FSU QB Xavier Lee

[osugrad21]

Another former tOSU target...and Buster Avis protege

Link

Backup quarterback Lee making 'rapid improvement'

Brandon Mellor | Special to the Sentinel
Posted August 20, 2006

The Seminoles scrimmaged for the second time this preseason on Saturday, and even though he is the backup, QB Xavier Lee was given the majority of the reps at signal caller. The Daytona Beach Seabreeze High graduate worked with both the first and second teams in the day's events. Starting QB Drew Weatherford participated but took about half as many reps.

Lee connected with true freshman WR Damon McDaniel for a 37-yard touchdown against the first-team defense. He finished with 82 yards on 7-of-11 passing and the lone score. Lee also added a 21-yard run.
In red-zone drills, Lee -- who is coming back after right shoulder surgery -- connected with FB Joe Surratt for a 3-yard touchdown.

"Xavier Lee is making some rapid improvement, thank goodness," Coach Bobby Bowden said. "That is exactly what we were hoping. That he can pick it up where he left off and show improvement. Each scrimmage he has shown improvement. He needs all the scrimmaging he can get."

Other scrimmage highlights included a 32-yard run by RB Antone Smith and a fumble recovery by LB Derek Nicholson.

Kicker Cismesia still likely to start

After going 6-for-6 on field-goal attempts from 32 and 37 yards out on Wednesday and not missing any kicks in practice on Friday, K Gary Cismesia was 2-for-4 from 44 yards.

"I think he had the distance; he just missed them," Bowden said.

Bowden said Cismesia is still the favorite to win the starting job. He is battling with sophomore Graham Gano.

Injury report

Former Edgewater High OL Matt Hardrick was carted off the field during the scrimmage with an apparent leg injury. The severity of the injury is not yet known. Freshman S Mister Alexander was injured in drills before the scrimmage.

"I think it's an old injury he's got that recurred," Bowden said of Alexander.

Another freshman, S Myron Rolle, did not participate in the scrimmage but had his left arm in a sling. He sprained a joint in his left shoulder on Friday morning at practice. He is expected to be back in action next week.

[osugrad21]

SI

Florida State coaches acknowledged Monday that they are concerned about the way their offense sputtered in Drew Weatherford's second season as a starter, but they are no closer to giving Xavier Lee a chance. Much of the focus has shifted to Lee, who was frustrated on the sideline during the second half of Saturday's loss to Clemson. He sat by himself with a towel over his head for much of the third quarter.
-- Miami Herald

[akronbuck]

Let him play for he could look then cry about it

[scooter1369]

I've said all along Bowden would never let Lee take a meaning snap at QB.

He should transfer home to BCC.

[scooter1369]

From the Daytona Beach News Journal:

September 21, 2006

Is Lee's time coming at FSU?

By BRYAN BAKER
Correspondent

TALLAHASSEE -- On the surface, Xavier Lee appears calm. His answers to constant questions on his lack of playing time seem rhythmically rehearsed.

"There's nothing I can do besides just keep practicing hard and just being patient with what I've got," he said.

It's a line the Seabreeze graduate has perfected for almost two seasons while he waits behind starting quarterback Drew Weatherford. Yet in the theater that is Florida State football, Lee's frustration appears to be growing just in time for the curtain to come up.

"It just kinda (stinks) for me to have my talent or anyone's (and have) me or Drew sitting on the bench," added Lee.

But Lee may not be relegated to the bench much longer. Not with FSU's offense struggling for a third consecutive game -- the latest resulting in a 27-20 loss to Clemson.

Coaches have recognized the necessity to throw Lee into meaningful time. He saw action for the first time against the Tigers with four seconds left. Lee's Hail Mary pass fell well short of the tying touchdown.

"I hope we have a plan (for Lee to play)," offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden said. "We had a plan last week. We had a plan the week before, sure like to see that plan happen."

That plan could finally materialize Saturday against Rice, as the Seminoles hope to score more points.

FSU is averaging a pedestrian 19 points a game -- the worst output through its first three games since Jeff Bowden took over in 2001. The offense has fumbled 14 times (lost five) and has been intercepted twice. The 'Noles haven't scored a touchdown in the first half this season.

In wins over Miami and Troy, the run game was largely to blame, producing 46 combined yards. However, the Seminoles had 102 yards on the ground against Clemson. Unfortunately for Weatherford, FSU threw for the same amount.

Weatherford knows FSU's best chance to improve may be to get Lee some reps in the game.

"He's worked hard just like I do," Weatherford said of Lee. "He deserves to get playing time. That's just something the coaches are gonna have to figure out, an opportunity to get him in the game.

"I'm sure it's a little more frustrating than he shows outwardly, but he's handling it really well."

What's worse is the rollercoaster Lee has ridden.

With FSU trailing Troy 3-0 at halftime, Lee was told he would see the field. That didn't happen.

"No one would be happy with broken promises," Lee said. "That's all I want to do is play."

There's a line that hasn't been rehearsed.

[BGriffBuckeye]

I believe it was Lee who said we don't like to play black QB's .... think he is regretting his decision now? He could be challenging for the starting position next year after Troy contends for a Heisman and an NC.