The NCAA Denies Florida State Wide Receiver Corey Surrency's Appeal

by Bud Elliott on May 19, 2009 8:24 PM EDT

For Immediate Release from FSU Sports Information and Seminoles.com:

NCAA Denies Corey Surrency Appeal

May 19, 2009

Tallahassee, Fla. -- The NCAA has notified Florida State University’s compliance office that the final appeal made by football player Corey Surrency of the decision regarding granting him another year of eligibility has been denied. The result of the ruling means that he has exhausted his college eligibility. "We are disappointed that Corey has lost his appeal, but I appreciate our administration going to bat for him," said head coach Bobby Bowden. "I hope that Corey can continue to play on the next level and we will do all we can to help him get that chance."

This is very sad but entirely expected. I hope some FSU alumni will step up and allow this man to finish his education. Surrency's situation was well documented, here and elsewhere and I feel like he made a bigger impact on FSU during his one year than some have made in their entire careers.

From a football standpoint, Surrency made a big impact on two fronts. First, defenses feared him over the top and consistent played with two deep safeties, and it was that defensive adjustment (having to also account for Greg Carr) that helped the youngest offensive line in college football blossom and become one of the better run blocking units in the country. Surrency was also the best college blocking wide receiver I have ever seen, and he will surely be missed there.

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Godspeed, Corey Surrency.

Although all indications pointed to this bitter fate, I held out hope until the final moment. Jimbo Fisher took a chance on this young man, and I’m glad he did. The statistics and highlights might not have exceeded our high expectations, but the story and fight will always be an inspiration to many.
Best wishes from the K-Man, and thank you for everything, Smurf.

by The K-Man on May 19, 2009 8:34 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Is this at Maryland?

Tomahawk Nation: No-Holds-Barred Nole Analysis

by Bud Elliott on May 19, 2009 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes. Coldest weather I've ever experienced.

by The K-Man on May 19, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I never understood the Smurf nickname. Isn't he like 6'4" or more? Or was it just sarcasm.

by FrankDNole on May 19, 2009 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Nickname given by his momma when he was little. It stuck and he liked it.

by The K-Man on May 19, 2009 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Cool, thanks.

by FrankDNole on May 19, 2009 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Great photo, K-Man!

Why do I have a feeling we all (or at least a lot of us) have a pic like this with Smurf? I’m always the photographer, it seems, but I know for a fact that I have at least ten of these from different games (the guy was only here one season) with my wife, nephew, sister, others, and… what am I getting at – there’s just something special about Corey. You’re just drawn to the guy and you want to say hey regardless of what he does on the field that day, and he’s just cool to be around. Others have given him better tributes, but I wanted to get that in because I can see that K-Man, and I know others, know what I’m talking about. It’s just a subtle, special thing with Smurf. I hate that he’s gone already.

by TRMNole on May 20, 2009 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions

I share in your sorrow

Funny thing about that picture is the first take was a dud. My friend didn’t hold the shutter long enough and I realized he never took a photo. We ran down 30 yards to catch up with him and said we need to try again. He willingly obliged, of course. It’s because either A) He’s a super nice guy who never took the limited limelight for granted and loved the fan support or B) because I had “SMURF” pressed onto the back of that #1 jersey I was wearing.

by The K-Man on May 20, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions

A

But a little back-up never hurts.

by TRMNole on May 20, 2009 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions

I posted elsewhere that he did not live up to the hype or his potential, as far as his stats were concerned,

but just to overcome everything this young man has so far in his life (dropping out in the 9th grade, Miami thug friends, jail, semi-pro ball, JUCO, mothers death) and to be able to play for us even for the one year was incredible and admirable. Very few individuals could live up the that type of hype and overcome even a fraction of what he has. I don’t think his lack of production (again compared to what he was capable of doing) were his fault. I think the offensive playcalling, CP’s inability to throw it deep last year, except for the jump ball, and other intangibles did not let him prosper to the best of his ability, and I firmly believe the 2 suspensions hurt him more than we will ever know. I too hope he gets his degree and like you suggested maybe someone will step up. While anything is possible, I do not think he has much chance to catch on as a free agent at this point in his career, so I think his best bet is to play in the CFL and who knows what may come around in the future. You are 100% right about his blocking ablility though, and his sticking with his block is what gave some of the other players their TD’s. He was a awesome blocker and I agree that maybe the best FSU has ever seen. Good Luck Corey and don’t look back.

by FrankDNole on May 19, 2009 8:54 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I'm hoping Bobby sticks to his word

and does whatever he can to help Corey get to the next level in his career/life.

by CSI Nole on May 19, 2009 9:04 PM EDT reply actions

Very unfortunate

While I think we all expected this, I think we all hoped it wouldn’t happen. Not necessarily because of football, but because of his life. This case just shows how much is wrong with the NCAA and how they really just don’t “get it.” He and his story will be remembered. He may have not exceed expectations on the field. But in hindsight, who could have. Everywhere I read the talk was “one and done.” He was too good. Of course this isn’t realistic, for anyone, let alone for someone who has played very little (relatively speaking) of the game. He did however exceed expectations off the field, and that’s most important. He’s seen his errors and turned his life around. That’s admirable. It takes a real man to admit his faults and then change them. That is the best performance he could ever have.

by Nole-ando on May 19, 2009 10:05 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs

this sucks as FSUn said in two ways.

The threat of a 6-5 guy on the one side and then a great blocker down field you dont get a two in one very often. God bless him, thanks for all he has done and I hope nothing but the best for him. I also hope he gets his digree.Thats the most importen thing I think.

Why is the sky blue? Because, God Loves the Infantry

by Desman on May 24, 2009 9:52 PM EDT reply actions