the team," Weatherford said. "I still need to be there for the guys, which I will be."

Steve Ellis

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