A Collaboration of Fsued, Rich from GarnetandGreat.com, and FrankDNole.
Welcome to the final installment of our collaboration where we have selected our choices for FSU's All-Time #1 Players by Position. In part one we named our choices for FSU's All-Time #1 Defensive Players. Today we will list those who we have selected as our All-Time #1 Offensive Players, again by position. These are the players we feel were the best at their position, had the most productive FSU careers, and whose contributions helped earn the FSU Seminoles the #9 most prestigious ever college football team ranking, according to the ESPN Research’s countdown of the most prestigious teams from 1936-2008.
There were some heated exchanges and debates on our part before we finally agreed on these players. As a matter of fact, a keyboard was smashed, chairs were thrown, a monitor was slammed to the ground, and a couple of holes were punched through walls during our intense deliberations (OK, maybe I exaggerate a little), but this offensive lineup was much more difficult for us to agree on than the defensive players we posted last week.
As always, we here at TN appreciate and encourage your comments, thoughts, and opinions, whether you agree or disagree with our selections. Please feel free to tell us who we missed, or where we went wrong. Also, please keep in mind this compilation is based strictly on the performances of these fine athletes only during their time here while attending FSU.
Inside: Our FSU All-Time #1 Offensive Players By Position.
Key: GP=games played, PA=passes attempted, PC=passes completed, Pct=percentage completed, Int=interceptions, Eff=passing efficiency, TD=duh!, Lng=long, RA=rushing attempts, Avg=average, Rec=receptions, KR=Kicks returned,
Note: some stats do not include Bowl games played before 2002. Some stats not available for some earlier years.
QUARTERBACK- Split decision. Fsued & Rich=Charlie Ward | Frank=Chris Weinke
Charlie Ward (1988-1993) Consensus All-American, GP=22, PA=759, PC=473, Pct=.623, Yds=5747, Int=22, Eff=141.43, Lng=86, TD=49, RA=172, Yds=889, Avg=5.2, TD=10, Rec=1, Yds=10, Punts=35, Yds=1297, Avg=37.1, Lng=57
HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER, AAU SULLLIVAN AWARD WINNER, DAVEY O’BRIEN AWARD WINNER, JOHNNY UNITAS GOLDEN ARM AWARD WINNER, WALTER CAMP PLAYER OF THE YEAR, CHEVROLET OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, SCRIPPS HOWARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR, ACC PLAYER OF THE YEAR, TOYOTA LEADER OF THE YEAR, THE SPORTING NEWS PLAYER OF THE YEAR, UPI PLAYER OF THE YEAR, ACC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, FOOTBALL NEWS OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR.
Charlie Ward is the most decorated player in college football history and the 1993 Heisman Trophy winner, He earned Consensus All-American honors as a senior while leading Florida State to its first national championship. Charlie won literally every award he was eligible for as a senior quarterback on Florida State's 1993 championship team.
Ward began his senior season in 1993 chasing both the schools’ first national championship and the Heisman Trophy. The 6-foot 2-inch, 190-pound football/basketball star would catch both and much more finishing the year as the most heralded athlete in the history of college football. He was the first consensus All-America quarterback ever at FSU, and posted a 22-2 record in his two seasons as a starter,
Ward’s passing and running skills were already well known qualities by 1993, but his inspired leadership and poise under pressure during his senior year elevated him to one of the game’s all-time greats. So exceptional was Ward’s command of the offense that coaches moved him into the shotgun to allow him to make adjustments during the play. Ward set 19 school and seven Atlantic Coast Conference records over his two years as the starting quarterback for the Seminoles. A consensus All-American, Ward won over 30 individual awards in addition to the Heisman. Ward ranks second in career total offense at FSU with 6,636 yards and has the highest completion rate for a career (62.3%) and lowest interception percentage (2.90%). Ward set the FSU record for touchdown passes in a season with 27 in 1993, while completing 264-of-380 passes as a senior for 3,032 yards and just four interceptions. Charlie's best game of his Heisman year was a 446-yard, four-touchdown performance in his personal 33-21 spanking of Florida in their Swamp.
