Florida State turns attention to defense
By The Associated Press
Florida State has largely been known for its offense during Jimbo Fisher’s eight seasons as head coach.
This could be the season where that could change.
The third-ranked Seminoles return nine starters on defense, including two that were named to the AP preseason All-America team.
With plenty of depth on the line and in the secondary, defensive coordinator Charles Kelly has not quieted expectations going into the Sept. 2 opener against No. 1 Alabama in Atlanta.
“This is probably the best unit since I’ve been here,” said Kelly, who is in his fifth season at the school and fourth as coordinator.
The unit will be led by one of the best — if not the top — secondary in the nation.
Cornerback Tarvarus McFadden tied for the national lead in interceptions with eight and Derwin James has been hailed by a couple of national publications as the best defensive player because of his versatility. Besides being a physical safety, James has played linebacker and been a rush end in passing situations.
Even though the secondary has received the most national accolades, Kelly and Fisher have been most pleased with the defensive line. Even with the graduation of DeMarcus Walker (a second-round NFL draft pick by the Denver Broncos), the line could be better this season.
Miami
Reserve quarterback Vincent Testaverde, the son of University of Miami legend and Heisman Trophy winner Vinny Testaverde, has left the football program. “Vincent approached me this morning and indicated that he felt like he would have more opportunities for playing time at another program,” head coach Mark Richt said. “We wish him all the best in his future plans.”
Florida
Highly touted freshman James Robinson reportedly is in trouble again for a marijuana incident, his second in less than a year. Robinson and linebacker Ventrell Miller, both first-year freshmen from Lakeland, Fla., were cited for possession of the drug earlier this week. Robinson, the Gators’ top offensive recruit in the 2017 class, was cited for marijuana possession Jan. 29 during a recruiting visit to Ohio State. The incident jeopardized Robinson’s scholarship offer to Florida, but three days later the school ended up signing him. Meanwhile, Millercurrently is suspended with six teammates for their roles in a scheme that involved the misuse of schoolissuedfunds.
Stanford
The Cardinal will be big favorites against Rice in the College Football Sydney Cup in Australia shown Saturday night in the U.S. This year the game has been moved to the 45,000-seat Allianz Stadium just minutes from downtown Sydney. New South Wales state government officials are subsidizing both teams for their travel and expenses while Down Under as part of a tourism promotion. Last year, 62,000 watched Cal beat Hawaii, 51-31, in the game.
Tennessee
Coach Butch Jones clarified the injury status of wide receiver Josh Smith but said a timetable for the fifth-year senior’s return remains uncertain. Jones said Smith has a sprained AC joint. The 25th-ranked Volunteers open the season Sept. 4 against Georgia Tech in Atlanta.