Florida State Seminoles 2021 Preview

Mike Norvell
FSU Head Coach
Photo/On3

Given the state of the program, there was a great deal of optimism after the hiring of Mike Norvell, but before he could hardly get started, the Seminoles, and many other teams across the nation, were sacked by Covid. We noted last year there is a culture issue Norvell will have to work around which turned out to be much deeper rooted than first thought. The best offensive and defensive player both quit mid year after extremely disappointing performances, but even an early season upset of a top ten ranked North Carolina could not salvage a season that nobody found appealing, as the Seminoles went 3-6.  Even with the aforementioned culture issues and a roster with talent surrounded by big holes, that type of season will be unacceptable moving forward, and Norvell know that.  In all other facet of his employment, Norvell has been very successful. Recruiting has stepped up, his off the field performance has been stellar and it appears a foundation is being built which can benefit the Florida State football program greatly as we move forward.  As part of the recruiting process, Norvell was able to bring in some quality transfers, at key positions, which can help FSU bridge the gap to success. In fact, in speaking about the culture, Jermaine Johnson, who transferred in from Georgia, noted the Seminoles “Family Culture. ”So, while the schedule is extremely tough the Seminoles will be a much better football team this season, even though the win loss record may not show it. So, let’s take a look at this talented and improved football team.

OFFENSE

Jordan Travis
Quarterback
Florida State 
Photo/Tallahassee Democrat

Perhaps the top transfer Florida State was able to bring in was quarterback McKenzie Milton, who was The Color & Pageantry post season All America quarterback in 2017 while at UCF. Of course, Milton was severely injured the following season, and his comeback story has been one for film producers to utilize.  With Dillon Gabriel, Milton’s good friend, established as signal caller at UCF, Milton made his way to Tallahassee to try to complete his comeback.  If Milton can play at 85% of what he was at UCF, Florida State has a real steal on their hands. Milton showed flashes of brilliance during the spring, but he must win this job. Battling Milton is Jordan Travis, who started five games a year ago. Travis is a dual threat with a wide range of skills and a real feel for the game, but he has really improved his passing skills and overall play and could hold Milton off. Even if Travis fails to win the job, he can learn quite a bit from Milton and will be an even better player next year. Both players have battle injuries, so we think both play plenty, but I don’t think Milton was brought in to sit if he is healthy, and all indications through fall camp thus far indicate he is. Chubba Purdy and Tate Rodemaker are battling as quality backups.

The national media is not impressed, but I think the Florida State running back room, while young, is really good. Jashaun Corbin is finally healthy after transferring in from Texas A&M and he appears set as the starter. Corbin is a complete back, but he lacks the breakaway speed found with sophomore Lawrence Toafili, who will definitely get his share of carries. DJ Williams is another solid between the tackles back, with pass catching skills, who transferred in from Auburn. Treshaun Ward has turned so many heads he earned a scholarship. Ward makes people miss, and he could well get situational snaps. Deonte’ Sheffield has skills and will see snaps, and speedster Corey Wren has a bright future.

The receiving core is quite young, but that might be a good thing with this talented bunch. First, wideouts Ontaria Wilson, who led the team in catches, and Keyshawn Helton, will be pushed by a younger crop of talent to keep their snaps. Two freshman, Malik McLain and Joshua Burrell, have exhibited star abilities action since their arrival. Both appear poised for significant playing time. Transfer Andrew Parchment, who actually had measure success at Kansas, is also slated for a starting position. Kentron Pointier, Bryan Robinson, Ja'Khi Douglass, Jordan Young and freshman Darion Williamson and Omarion Cooper are young players looking for an opportunity to shine. Camren McDonald, a team leader continues to improve at tight end. UCLA transfer Jordan Wilson missed last fall but big things are expected from him, but Wyatt Rector, who gets open, is also going to be in the mix as well.

The offensive line has been a hinderance for the Seminoles for several years now but under stellar offensive line coach Alex Atkins, it is improving. Devontay Love-Taylor is the leader up front and he will anchor a tackle spot, while Robert Scott, who is really starting to click, will grab the opposite tackle spot. Donte Lucas played well as a freshman but he battled injury and attitude issues in 2020. Even so, he should start a guard spot. Maurice Smith, who is an emerging star, will be at center and is developing into a really good player with a high football IQ. Baveon Johnson, with 20 starts under his belt, is looking to build consistency and may emerge up front possibly at guard, perhaps battling versatile Notre Dame transfer Dillan Gibbons.  Young having played quality snaps when given the opportunity, guard Thomas Schrader could end up winning a spot. Zane Herring, Brady Scott and tackle Darius Washington, who we think has great potential, are backups and we will keep an eye on true freshman Bryan Estes.  Still not as deep as we would like, this group is much improved and has a chance to be decent, which is saying something for Florida State in recent years.

If Milton can perform at a level similar to what he showed us prior to his injury at UCF, then Florida State has a chance to really surprise to the upside.  If Milton does go down, or misses some time, the coaches and players have full confidence in Jordan Travis, who has really improved his game.  The line is better and has some quality depth unlike recent years, and the backs and receivers, while young, are stocked with serious talent. This offense, if it can come together, could really surprise to the upside averaging in the neighborhood of 35 points per game.

DEFENSE

Travis Jay
Cornerback
Florida State
Photo/YouTube

Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, who transferred in from Georgia, gives the Seminoles a potential all conference player in harassing the quarterback. Dexter McClendon and Quashon Fuller are really getting better as well. Marcus Cushnie transferred in from Alabama A&M primarily to rush the passer, and he has demonstrated that ability in fall camp.  Freshman Patrick Payton may emerge here as well. Dennis Briggs is really emerging at defensive tackle, Malcolm Ray and true freshman end Joshua Farmer, wise above his years, a real talent who could figure prominently. Jarrett Jackson could also emerge. Robert Cooper and Tru Thompson are legit inside. Keir Thomas, among a pair of transfers from South Carolina, will grab an interior end spot. Leonard Werner and Deonte Williams look to get snaps as hybrids.