A native of nearby Thomasville, Georgia, Ward became Florida State's first Heisman Trophy winner in 1993. He also won the Davey O'Brien and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Awards and was named Walter Camp Player of the Year and Toyota Leader of the Year. He was only the third college football player ever to win the Sullivan Award, long considered the Oscar of amateur sports awards. He was elected into the FSU Hall of Fame and Ward still owned 14 FSU football records at the time of his induction.
Thousands of fans poured into Doak Campbell Stadium for a celebration of the national championship and Ward’s Heisman, which included the surprise retirement of his number. He joined Fred Biletnikoff and Ron Sellers becoming only the third player in FSU history to be so honored.
In addition, Ward was also a four-year starter at point guard on the Seminole basketball team, and was the spark plug on three Seminole NCAA Tournament basketball teams. On the basketball court, Ward pushed the Seminoles to the brink of the 1993 Final Four, falling one game shy. He also started on FSU's Sweet 16 team in 1992 and hit the game winning shot in its Metro Conference Tournament Championship game win over Louisville in 1991. Ward still holds Seminole basketball records for steals in a game (9) and career (236) and ranks sixth all-time in assists (396). After leaving FSU, Charlie spurned the NFL and spent 12 years in the NBA.
WARD IN THE FSU RECORD BOOKS- Highest Completion Pct in a Season=69.5, Highest Completion Pct in Career=62.3, Lowest Int pct in a Season=.015 (4-380), 6th Most Career Yds=5747, 3rd Most Completed Passes in a Season=264, 4th Most Career Completions=473, 7th in Career 300 Yd Games=6.
RUNNING BACKS- Unanimous Decision-Warrick Dunn & Greg Allen
Warrick Dunn (1993-96) GP=45, RA=575, Yds=3959, Avg=6.9, Lng=80, TD=37, Rec=132, Yds=1314, Avg=10.0, Lng=79, TD=12.
Warrick Dunn entered Florida State a fighter, a survivor and one of the top 10 high school football players in Louisiana. In his first year as a Seminole, the running back earned Freshman All-America honors as he helped lead Florida State to its first National Championship in 1993.
His is one of the most recognized names to wear the garnet and gold. Warrick Dunn's phenomenal running style and dominating performances just didn't seem to mesh with his soft-spoken, humble, yet mature demeanor. Warrick Dunn’s four-year career at Florida State established him as one of the most popular players in all of college football and the finest running back in school history.
Dunn is the only Seminole ever to rush for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. His 3,959 career rushing yards broke Greg Allen’s school record set in 1984. He also broke Allen’s single season rushing record when he ran for 1,242 yards as a junior in 1995. Dunn has the record for most touchdowns scored in a career with 49 over four seasons and rushed for over 100 yards more times (21) than any player at FSU. He was a three-time All-ACC selection as well as a member of the ACC all-academic team. He was selected to the first team Football Writer’s All-America squad as a senior and earned second team Associated Press honors that same year. The Baton Rouge native went on to become the first two-time 1,000 yard rusher in Florida State history, a pre-season Playboy All-American and the MVP of the 1994 Sugar Bowl.
Dunn still holds the career rushing record of nearly 4,000 yards. He became only the sixth FSU football player to have his jersey retired. Dunn became a two-sport All-American after a standout spring season with the Seminole track team. Warrick was a first-round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he had two 1,000-yard rushing seasons and was invited to the Pro Bowl twice. Off the field, the former Seminole set up a Home for the Holidays program, awarding single working mothers a down payment for a furnished home. The program has gained national attention as over 40 children have benefited from his foundation.
