FSU loses tailback for year

FSU loses tailback for year

Junior college transfer running back out after knee injury

After waiting over two weeks to get on the field, junior college transfer running back Tavares Pressley was handed another set back to his season during last weeks practice - his second week on the field.

On a fluke play during last week's half scrimmage Pressley came up lame on a play that he didn't even touch the ball - let alone get hit. Film showed that Pressley's knee buckled and immediately he fell to the ground in pain.

Pressley was carted to the sidelines and into the training room where the initial prognosis was unknown.

"Pressley got hurt today," head coach Bobby Bowden said. "We don't know how bad until he gets some tests done."

Last Friday, an MRI would reveal that Pressley, the 6-foot-1 215 pound tailback, had a torn ACL in his left knee.

Pressley was to bring two years of experience to a backfield that only has one tailback with significant playing time - senior Antone Smith.

"We felt like with his experience - he might be able to immediately help," Bowden said. "With his two years of junior college, we thought he could contribute heavily this year."

Fortunately, coming into this year, Pressley has three years of eligibility to play two seasons. Therefore, a redshirt season is going to be available for Pressley.

Pressley arrived on campus a little over a month ago but was not able to participate in any organized practice or team event until a transcript discrepancy between El Camino Community College and FSU was resolved. Pressley missed the entire summer workout program and the first week of fall practice due to that discrepancy.

Pressley and others alike are blaming the lack of field exposure at fault for the injury. Bowden - on the other hand - sees the silver lining.

"Not having him for the entire summer and the first week worked in our favor," Bowden said. "We got to see the other running backs in more depth while Pressley was out. We were able to get Jermaine Thomas and Carlton Jones a few more reps."

With Pressley more likely than not obtaining a medical redshirt this season, fans of the Garnet and Gold can most likely bet on seeing the aforementioned Thomas and Jones.

Carlton 'Ty' Jones comes from Middleton High School in Tampa after not being highly recruited his senior season. Jones who amassed over 2500 yards his junior and senior years combined is penciled in right now as the number two tailback.

Thomas, who makes the trip across I-10 from Jacksonville, had to miss a little bit of time due to personal issues - leading to Jones being the number two.

"Jones is a little bit ahead of Thomas right now," Bowden said. "He is up there mainly because Thomas had to miss a little bit of time."

According to initial practice reports, Jones and Thomas have grasped the playbook and caught on quicker than expected to offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher's offensive scheme. Senior back Antone Smith said the two young players are developing faster than he's seen anyone prior.

"They're stepping up to the plate," Smith said. "They're getting their assignments down, paying attention to detail and listening to the coaches and older players. You can't ask for much more than that out of two young guys."

With Pressley waiting until next year to showcase his ability - the Seminole backfield loses a key part of the experience to a young group. Luckily for the 'Noles, the aforesaid Thomas and Jones have done their part to help out and contribute this season.

The only thing left for the Tribe before the September sixth matchup with Western Carolina - to stay healthy.

"We've got to stay healthy," Bowden said. "We can't afford any more injuries."