Linebacker Amari Gainer is a high level athlete, but he is a tweener and coaches are working to find the best spot for him, but make no mistake he needs to be on the field. Stephen Dix has really done the off field work in the weight room and he has a chance to really jump as a sophomore at middle linebacker, but the light bulb has appeared to have gone off for Kalen DeLoach, so keep and eye on him. The coaches are really appreciating the jump DJ Lundy has made in fall camp and Jaleel McRae has played some quality ball as well. Emmett Rice has played some decent ball over the years and is returning from injury. A youngster, Cortez Andrews, is turning some important heads in fall camp and may earn himself some snaps.

Meiko Dotson, who was among the nations top interceptor at FAU in 2019, may start at boundary corner. Jarrion Jones will play snaps and coaches are hoping redshirt freshman Demorie Tate can emerge.  Jarvis Brownlee will play the field corner, backed by Hunter Washington, who has made plays in fall camp. However, Travis Jay is the class of the secondary, and he could start at any number of spots, including corner in addition to his buck spot. Brendan Gant backs up the safety spot along with Sidney Williams. Coaches placed 5* player Akeem Dent, who has not lived up so far to his reputation, at free safety. He has a great skill set, and he should be out there somewhere. Renardo Green, a proven commodity, is back from injury as well.  Arkansas transfer Jarques McClellon is ready. It is noted that freshman safety Shyheim Brown has been most impressive since arriving and have left the coaches no choice but to get him on the field. Freshman defensive back Kevin Knowles is really emerging as a future star, and he might just start the nickel spot, where South Carolina transfer Jammie Robinson appears set. There are plenty of moving pieces in this secondary, and I took some liberties guessing where these folks will be lining up, which remains fluid.

The defense has built some quality depth, and there is talent at each level of the unit.  There are some holes and consistency issues, but overall this appears to be an increasingly strong unit, one which can make a significant difference for the Seminoles.  They are not dominating, but this defensive unit will be fun to watch and can do enough damage to keep the Seminoles in most every game.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Ryan Fitzgerald had trouble keeping placekicker job, so Parker Grothhaus took over. Both are competing this fall, but neither performed well enough last year to consider this a position of strength. Alex Mastromanno will handle punts, but improvement is needed there as well. Returning kicks was a long time strength for the Seminoles; however, the return game was not all that great last year.  There are plenty of players with high levels of speed and elusiveness.

INTANGIBLES

Seminoles

The culture change is in full swing, and it appears that all the bad apples have hit the road. Everything seems to going well since the 2020 season concluded.  But, the schedule is among the toughest in the land, and it is unknown how Florida State will handle adversity, which is sure to come.  The opener hosting Notre Dame presents a wonderful opportunity, but a loss in this game does not knock FSU out of the opportunity to continue to lay the foundation for a future big time winning program. The weekly grind, particularly late in the season, will be grueling.  Keeping mental focus and discipline will be challenging for the coaches and players, as the Seminoles could be a good football team with a losing record. 

HONORS CANDIDATES

Quarterback McKenzie Milton, again if he can perform at his pre injury level, could certainly receive some national honors.  DE Jermaine Johnson, DE Keir Thomas and DB Travis Jay are potential all conference performers. OT Devontay Love-Taylor could get some consideration for al conference honors. But this is a young team with players setting themselves up for future recognition.

NEW ARRIVALS

McKenzie Milton
Quarterback
Florida State
Photo/Don Juan Moore

There are tons of new comers, particularly when considering transfers, that will significantly impact the Seminoles. In fact, potentially the best players on both sides of the ball are newcomers in quarterback McKenzie Milton and defensive end Jermaine Johnson. DT Keir Thomas, DB Jammie Johnson, DB Jarques McClellon, RB DJ Williams and OL Dillan Gibbons. True freshman receivers Malik McClain and Joshua Burrrell are very talented and will play extensively immediately. Watch WR Darion Williamson. DB’s Kevin Knowles will certainly get playing time. Sideny Williams and Hunter Washington will play plenty. Joshua Farmer, Jackson West and Patrick Payton seem poised to play as well. 

FINAL ANALYSIS

Most associated with Florida State are not focused on the Seminoles overall record this fall, but are rather looking to see improvement across the board with zeroing in on teamwork, player development and discipline. But if McKenzie Milton is healthy and anywhere close to his old self, a high level of play from him at the all important quarterback position could put things in a difference perspective.  Even so, the schedule is terribly difficult. FSU opens at home against Notre Dame, who will be favored by over a touchdown.  The home crowd at DOAK  will be electric, and given that Notre Dame suffered significant losses on both sides of the ball and at quarterback, a golden opportunity presents itself.  Call it a premonition, but whether it is Milton leading the way or not, we have the Seminoles finding a way to get a win here. This will be a game changer for the program under Norvell and can lead to bigger things as the season progresses. FSU then defeats Jacksonville State before traveling to face Wake Forest, a very dangerous team.  FSU wins very close in a nail bitter. Florida State then comes home for back to back games facing Louisville and Syracuse, games where we think the Seminole win by couple of touchdowns. FSU then, at 5-0, travels to Chapel Hill to face North Carolina, a top ten squad smarting from the upset loss they absorbed in Tallahassee last year.  FSU loses this one. After a bye week, FSU host UMass for homecoming. Then comes a murderous stretch. Florida State travels to Clemson, where they will little to no chance of winning. FSU then faces a strong NC State team in Tallahassee, but before you cunt this as win, it is worth noting the 'Noles face Miami the following week. FSU loses one, if not both. Maybe they lose to NC State but upset Miami. FSU then travels to Boston College, who under their outstanding new head coach with a powerful offensive line and a stellar quarterback, is better than most anyone thinks. It will be very tight for sure, and it may just depend how the quarterback position is performing for the Seminoles.  FSU then drives down to Hogtown to face the Florida Gators.  A win there is possible, but it would be an upset. It will be an exciting year for the Seminoles, who will be better at every position with notable offensive and defensive improvement. Even so, that schedule is really rough late, so we project FSU to finish 7-5 and bowling! Lets enjoy the ride! Go NOLES!