DUNN IN THE FSU RECORD BOOKS- Most Career Yards=3959, Most Yards in a Season=1242 (1995), 2nd Most Career TD's=37, Most yards by a junior-1242, Most yards by a senior=1180, Consecutive 100-yard games=6, Highest avg per rush in a season with min of 100 attempts=7.5, Highest avg per rush career with min of 200 attempts=6.9, Most Career All Purpose Yards=5321, Most Career 100-yd games=21
Greg Allen (1981-84) Consenus All-American GP=40, RA=624, Yds=3769, Avg=6.0, Lng=81, TD=43, Rec=34, Yds=376, Avg=11.1, TD=1
Breaking FSU records in both football and track, soft-spoken Greg Allen was born to run. As a freshman running back, he ran for more than 500 yards in just two games, back to back, breaking school records and acquiring Sport Illustrated and UPI Player of the Week honors, a feat accomplished by few freshmen in college football history. Allen also broke NCAA records, gaining more than 400 all-purpose yards in just one game, and rushing for 322 yards against Western Carolina as a freshman in 1981 to set the FSU record which still stands.
Greg earned consensus All-America honors after his junior season in 1983, rushed for 1,134 yards and 13 touchdowns that year on 200 carries. Allen still holds 13 Florida State season and career rushing records and scored 20 TD’s on the ground in 1982 to set an FSU season mark and his 44 career rushing touchdowns still remain a program standard.
He set Florida State records for career rushing yards with 3,769 from 1981-84, a record later broken by Dunn, and also set school marks for career carries (624) and touchdowns (44).
On the track, Allen long-jumped 24'11¼", ran a 10.82 100 meters, and even more impressively, was clocked at 4.28 in the 40-yard dash. He stands as one of the truly great all-around athletes in Florida State history and perhaps its most prolific football runner until Warrick Dunn came along.
ALLEN IN THE FSU RECORD BOOKS- Most Career TD's=44, Most Rushing TD in a season=20, Most Yards in a Game=322 (1981), 2nd Most Career Yards=3,769, Most Yards by a Freshman=888, Most Games in a Season over 200 yds=2, Most Games in Career over 200 yds=4, Most Games in a Season over 300 yds=1, Most Games Career over 300 yds=1, Most Rushing TD's in a game=4 (twice), Most All-Purpose Yards in a Game=417, Most All-Purpose Yards in a Season=1605, 2nd Most Career 100-yd games=16.
FULLBACK- Unanimous Decision-Mark Lyles
Mark Lyles (1976-79) RA=515, Yds=2218, Avg=4.31, Lng=41, TD=20, Rec=91, Yds=731, Avg=8.03. TD=2
LYLES IN THE FSU RECORD BOOKS- 7th Most Career TD's=20
WIDE RECEIVERS-Unanimous Decision-Sellers & Warick-second guessed by Rich
Ron Sellers(1966-68) Consensus All-American, GP=30, Rec=211, Yds=3598, Avg=17.1, TD=23.
The most prolific pass catcher in Florida State history who still owns 14 Seminole receiving records. Ron caught 212 passes for 3,598 yards from 1966-68 while averaging 119.9 receiving yards per game over his career. He caught a pass in 30 consecutive games and was a consensus All-American as a junior in 1967. Sellers lead the nation with 1,228 yards, finished second with 70 receptions, scored eight touchdowns as a junior, and had 86 receptions for 1,496 yards and 12 scores as a senior. He also earned All-American honors on a number of teams as a senior in 1968. He caught at least 13 passes in a game seven times, and had 18 100-yard receiving games, and five 200-yard days during his FSU career.
Ron Seller was one of the finest receivers in the history of college football and many of his records held up during the pass happy offenses used during the 1990s, and have stood the test of time for at least 35 years. He averaged a remarkable 7.1 catches per game during his FSU career. Ron was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988. His number 34 jersey was retired by the athletics department in 1968, and he was a first-round draft pick by the Boston Patriots in 1969.
SELLERS IN THE FSU RECORD BOOKS- 3598 Career Receiving Yards, 1496 Yards Receiving in a Season, Most Rec in a Game=16 and also in 2nd with 4 games with 14 Rec, Most Rec in a Season=86, Most Career Rec=212, Single Game Receiving Yards=260, Avg Catches per Game per Season=8.6, Avg Catches per Game for Career=7.07, Most TD Passes Caught in a Game=5, Most Average Yards Gained per Game for the Season=149.6, Most Avg Yards Gained for Career=119.9, Most 100 Yard Games=19, Most 200 Yard Games=5, and in 5th place with 23 career TD catches.
