Brooks has fond memories of Bowden at FSU

Derrick Brooks was unsure if he would play for Florida State until Bobby Bowden set his family at ease.

Former Florida State coordinator Mickey Andrews was recruiting Brooks, but it was Bowden's job to seal the deal. Bowden sat in Brooks' living room, working his charm, talking about the program and conveying how the linebacker could help the Seminoles win a national championship.

Then Brooks' little sister, Latoya, felt comfortable enough to climb into Bowden's lap. She eventually fell asleep, and when Mom wanted to take Latoya, Bowden's next move solidified Brooks' decision.

"My mom got up to put her in bed and he said, 'Nah, let her lay right here until we're done. This is home for Derrick.' That sealed the deal for me," Brooks said. "That's one of my favorite memories, and he tells that story how he recruited me and my sister sealed the deal for me coming to Florida State by falling asleep in his lap."

Brooks was at his Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School in Tampa as he spoke glowingly Tuesday about the coach he loves. Even though Brooks, a former Florida State and Bucs standout, is on FSU's board of trustees, he found it hard to discuss life without Bowden on his school's sideline.

"It's a hole in college football today, to be honest with you," Brooks said. "A legend stepping down in the manner that has happened, it's going to be tough for a little while. I know what it's like to be told you're not quite good enough. That's what motivates you to keep it going.

"At the same time, he realizes right now that university is not where it wants to be and he decided to make this decision."

Brooks said one of his most vivid football memories was hugging Bowden in the team hotel after winning a national championship in 1993. It was then that they reflected on Bowden's belief that Brooks could bring the university a national championship when they spoke during the coach's recruiting visit.

Now Brooks is ready for Florida State to ease into a new era.

"I want success, and success is not necessarily wins and losses (with the new coach)," Brooks said. "I want to see kids graduate. I want to see coaches committed to this university and not just using this university as a stepping stone. I'm used to the coaching staff when I was there, Coach Andrews, Coach (Mark) Richt and Coach (Chuck) Amato at the time, guys making 10- and 15-year commitments to be at this university. This being their dream job.

"I think we got that now with the staff, and the one thing I'm looking for is synergy. I really want synergy starting with (new head) coach (Jimbo) Fisher, everybody hearing one voice, being on the same page and getting their directions from one man. I think that's going to make us a better football team, period."