GAMEDAY GALLERY

RIP Coach Bobby Bowden!

Legendary former Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden passed away this morning at 91.

Last fall, while heading to Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium for the North Carolina - Florida State football game, there was an eerie emptiness as a significantly reduced crowd was gathering due to the Covid 19 restrictions.

Walking to this gorgeous stadium it gave me a perspective on where the football program, and the University itself, has come from in the 40 some odd years I have been associated with the school.  

 

I had a real sense of clarity. Over that time, Florida State University has become a first class athletics and academic institution.  While many people have played key roles in making this happen, it would not have happened if it were not for Bobby Bowden.

Bobby Bowden built Florida State University.

Like so many, I attended Florida State University because of him. I wanted to be where he was. And I have been there to witness the incredible transition, along with the many great victories and championships. But it was being part of the journey that gave the greatest rewards.

Bobby Bowden is the greatest football coach, as evidenced by turning nothing into a football powerhouse doing it the right way, but he is a better man.  An ambassador for the game of college football, the University and Christian principles.

Faith, family and football.  Coach Bowden, you wore them all so well, and gave many of us a blueprint on how to conduct ourselves in life.  You have left a unrivaled legacy!

Thank you so much for everything Coach Bowden.  I was honored to have known you!

NoleVelle

Florida State will introduce today Mike Norvell as head football coach of the Seminoles.

Norvell, who comes to FSU after guiding Memphis to a 12-1  record and likely Cotton Bowl berth, replaces Willie Taggart, who was dismissed earlier in the season.

Given the shallow pool of available candidates, Mike Norvell seems to be an excellent hire for the Seminoles. Norvell is not the "big fish" many in Seminole Nation hoped for, but he is no doubt at the head of the class of up and coming coaches.

Norvell is detail oriented and runs an innovative and explosive offense, both things the Seminoles covet.

We welcome Coach Mike Norvell to Tallahassee and Florida State University. GO NOLES!

Trainwreck Tenure Terminates Taggart

While there were a strong contingency of doubters, now proven accurate, many though Willie Taggart would be successful as head football coach at Florida State.  After all, Taggart, a native Floridian and lifelong fan of the Seminoles, had built some coach credibility over the years and seemed poised to rise to the challenge of directing the Florida State program after Jimbo Fisher left for Texas A&M.

His career had Taggart taking over his Alma mater Western Kentucky, turning that program entirely around culminating in a 10 win season which got him hired at South Florida. The Bulls, who had fallen sharply prior to his arrival, rose to prominence under Taggart, even comporting themselves well in a loss at Tallahassee versus FSU. This success got Taggart hired at Oregon, where in his only year with the Ducks reversed a losing season with a winning one even while dealing with losing their starting quarterback early on in 2017.

So Florida State came calling, securing Taggart to become head coach, but the price to gather in Taggart after only one year with Oregon was steep. Given the success the Seminoles anticipated with Taggart, the cost seemed to be balanced with FSU continuing and perhaps even expanding their gridiron success.

The tenure for Willie Taggart at Florida State was a trainwreck.

In his first game, a indescribable 24-3 home loss to Virginia Tech, there were areas of immediate concern. The season culminated with Florida State missing a bowl, breaking the nation's longest present active bowl streak. That was unacceptable.

The schedule afforded a real opportunity in 2019, but the success would seemingly hinge on mentality gained from getting early victories, as I mentioned to Coach Taggart when we met earlier in the summer, in a game against Boise State in Jacksonville and a road tilt at Virginia.  Due to weather, the Boise State game was moved to Tallahassee. FSU raced out to an 18 point lead against Boise, but lost. Then, FSU narrowly escaped Louisiana Monroe at home (which panicked boosters) and then lost a late lead to lose at Virginia. Instead of being 3-0, FSU was 1-2 and the writing was on the wall.

The atmosphere in Tallahassee for the Miami game, even with the Hurricanes being a hated rival, was ridiculous. Nobody was fired up, the stands were alarmingly empty and the event had a moribund look. Then the action had the Seminoles looking what had become customarily unprepared, besieged by penalties, missed assignments and a visible lack of intensity.

Florida State got clocked by 17, and nobody seemed particularly agitated about it. The activities of the day told anyone and everyone looking everything they wanted to know.

The powers that be were watching, and I had barely made it back to Orlando on Sunday before the news of Taggart's dismissal went viral on social media. With a 9-13 overall record in Tallahassee, coming of an exposing home loss to the Miami Hurricanes, Taggart was fired.  Even with the financial ramifications in full vision, this was the correct move.

Where does Florida State go from here? Well, good question.

Florida State President John Thrasher sent out a letter to Seminole Boosters asking for donation levels to be expanded as Florida State appears to need assistance to usher in a new era of Seminole Football.  This type of action does not appear to be engaged to if you are not hunting big fish.