Peter Warrick (1996-1999) 2 time Consensus All-American, GP=43, Rec=207, Yds=3517, Yds=17.0, TD=32, RA=41, Yds=188, Avg=4.6, TD=4, PA=7, PC=3, Yds=95, Td=2, Kr=11, Yds=220, Avg=20.0, Pr=72, Yds=937, Avg=13.0, TD=2.
A two-time consensus All-American (1998 and 1999) who had more touchdown receptions (32) than any player in FSU history. Warrick finished his career as the ACC’s all-time receiving yardage leader with 3,517, and second to Ron Sellers on FSU’s career receiving yards list and receptions chart (207). As a senior he caught 71 passes for 934 yards and eight touchdowns, averaged 13.2 yards per reception in 1999, and also ran for 96 yards on 16 carries and three touchdowns. Peter was a dangerous punt return man who averaged 12.6 yards on 18 returns and scored one TD. He lined up at quarterback several times during the season and ran for two scores while at quarterback and also threw for a touchdown. Warrick carried a school record streak of 40 straight games with at least one catch into the Sugar Bowl, then set a bowl record by scoring three touchdowns and adding a two point conversion. He caught at least six passes in eight of his nine regular season appearances as a senior. He was selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.
WARRICK IN THE FSU RECORD BOOKS-Most TD in a Season=31, 3rd(t) Most Rec in a Season=71, 2nd Most Career Rec=207, 2nd Career Rec Yds=3517, 2nd Career Receptions=207, 3rd Single Game Rec. Yds=249, 2nd # of Catches per Game for Season=7.89, 2nd in # of Catches per Game for Career=4.81, 4th Season Rec. Yds=1232, tied for 4th TD Catches in a Season=12, and he had 15 100-yard receiving games.
TIGHT END- Split Decision. Fsued & Rich=Pat Carter| Frank=Ed Beckham
Pat Carter (1984-87) GP=44, Rec=71, Yds=777, Avg=10.9, Lng=33, TD=7
1986 Associated Press - All-American - Honorable Mention
1987 The Sporting News - 1st Team All-American AND Associated Press - 2nd Team All-American
CENTER- Unanimous Decision-Clay Shiver
Clay Shiver (1991-95) Consensus All-American
Clay Shiver grew up in the shadows of Seminole Territory. In his back yard he was usually the quarterback for the fantasy game. He never dreamed of becoming an All-America hero at center but that's just what he did. Clay was tabbed by Coach Bowden as the best center he has coached in his career at Florida State,
In 1993, Shiver perfected the shotgun snap for Charlie Ward. He gave up just ½ a sack over 700 snaps to help lead the team to its first National Championship trophy. By the 1995 campaign, Shiver had become one of the top linemen in the country. He was a dominating blocker with quickness to pass block in FSU's intricate offensive system. Shiver was named to the Football Writer's first team All-America squad and the ScrIpps Howard All-America team. He was a three-time All-ACC selection and received numerous ACC Player of the Week honors. In his junior and senior years, Shiver was awarded the prestigious Jacobs Trophy presented annually to the best blocker in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
He anchored the Seminole offensive line as the starter at center for three seasons while becoming a three-time All-ACC center who also earned consensus All-American status in 1995. He was the team captain and Lombardi semifinalist during his senior year,
In 1996, Shiver was the first Seminole selected to the NFL draft, drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round. Shiver played in 14 games for Dallas his first season, started in all 16 games in '97 and nine games in the '98 campaign. After three seasons with Dallas he became a free agent, signing in '99 with Denver and Carolina before having to give up the game with a shoulder injury.
