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Ponder not getting much recognition

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The Tallahassee Democrat

Published: October 26, 2009

TALLAHASSEE - Christian Ponder can find his name among the top 10 in five major NCAA categories this week. The junior also is one of only four quarterbacks ranked among the top 100 in total passing yardage who boasts a completion percentage of at least 70 percent.

"You hate it for the young man just because everything should be performance based and not preseason based," offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said. "He's playing as well as anybody out there. Hey, he just has to keep proving them wrong."

Ponder wasn't among the 12 semifinalists for the Davey O'Brien Award, which goes to the nation's top quarterback. The semifinalists were announced Monday. A lights-out second half against North Carolina on national television certainly should have helped Ponder gain more recognition.

Yet FSU is only 3-4.

"As we continue to have success, it will continue to grow," Fisher said of recognition for Ponder.

Ponder ranks ninth in passing efficiency (155.79), fourth in total offense (330.43), seventh in completions per game (25.71), sixth in total passing yardage (2,176) and fifth in yards per game (310.86). Florida's Tim Tebow is not ranked ahead of Ponder in any of those categories.

"Individual accolades don't really mean things if you're not winning ballgames," Ponder said.

PONDER, DATKO HONORED: Another career game for Ponder didn't come about without some help. One of those players was OT Andrew Datko, who played a big part in protecting Ponder en route to 395 passing yards in FSU's 30-27 victory vs. North Carolina.

Datko was rewarded for his play by being named ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week. Ponder was tabbed as the league's offensive back of the week Monday. Fisher said the outstanding play of the offensive line was overlooked in that game.

Steve Ellis

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