The pool of candidates who appear to possess the desired experience to bring the Florida State program back to the level of national prominence the expected, and this includes operations beyond just the activities within the gridiron, are thin. 

One such individual would be retired Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops. There is a circle of social media outlets which think Stoops has already been hired, but most if not all the official media outlets describe Stoops as "no longer a candidate" after the Seminoles apparently and appropriately reached out. For me, Stoops checks every box and would be ideal for FSU given where the Seminoles program stands.

Some indicate Penn State coach James Franklin is a candidate. Franklin has won everywhere he has been, and he certainly has the background I think would be required.  Seminole Nation would welcome Franklin.

Matt Campbell of Iowa State is a real intriguing young candidate. He has done wonders at Iowa State, and is very highly though of by his peers. Many would be thrilled to welcome Campbell in.

Notre Dame's Brian Kelly has gotten some mention, but he does not figure to be coaching into the future long enough to see this rebuild through. So, we don't think he is a realistic candidate. Minnesota's PJ Fleck looks signed up to remain with the Gophers.

Beyond those guys, the pool sinks.

Mike Norvell of Memphis is somebody to look at, as might Luke Fickell of Cincinnati. Could a dismissed Clay Helton of USC, a Gainesville born Auburn grad get a look? Who knows?

Maybe FSU is looking where nobody thinks they are? Is somebody we don't anticipate looking for a new challenge?

Is current interim head coach, longtime assistant and former player Odell Haggins, a serious candidate. Man, we love us some Odell, the pride of Bartow, but is he adequately equipped to deal with the overall rebuild required throughout the organization? Maybe he is the best bang for the buck for now.

One thing is for sure. Florida State needs to get this right.  No fan should have to check a Wikipedia page to learn about the new coach. The ramifications are huge.

I suspect we find out shortly after the Seminoles give it go at Gainesville against the Gators on Saturday.

 

Onward to Omaha!

Go 'Noles!

Social Justice Slow Creep

"College board president behind SAT 'adversity score' was also the mastermind of the controversial K-12 'Common Core' curriculum changes that has children just learning for a test. David Coleman, president of The College Board, which administers the SAT, was the 'architect of Common Core' – controversial K-12 curriculum standards." --Valerie Bauman

Common Core is much more about control of the citizenry that building a more productive public school system. It is the federal takeover of the education system, providing the basis for indoctrination of our youngsters. While robbing children of their free agency, it boxes them in and is prohibitive to critical thinking.

"This is not leveling the playing field. This is a savior complex. This is identity politics," Campus Reform's editor-in-chief said. "The fact that they think they can judge people based on where they come from, the color of their skin, and what they went through, I think is insulting. It's essentially saying, people who come from those backgrounds, people like me, cannot make it and I think we warned America that this was going to happen and no one paid attention."---Lawrence Jones

"The move is an attempt to do away with differences in test scores that result from disparities in wealth and education and preempts a ruling from the Supreme Court on race-based affirmative action," with a described purpose "to get to race without using race.”

So the action is racist!

“If I am going to make room for more of the [poor and minority] students we want to admit and I have a finite number of spaces, then someone has to suffer and that will be privileged kids on the bubble,” John Barnhill, assistant vice president for academic affairs at Florida State University, told The WSJ." He said he expects pushback from parents whose children go to well-to-do high schools as well as guidance counselors there.

I will skip entertaining VP Barnhill; I will be contacting President Thrasher.

As an alumnus of Florida State University, I find it unacceptable that the admissions process is tainted by intellectual elites who seek opportunities to experiment in social engineering and champion political agendas rather than rewarding hard work and accomplishment of students.

The Bandit Says Goodbye

Although I knew he was in failing health, I was just so saddened to learn of the passing of Burt Reynolds.

As a kid, like so many, Reynold's portrayal of the Bandit in Smokey and The Bandit was the greatest thing ever. Reynolds racing across country in his Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with his cohort Cletus Snow (played by his good friend Jerry Reed) to bring Coors beer back to Atlanta will still stop me in my tracks if I am searching through the channels.

Reynolds began his wonderful life at Florida State University, where he played running back for the Seminoles. Burt made great friends there, which included Vic Prinzi and Lee Corso.

Reynolds love for Florida State University extended a lifetime. He was great friends with famed coach Bobby Bowden and was an incredibly generous benefactor to both academic and athletic arms of Florida State. Reynolds for many years filmed a halftime segment with the voice of the Seminoles Gene Deckerhoff. Before the likes of ESPN and the internet, these coaches shows were where you found the opportunity to watch game highlights. Reynolds shined doing this show, and we so appreciated him.

Reynolds was an accomplished actor, and while many of his movies were not of critical acclaim, he sure was. Several performances later in his life gave proof of that, but it wasn't anything he really worried about. Even so, he lived quite a Hollywood life, with relationships with several of the finest women in the business.

Never forgotten by Burt was his Florida roots and his entourage of friends. The first time I met Burt was in Tallahassee at an FSU game, where he traveled along with Dom Deluise, Ricardo Montalban, Charles Nelson Reilly, Ann Margaret and others. I ran into him at the Tampa Westshore Holiday Inn, after seeing Vic Prinzi waiting for him. Fortunately, I was in Tallahassee at a game two seasons ago where Burt placed the spear in the ground before the game, an honor bestowed upon a very select few.

Last year, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of "Smokey and The Bandit," although Pontiac is gone, a Chevrolet Camaro was modified to look like a Pontiac Trans Am and 77 were made. Reynolds participated in the design and rollout, an event in which Burt had Bobby Bowden along as a guest.