1993 Football News - 1st Team Sophomore All-American
United Press International - All-American - Honorable Mention
1994 Football Writers Association - 1st Team All-American
Scripps Howard - 1st Team All-American
Associated Press - 2nd Team All-American
United Press International - All-American - Honorable Mention
1995 American Football Coaches Association - 1st Team All-American
Football Writers Association - 1st Team All-American
Associated Press - 2nd Team All-American
Football News - 2nd Team All-American
United Press International - 2nd Team All-American
NCAA - Consensus All-American
GUARDS- Unanimous Decision-Jamie Dukes & Jason Whittaker
Jaime Dukes (1982-85) Consensus All-American
One of the finest offensive linemen in Florida State history, Offensive guard Jamie Dukes became just the fifth player in FSU history to earn Consensus All-America honors when he was named to virtually every team as a senior in 1985. From the moment he stepped onto the FSU campus in August of 1982, he went immediately into the Seminole starting lineup, and is one of just four offensive lineman in Florida State history to start every game as a freshman and started all 48 games during his career at FSU. Behind the lead of Dukes over the course of those four years, the Seminoles finished in the top ten nationally in scoring offense, rushing offense, and total offense. His All-America honors could almost fill a page of their own in Florida State record books. His senior year, he received almost every All-American honor available including Walter Camp, Football Writers, UPI, AP, Football news and NCAA Consensus.
"Jamie Dukes wears T-shirts the size of pup tents. His shoulders could be used to park a helicopter. His legs look like they're pilings on loan from the Sunshine Skyway. Jamie Dukes is, as you might guessed by now, large." That's how a St. Pete Times sportswriter described Florida State's fifth consensus All-American, offensive guard Jamie Dukes. And large he was, in stature and in spirit.
Following his illustrious career with Florida State, Dukes signed with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent in 1986 and was a stalwart on the NFL club from 1986-93 before playing for both Green Bay and Arizona over a 11 year NFL career.
1982 Football News - 1st Team Freshman All-American
1983 Football News - All-American - Honorable Mention
1984 Football News - 2nd Team All-American
Associated Press - All-American - Honorable Mention
1985 Walter Camp - 1st Team All-American
Football Writers Association - 1st Team All-American
Associated Press - 2nd Team All-American
United Press International - 2nd Team All-American
Football News - 3rd Team All-American
NCAA - Consensus All-American
Jason Whittaker (1995-99) Consensus All-American
FSU’s first consensus All-America offensive linemen since Clay Shiver in 1994, Jason earned first team All-ACC honors for the second year in a row in 1999, and started 24 consecutive games while playing despite injuries during most of his last two seasons. He was the leader of the FSU offensive line that produced the schools first undefeated season, and his leadership role was instrumental in guiding FSU as the only team in AP history to go through an entire season ranked No. 1. Whittaker played split guard in 1998, but moved to tight guard in 1999 where he used his mobility to lead block on pulling plays, and was an excellent open field blocker.
1998 Football Writers Association - 1st Team All-American
Associated Press - 3rd Team All-American
1999 All-America Foundation - 1st Team All-American
American Football Coaches Association - 1st Team All-American
Associated Press - 1st Team All-American
Walter Camp - 1st Team All-American
Football News - 1st Team All-American
Football Writers Association - 1st Team All-American
The Sporting News - 2nd Team All-American
NCAA Consensus All-American
TACKLES-Unanimous Decision for Alex Barron
The rest of the voting was FUBAR
Pat Tomberlin=3 votes mixed
Ken Lanier=2 votes mixed
Walter Jones=1 vote
Alex Barron (2000-04) 2 Time Consensus All-American
Alex joined Ron Simmons, Deion Sanders, Derrick Brooks, Marvin Jones, Sebastian Janikowski and Peter Warrick as Florida State’s seventh two time consensus All-American (2003 and 2004). In 2003 he became the first FSU consensus All-American on the offensive line since offensive guard Jason Whitaker earned the distinction following the 1994 season. Alex was a two-time first team All-ACC honoree who started 24 of 25 games at tackle over the final two years of his career. He was regarded as the nation’s top pass blocker as a junior and a senior and Alex was the only Seminole offensive lineman in school history to earn the distinction of having his locker sealed. He was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams.