 

Tim Linafelt of Seminoles.com recounted a funny old story about Burt today:

"Burt Reynolds used to love to tell the story of how Bobby Bowden knew his name — “Buddy.” It wasn’t until later that he realized Bobby Bowden called everyone Buddy."

This is a tough one. Burt Reynolds is an individual I have great affection for, a cherished member of the Seminole faithful. His advocacy for our beloved Florida State University has always been greatly appreciated. His loyalty to his friends was admired, and his wisecracking sense of humor brought smiles to us all. Smokey and The Bandit will always get us going as we run east bound and down, and we can always thank Burt Reynolds and his gang of friends, most notably Jerry Reed, for that.

RIP Burt Reynolds! Go Seminoles!

Hell, I got to go!

The Hall of BAHL

Sports is and always has played a significant role in my life. I have found that most all of life's lessons are learned between the lines. Discipline, individual responsibility, teamwork and sportsmanship are among many opportunities presented within the games that offer guidance to prosper in life.

Over the years, there have been many individuals associated with sports that I have looked up to, been a fan of, owned a jersey of or just pulled for. These are my guys, and although it has not always been a road without bumps for many, these are my guys. In an effort to recognize these folks, I have formed The Hall of BAHL.

Individuals making this list may or may not be the greatest ever players, coaches or ambassadors, but they are my favorites. Each year, I will induct five members into The Hall of BAHL. In honor of my good buddy and Sportsman Big Ole BudFeiser, who we lost in 2011 and who I grew up playing sports with, each class will annually be announced on his birthday, June 13.

The inductees for the 2017 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:

TREV ALBERTS


Trev Alberts came to Nebraska from Cedar Rapids, IA to play football for the Cornhuskers.

Alberts became an All-American at defensive end for the 'Huskers, winning the Butkus Award for the nation's top linebacker in 1993.

In perhaps his top performance for the Big Red, Alberts, playing with an injured elbow, had three sacks of Florida State Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Charlie Ward in the Orange Bowl, a game I attended (somewhat in turmoil given my heartfelt allegiance to both Universities).

Alberts went on to be the sixth pick in the NFL Draft, selected by the Indianapolis Colts.  Although he played three season, that arm injury lingered and Alberts never quite materialized to be the NFL player many hope he would become.

No worries; Alberts was a consensus Academic All American, earning an NCAA Top Six Award.















After football, Alberts turned up working at CNN/SI as a college football analyst. In 2002, ESPN hired Alberts and he became part of top analyst team. Alberts often argued with co-host Mark May, and while the fans enjoyed it, it became too heavy for ESPN and Alberts was let go in 2005.

Now, Trev Alberts is Athletic Director at The University of Nebraska-Omaha.  The Mavericks athletic program has been making great strides under the leadership of Alberts, who just may find himself back in Lincoln performing that duty at a late date.

While Florida State was in New Orleans waiting to play Virginia Tech for the National Championship in New Orleans, we ran into Alberts, who was in town covering the game for CNN. Before being called away late in the game to do a Sugar Bowl preview, Alberts joined our group to watch Nebraska bury Tennessee in the Fiesta Bowl.

We really enjoyed that experience, loved Albert as a Husker and welcome him as a 2017 inductee to the Hall of BAHL

MIKE MARTIN

Ole #11

That is how Mike Martin, who has been manager of FSU Baseball since 1978, likes to be referred to as.

Martin took over for Dick Howser, who left to manage the New York Yankees and later managed the Kansas City Royals to a World Series championship in 1985.


Florida State under Martin has had tremendous success, and leading the Seminoles to 38 consecutive regional tournament appearances and 16 trips to the College World Series, winning at least 40 games for the 38th consecutive seasons. That is some resume.

Only a championship could top of Martin's career, which includes playing in the College World Series for the Seminoles. Yes, Martin has always been a Seminole.

Beyond his coaching attributes, Martin is a complete class act.  He has warmed the hearts of fans talking baseball across the nation at Seminole Booster events, and I have had many an occasion to visit with him, as pictured above some years back.

Eleven is among the most beloved figures in Florida State history, nothing would be nicer to than for the Seminoles to win the College World Series in 2017. They are one of eight going to Omaha!

Florida State baseball's Mike Martin joins the Hall of BAHL

ERIC HOSMER

When we arrived at Tropicana Field in St. Pete to watch our Kansas City Royals take on the home Tampa Bay Rays, we had no idea what the day would hold.

While watching the Royals take batting practice, just off the dugout, rising Royal Eric Hosmer tossed a ball to my daughter, and life has not been quite the same. From that moment, our family have been huge Eric Hosmer fans.

Whether we have watched at The K in Kansas City or over at the Trop, we have always cheered on theReal305, who happens to be a fellow Floridian.  He has not disappointed either, always smiling and waving to us, and knocking some home runs along the way.

Hosmer has become one of the premier players in the league, earning All Star honors and winning a truck last year of the MVP of the game. Hosmer played an integral role helping Kansas City to back to back World Series, with the Royals winning the 2015 title.  Forever Royal!

Consideration was given to wait another year to induct Eric, as he is a free agent and may not re-sign with Kansas City. The Royals desperately want to keep him, as he is not only an All Star player and a team leader, but has gained favor in the greater Kansas City community for his charitable activities.

Hosmer was Raised Royal, and I certainly hope the Royals can find a way to keep hin Kansas City.

However, we are great fans of Eric will support him in all future endeavors as he has given us plenty of Royal Roar and smiles along the way. Here's hoping one of our all time favorites, Eric Hosmer, stays Forever Royal as he is welcomed as a 2017 inductee into the Hall of BAHL


JEFF GORDON

Jeff Gordon, The Wonder Boy, was a California kid who entered NASCAR just as Richard Petty retired and took the sport by storm, becoming a four time champion driving for the famed Rick Hendrick stable of Chevrolet's.

Jeff Gordon's Hendrick Racing Chevy SS

Gordon, who was hated by the fans of rival Dale Earnhardt, earned the respect of the garage area and his fellow drivers, by not only winning races, but by carrying himself in sportsmanship and humility.

If fact, him and Earnhardt became quite good friends, even engaging in some avenues of business together.

Jeff Gordon is third all time in wins, with 93, trailing only David Pearson and the King, Richard Petty.

While Gordon was not my favorite out there, it always seemed he was my second favorite.  My wife and I got the experience of a lifetime watching live in person Gordon winning the 2005 Daytona 500.

Gordon retired, only to be called back to substitute for an injured Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in 2016. But Gordon seems officially out now, having settled in to a new career, doing an outstanding job as an analyst joining Mike Joy and famed drive Darrell Waltrip in the booth for NASCAR coverage for FOX Sports.

Jeff Gordon becomes the fourth NASCAR drive to become a member of the Hall of BAHL.

KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR

As a young boy, when I first became aware of NBA basketball, I became a fan of the Milwaukee Bucks. Maybe it was the red and green uniforms, but more likely, it was the players on the team. There was the famed Big O, Oscar Robertson, and Bobby Dandridge along with two UCLA guys, guard Lucious Allen and center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.













Almost immediately after I became a fan, Allen and Jabbar went to join the Los Angeles Lakers. I went along with them.

Abdul-Jabbar, formerly Lew Alcindor, was a towering figure, both figuratively and literally, within the game. Kareem, known as The Captain for the Lakers, had developed his own unstoppable shot; the sky hook. Jabbar could probably make a living in the league to this day with that shot!

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will without question always be one of the greatest basketball players of all time, a mellow individual who was a fierce competitor who embraced discipline and commitment.

Abdul-Jabbar is also a noted author and an outspoken individual off the court, who more often than not seems to approach topics with thoughtfulness and respect.  I am rarely in agreement with Kareem on the issues of the day, but I do respect him as an individual and appreciate the greatness he exhibited on the hardwood.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Captain, is now a member of the Hall of BAHL.

Baton Rouge Pain Personal for Dunn

Prior to becoming an All America football player at Florida State University and an All Pro NFL player with the Tampa Bay Bucs and Atlanta Falcons, during his senior year at Baton Rouge Catholic HS, Warrick Dunn's mother, Betty Smothers, a Baton Rouge police officer, was murdered in the line of duty.

Dunn, later a recipient of the prestigious NFL Man of the Year Award, released some wonderful, heartfelt comments on the hideous violence which occurred in his hometown Sunday.

From a man who has done so much for people through his charitable endeavors, this incident has affected him in a personal way, and his comments are well worth your time.

My heart breaks for the the families of the law enforcement officers who have lost their loved ones. I have been in similar shoes - it will change their lives and leave them all reeling with questions for years to come. It is a shame - so many officers who are out there on the front lines have tremendous heart for what they do. These acts of violence don't solve anything and if my voice can add to the movement to stop it - then I’d consider that a good thing. I struggle emotionally to understand why and how police officers are being targeted in the way they are. 

The reality of our world is that there is a lot of unrest in our communities, particularly where police shootings are happening. Of course this takes me back to when my own black mother was ambushed and killed - by a black man. And all of this comes at a terribly personal time for me. This week, I will attend trial for a re-sentencing hearing for my mother’s murder - which happened 23 years ago. I hate to even think of what this entire ordeal will cost our community but I know - it is too much. And even though my Mother lost her life all those years ago, the men who were tried by a jury of their peers have been kept alive by a prison system that has seen to their every need. Something that was denied to my Mother. 

We can’t just sit around and talk about how horrible all this is - we have to do something. And that means it ALWAYS starts with the individual. 

One of the things I am doing is taking the role of fatherhood very seriously so I can raise a son who makes a positive contribution. I am striving to be there for him emotionally, physically and intellectually. I want to give him something I never had because statistics prove it makes a difference when a child has an active father in his or her life. And we have to do more to build empathy in children so they have a hard time treating one another badly. It all starts with kids so we have to do all we can to care about kids. Especially kids at risk for never learning how to socially and emotionally relate. 

Another thing we can all do is stress to our elected leaders to look at the issue of guns in our country with serious eyes and intent instead of as a political stand-off. And then we have to give justice a chance to work. When people are intentional in the use of guns against others - we have to make sure the message that crime doesn’t pay - means something. Today I confess I wonder about that because from my view with my Mother’s trial, justice has failed our family - but I believe we can and must do better. 

We also have to ensure that the laws on the books are enforced. Of course I know there are officers who do not do the right thing - that is true in every profession. But when murder is a planned event - the rule of law should matter and loopholes or sophisticated lawyering have to stop. Why have laws if we aren’t going to enforce them? 

I feel close to this subject - it has touched me very personally. I speak for no one other than myself and I support law enforcement. I also support the community of Baton Rouge because they were there for me and my family. If I could have any effect, I’d ask the community to stop the violence, to cool down and to come together to figure this out. There is nothing we can’t do but we have to work together to make something positive come from yet another tragedy in my home town.

We will find answers to many of our issues seeking guidance from individuals like Warrick Dunn, a hometown hero is there ever was one.

We Waved Goodbye

Space Shuttle Challenger Crew

FOX News reports on this day, a day thirty years ago we lost the Space Shuttle Challenger, that "Family members of Challenger victims to mark 30 years since shuttle disaster".