2003 Associated Press - 1st Team All-American
Walter Camp - 1st Team All-American
College Football News - 1st Team All-American
Football Writers Association - 1st Team All-American
NCAA - Consensus All-American
cnnsi.com - All-American - Honorable Mention
2004 American Football Coaches Association - 1st Team All-American
Associated Press - 1st Team All-American
Walter Camp - 1st Team All-American
College Football News - 1st Team All-American
espn.com - 1st Team All-American
Football Writers Association - 1st Team All-American
Rivals.Com - 1st Team All-American
The Sporting News - 1st Team All-American
cnnsi.com - 2nd Team All-American
NCAA - Consensus All-American
Pat Tomberlin (1985-88)
Offensive Tackle from Middleburg who earned All-American honors all four years. Pat helped open holes for such Seminole greats as Sammie Smith, Dexter Carter, Victor Floyd, Keith Ross and Tony Smith. After leaving FSU, Pat played for the Indianapolis Colts and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL.
1985 Associated Press - All-American - Honorable Mention
1986 Football News - 2nd Team Sophomore All-American
Associated Press - All-American - Honorable Mention
1987 Associated Press - 2nd Team All-American
1988 Walter Camp - 1st Team All-American
Associated Press - 2nd Team All-American
Football News - 2nd Team All-American
Kodak - 2nd Team All-American
The Sporting News - 2nd Team All-American
United Press International - 2nd Team All-American
PLACE KICKER- Unanimous Decision-Janikowski- second guessed by Frank
Sebastian Janikowski (1997-99) 2 Time Consensus All-American
Sebastian Janikowski became the first Seminole ever to win the Lou Groza award when he was named the nation’s top kicker in 1998. He became the first kicker to win back-to-back Groza awards in 1998 & 1999. Janikowski set Florida State and Atlantic Coast Conference records with 27 field goals in 1998. He nailed a remarkable 84.4 percent (27-of-32) field goals in 1999 and led the nation with an average of 2.23 per game. His 123 points were the most scored in a single season by a kicker in FSU or ACC history. He matched Bill Capece’s Florida State record for field goals in a game by booting five at Maryland in 1998 and vs. NC State in 1999. His 53-yard field goal against Clemson tied for the third longest in Seminole history and he kicked 10 of 40 yards or more. He was named first team Associated Press and Football Writer’s All-America along while earning first team All-ACC honors.
A two-time consensus All-American (1998 and 1999), he led the nation as a senior averaging 2.1 field goals per game and did not miss an attempt from inside 45 yards. He ranked third in the NCAA and led the ACC in scoring with 10.5 points per game in 1999, broke the ACC career scoring record set by fellow Seminole Scott Bentley (93-96) at 326. His career long field goal was a 54-yarder against Florida in 1999, tying the second-longest field goal in school history, and kicked the game-winning field goal from 39 yards out against Clemson. He was 23-30 on field goals as a senior, including a perfect 15-15 from the 30-yard range, made 66 of 83 career field goals and 126 of 129 extra points. In addition, he was also a weapon on kickoffs as 57 of his 83 kicks resulted in touchbacks (68.7%), and has had just 26 of his kickoff’s returned that season and only two of those past the 24-yard line. He left FSU after his junior season and was selected in the first round of the 2000 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders.
JANIKOWSKI IN THE FSU RECORD BOOKS-4th in Career Points=323, #1(T) Season PAT pct made=100, Most Points in a Season=123, Most FG madeSeason=27, Highest Pct FG made Career=79.5, Longest FG made=56 yds
Year XPM-XPA FGM-FGA Pct 0-29 30-39 40-49 50-99 Lg Pts
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1997 37- 40 16- 21 .762 6- 6 5- 8 4- 6 1- 1 56 85
1998 42- 43 27- 32 .844 9- 9 8-10 9-11 1- 2 53 123
1999 47- 47 23- 30 .767 5- 5 10-10 6-10 2- 5 54 116
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Tot 126-130 66- 83 .795 20-20 23-28 19-27 4- 8 56 324
KICK RETURNER-Split Decision. Fsued & Frank=Ross | Rich=Deion Sanders
Keith Ross (1985-88) KR=73, Yds=1703, Avg=23.3, Lng=80
ROSS IN THE FSU RECORD BOOKS- Most KR=73, Most Yards on KR Season=583, Most Yds on KR Career=1703, Highest Avg KR Career=24.1, Longest KR (T)=100 yrd Keith Ross/Dexter Carter vs. Miami, 1986 (TD/lateral)
HONORABLE MENTIONS
QUARTERBACK-Chris Weinke
Chris Weinke (1997-2000) GP=36, PA=1107, PC=650, Pct=.587, Yds=9839, Int=32, Eff=151.15, Lng=98t, TD=79, RA=110, Yds= -366, Avg=-3.3, TD=2.
HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER, DAVEY O’BRIEN WINNER, JOHNNY UNITAS GOLDEN ARM WINNER, COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS PLAYER OF THE YEAR, FOOTBALL NEWS ALL-AMERICA FIRST TEAM, COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS ALL-AMERICAN FIRST TEAM, COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS ACC PLAYER OF THE YEAR, CHEVROLET PLAYER OF THE YEAR, ESPY WINNER AS COLLEGE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, ACC PLAYER OF THE YEAR, ACC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, FIRST TEAM ALL-ACC, ALL-ACC ACADEMIC TEAM, ACC POST GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP WINNER, NCAA POST GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP WINNER, ACADEMIC ALL-REGION SELECTION, SET 26 SCHOOL RECORDS OVER HIS CAREER AT FSU, SET ACC AND FSU RECORD FOR CAREER PASSING YARDS.
Chris Weinke literally rewrote the Florida State record book over his career as the Seminoles’ quarterback. Weinke compiled a remarkable 32-3 record as the starting quarterback at FSU, which ranked as the seventh best winning percentage in NCAA history. Weinke led the Seminoles to an undefeated season and the national championship as a junior in 1999.
The first three-year starter at quarterback for the Seminoles under Bobby Bowden, Chris Weinke became the second FSU player to win the Heisman Trophy when he was named the nation’s best football player in December 2000. Weinke led the nation in passing as a senior with 4,167 yards and averaged 347.3 yards per game.
Weinke set both the Florida State and Atlantic Coast Conference record for career passing with 9,839 career passing yards and would set 26 school records during his career. His 79 career touchdown passes ranked as the 12th best performance in the NCAA history and his career passing yards placed him at 18th on the NCAA’s all-time list. Weinke owns the first, second and fourth best passing games in FSU history headlined by a school record 536 passing yards against Duke in 2000.
Weinke also won the Davey O’Brien and Johnny Unitas trophies as a senior signifying his selection as the nation’s best quarterback. His accomplishments were even more impressive considering he suffered a potentially career-ending neck injury as a sophomore. Weinke’s place among Florida State’s all-time greatest players was recognized when his No. 16 jersey was retired in 2001 at a ceremony during halftime of the 2001 spring football game, making it one of only seven retired numbers/jerseys in school history. His place among the ACC’s all-time best was recognized when he was voted one of the 50 best players in the history of the conference.
WEINKE IN THE FSU RECORD BOOKS- Most TD in a Season=33, Most TD in Career=79, Most Career Yds=9839, Most Career Completions=650, Most Yds in a Season=4167, Consecutive Games with a TD Ppass=16, Highest Passing Efficiency Rating in a season=163.09, Most Career Passes Attempted=1,107, Highest Avg per Attempt in a Season=9.7, Highest Avg per Attempt for Career=8.9, Most Yds per Completion for a Season=17.1, Most Yds per Completion for Career=15.14, Longest Completed Pass=98, Longest Completed TD pass=98 yds to Snoop Minnis (Clemson-2000), Most 200 Yd Games in a Season=11, Most 200 Yd games Career=34, Consecutive 200 Yyd Games Career=20, Most 300 Yd Games Career=13, Consecutive 300 Yd Games=3 (5 players tied), Lowest Int Pct in Career=.0289 (32-1107), Highest Single Game Yds=536 and 2nd=521, Most 300 Yd Games Career=14, 2nd Most Completed Passes in a Season=266 (Interesting Note *#1=Drew Weatherford=276-2005*).