"It's going to be wonderful to watch the pages turn,"  said June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Challenger commander Dick Scobee, earlier this week. The second generation "can now speak for our family and speak for the nation," she said, adding that she's looking forward to these grown astronauts' children "sharing their stories, their beliefs and their leadership."

Americans, and certainly us Floridians living near Kennedy Space Center, share a sense of pride of our space program. Space exploration is most dangerous, and is only reserved for our bravest pioneers.

It was a dark day for America.

The Challenger mission was noteworthy for having a civilian astronaut, Christa McAuliffe, a teacher who took the hearts of students across the fruited plain with her on her voyage.

In similar fashion to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, most remember where they were when the tragic, televised event, took place.

I recall watching it unfold in the cafeteria of my fraternity house at Florida State University; it was approaching the lunch hour.  Within a half hour of it occurring, I picked up my now wife after her class and sadly informed her of what had transpired.

With the eyes of America swelling in tears, President Ronald Reagan addressed the nation with beautiful words and elegant grace. Reagan spoke for all of America, and today we remember with heavy hearts the lost crew of the Challenger Space Shuttle.

The Hall of BAHL

Sports is and always has played a significant role in my life. I have found that most all of life's lessons are learned between the lines. Discipline, individual responsibility, teamwork and sportsmanship are among many opportunities presented within the games that offer guidance to prosper in life.

Over the years, there have been many individuals associated with sports that I have looked up to, been a fan of, owned a jersey of or just pulled for. These are my guys, and although it has not always been a road without bumps for many, these are my guys. In an effort to recognize these folks, I have formed The Hall of BAHL.

Individuals making this list may or may not be the greatest ever players, coaches or ambassadors, but they are my favorites.

Each year, I will induct five members into The Hall of BAHL. In honor of my good buddy and Sportsman Big Ole BudFeiser, who we lost in 2011 and who I grew up playing sports with, each class will annually be announced on his birthday, June 13.

The inductees for the 2015 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:

DICK HOWSER

It is not often in sports when some of your favorite people get to play integral roles for your favorite college and professional teams, but for me, Dick Howser was such a man.  Howser was the first All America baseball player at Florida State University, twice earning the honor as a shortstop.  Howser was signed by the Kansas City Athletics, and earned rookie of the year honors.

After his playing career ended, he joined the New York Yankees as third base coach, even managing a game during the 1978 season.  Howser came home to Florida State to become manager in 1979, but was hired away to become the Yankees skipper in 1981.  He was then hired to manage the Kansas City Royals, who he led to many division titles which culminated in wining the 1985 World Series.

While managing the 1986 All Star Game for the American League, players and announcers noticed Howser was not himself.  He stepped aside for treatment for what was diagnosed as a brain tumor.  Howser tried to return to the Royals in 1987, but it was not to be due to his condition.

Howser died back in June of 1987at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., just two years after leading the Kansas City Royals to their first World Series victory, won in 1985 over the St. Louis Cardinals in the I-70 Series. He was buried in Tallahassee, Florida.

'No matter how you prepare for this day, when it actually happens, it's a shock,'' said George Brett, the Royals' third baseman. ''You just hate to see him go. He's going to be missed.''

In 1988, during a preseason game where the Kansas City Royals came to Tallahassee to play the Seminoles, a game I was fortunate to attend and have a commemorative bat from, FSU names the on campus baseball stadium in honor of Howser as Dick Howser Stadium was born. As reported by Seminoles.com, "As part of the stadium dedication, Kansas City all-stars George Brett and Bo Jackson helped unveil a new $150,000 matrix scoreboard and a bronze bust of Howser.

Hoswer has had his number retired by both the Florida State Seminoles and the Kansas City Royals, with bronze statues at both baseball parks.  I have visited both of these personally, and they are beautiful tributes to an individual who is among the most beloved people to grace those places.



It is an honor to induct forever Royal Dick Howser, an unconquered Seminole, to the Hall of BAHL.

WARRICK DUNN

Back in Baton Rouge, LA, Florida State commit Warrick Dunn was dealt a tragic blow as his mother, Betty Smothers, a Baton Rouge police officer, was shot to death in the line of duty.  This tragic event, which made Warrick head of his household, could have derailed many a young man, but Smothers did not raise such a man. Dunn held steady on his commitment to Florida State, where he became one of the most gifted players ever to wear the garnet and gold.

Dunn possessed blazing speed and was member of the FSU track team, but it was his cat quickness with great vision that he was noted for.  Dunn was stellar in evading would be tacklers and was brilliant catching the ball out of the backfield.  More important, although soft spoken, Dunn was a team leader, a young man of great character who was a role model for his teammates and fans.

Dunn helped Florida State win the schools first National Championship in 1993, and in integral play in that season was a tough win at Florida, where Dunn took a swing pass from Charlie Ward and raced for a score late to capture the win.



Dunn closed out his FSU career as the school leader in career rushing yards, most rushing yards in a season and became the only Seminole to rush for over 1000 in three consecutive seasons.  Dunn's number 28 jersey has appropriately been retired by Florida State.

Dunn played in the NFL for over a decade, beginning and ending with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a few years as an Atlanta Falcon in between. Dunn was the offensive rookie of the year with Tampa Bay, and was a three time Pro Bowl selection.  Beyond the field, Dunn won several citizenship awards, including winning the prestigious Walter Peyton Man of The Year Award.

In honor of his mother, Dunn began a program to build houses through his Home for the Holidays program as part  of his foundation Warrick Dunn Charities which helps single parent families attain home ownership through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity. "Warrick Dunn Charities has awarded millions in furnishings, food and other donations to single-parent families and children across the nation to combat poverty, hunger and ensure families have comfortable surroundings and basic necessities to improve their quality of life."

Warrick Dunn was a great football player, but perhaps he is even a greater individual.  Seminole Nation is very proud to have Warrick as one of our best players and representatives of our beloved University. Throughout his life, Dunn has exhibited the principles and values that honor the core beliefs of the Seminoles, perhaps a live illustration of the unconquered.

It is a thrill to have FSU and Tampa Bay standout Warrick Dunn among those in the Hall of BAHL.

JIMBO FISHER

For the Florida State faithful, it was most difficult to part ways with legendary football coach Bobby Bowden, who built not only the Florida State football program, but played a significant role in the growth of the university itself.  But for most, there was only one choice to follow Bowden's path, and that was Jimbo Fisher.

Fisher had a strong relationship with Terry Bowden, who Fisher played quarterback for and later coached with, ending up at Auburn together as part of the Tigers undefeated 1993 season.  Fisher would continue to polish his craft before becoming offensive coordinator under Bobby Bowden at FSU.  Fisher developed a keen ability to groom the quarterback position, but learned a great deal about team structure and leadership during a stint at LSU, where Fisher was offensive coordinator when the Bayou Tigers won the national title.

Fisher started strong at FSU, and while there were some growing pains, which included a couple of head scratching losses, a culture of winning was being built by Fisher.  If you would ever speak to Jimbo about what he calls the organization, you would promptly recognize that Fisher has complete control and confidence in his mission in developing young men in the pursuit of excellence. Nothing is left to chance in the development of the organization, and young men are held accountable to the team and themselves.  The team is a family, and this is not by coincidence.

When Fisher was introduced as head coach at FSU, he said "Empowered, confident athletes are winners. My goal is to get the structure, the staff and the support resources in place to facilitate a winning plan and get players into the structure and start effecting change. Now."  The grade in accomplishing that plan is A+.

Fisher quickly set the tone, and after losing four games in each of his first four seasons, the Seminole jumped up a few levels and won the 2013 National Championship with a victory of Auburn. In addition, quarterback Jameis Winston won the Heisman Trophy.  Before losing in the College Football Playoff to Oregon, the Seminoles has ran off a school record 29 game winning streak.

Fisher has returned Florida State to the national elite, with stellar recruiting as young men want to come and be a part of the working to achieve greatness.  Jimbo is a favorite of the FSU faithful, and he can remain parked in Tallahassee as long as he wishes.

Florida State head football coach Jimbo Fisher is welcomed into the Hall of BAHL.

ERIC CROUCH

Eric Crouch was the third Nebraska player to win the Heisman Trophy winning the coveted award in 2001 after a brilliant senior campaign which culminated in the 'Huskers losing to the Miami Hurricanes in The Orange Bowl.

The Omaha Millard North product compiled a 35-7 record as starting quarterback for Nebraska, and left left Nebraska in possession of 32 school records.  At the time, Crouch was one of just three quarterbacks in NCAA history rush for 3000 yards and pass for 4000 yards in a career.

Crouch broke top ranked Oklahoma's back on a reverse 41 yard touchdown catch, pummeled a would be Iowa tackler on the way to paydirt and delivered a blow to Hall of Famer Ed Reed in a losing effort in The Orange Bowl.  But, Crouch really dazzled the faithful with a breathtaking touchdown run at Missouri, an integral part of the highlight reel that helps secure a Heisman.



Crouch remains in Nebraska and close to the program, doing work for FOX Sports and the Big Ten Network.  I had a chance to meet him in New York City on Heisman weekend one time, while he did not have the look of  an elite athlete, lest there be no doubt he is one of the best players in the storied Nebraska football history.

Crouch vs. Notre Dame

Crouch vs. OU/Getty image

BAHL Revere is pleased to induct Nebraska's Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Eric Crouch into the BAHL Hall of Fame.

CHRIS WEINKE

Chris Weinke came to Florida State an unusual way.   After originally signing a letter of intent to play football at Florida State out of after Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St. Paul, MN, Weinke ended up spending six seasons in the minor leagues with the Toronto Blue Jays.  Coach Bobby Bowden promised his scholarship would be honored if he decided to come, Weinke retired from the Blue Jays and arrived at FSU at the age of 25.

Weinke was the starting quarterback for Florida State in 1998-99.  After leading the Seminoles to a 9-1 record in 1998, Weinke was forced to sit due to a neck injury suffered late in the year.  Healthy, Weinke returned to lead the Seminoles to an undefeated season culminating with FSU winning it's second National Title with a 46-29 victory over Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.


As president of the Seminole Club of Greater Orlando in 1999, I was able to attend this game, a game in which Weinke had a stellar performance.  Beyond winning the National Title and Heisman Trophy, Weinke left FSU holding records for the most passing yards and touchdowns in a career in compiling a 32-3 record as the starting quarterback.

Weinke had numerous plays which could compile a lengthy highlight reel, perhaps Weinke is best known for this backbreaking play against Clemson, deemed "The Play Fake".



Weinke played several years in the NFL most notably with the Carolina Panthers.  Since his retirement, Weinke has dabbled in many arenas and is now quarterbacks coach of the St. Louis Rams after being head coach at IMG Academy in Florida.

Florida State remains special to Chris Weinke, and he is no stranger to the program, attending many events and games while cheering on our beloved Seminoles.  Weinke is a very special player in the history of FSU football, and among the hearts of Seminole Nation.

Chris Weinke, Heisman Trophy winning quarterback of the Florida State Seminoles, is welcomed as part of the 2015 Hall of BAHL class.