RUNNING BACKS- Larry Key and Sammie Smith
Larry Key (1974-77) GP=42?, RA=625, Yds=2953, Avg=4.7, Lng=97, TD=13, Rec=62, Yds=568, Avg=9.2, Lng=48, TD=5, KR=67, Yds=1348, Avg=20.1, Lng=60, PR=1, Yds=7
Larry Key became the first player in Florida State history to rush for 1,000 yards when he gained 1,117 as a senior in 1977. He served as a captain on that team that finished 10-2. Over his career from 1974-77, Key broke game, season and career marks for rushing. He gained over 100 yards 10 times and finished with 2,953 career yards as a Seminole. Key also set four kick return records and was the national leader in all-purpose yardage in 1977. By his senior year, Florida State fans had adopted the habit of shaking their keys every time he touched the ball.
KEY IN THE FSU RECORD BOOK-4th Most Career Yds=2953, Most Rushes in a Season=239, 5th Most Career 100-Yd Games=10
Sammy Smith (1985-88) GP=32?, RA=411, Yds=2539, Avg,=6.2, Lng=95, TD=15, Rec=19, Yds=221, Avg=11.6, Lng=57, TD=3
SMITH IN THE FSU RECORD BOOKS-2nd Most Yds in a Season=1230, 2nd Most Yds in a Game=244, 5th most Career Yds=2539, Most Yds by a Sophomore=1230, 4th Most Career 100-Yd Games=12.
FULLBACK-Edgar Bennett
Edgar Bennett (1987-91) RA=296, Yds=1246, Avg=4.2, Lng=57, TD=13, Rec=93, Yds=1095, Avg=11.8, Lng=44, TD=7
Edgar Bennett was one of the most versatile running backs in the history of Florida State football. He gained over 2,300 all-purpose yards from 1989-91 and scored 20 touchdowns from his fullback position. He totaled over 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving and was FSU's second leading receiver as a senior with 29 catches. He was an all-around player who ran a 4.5 40 and caught 93 passes for over 1000 yards.
He went on to play five seasons with the Green Bay Packers gaining 3,352 rushing yards. He led the 1996 Super Bowl Champion Packers in rushing and set the club single-season record for receptions by a running back with 78. He retired after playing the 1999 season with Chicago, but quickly moved into the NFL coaching ranks with his first stop as running backs coach with the Packers.
WIDE RECEIVERS- Fred Biletnikoff and E.G. Green
Fred Biletnikoff (1962-64) Consensus All-American GP=25, Rec=87, Yds=1463, Avg=16.8, TD=16, RA=3, Yds=14, Avg=4.7, PR=8, Yds=95, Avg=11.9, KR=4, Yds=69, Avg=17.3, Tackles=29, Ast=10, CT=39, Int=3, Yds=99, TD=1
Fred Biletnikoff came to Florida State as a wide receiver in 1961 and left three years later as the school's first consensus All-American. He starred at wide receiver for the Seminoles from 1961-64 drawing national attention to FSU's sophisticated passing game. He set school single season records for receptions (57), receiving yards (987) and touchdowns scored (11) as a senior and he ranked fourth in the nation in receptions touchdowns.
After the 1964 Miami game, he was honored as the Associated Press national back of the week, the first Seminole to be so honored. His numbers do not include his phenomenal 1964 Gator Bowl performance against Oklahoma when he set an FSU single game record with 13 receptions for 192 yards and four touchdowns. He finished his FSU career with 87 receptions for 1,463 yards and 16 touchdowns, which were all school records. His number 25 was retired as soon as his FSU career was completed.
He went on to become one of the finest receivers in the history of the NFL where he was a second round selection of the Oakland Raiders in 1965. Fred went on to become one of the greatest receivers in the history of the NFL, playing 14 seasons with the Oakland Raiders. Fred played in six Pro Bowls, was the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XI and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. He was later enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991.
The Biletnikoff Trophy or Award was named after him and is the highest honor available to college receivers. It is presented annually to the nation's most outstanding college football reciever.
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The WR's category was the most debated position in our selection process. Rich felt that Freddie should be included as one of the all time WR's, whereas Fsued and myself disageed. h's outstanding college football reiver
I have taken the liberty of reprinting Rich's reason why he felt Biletnikoff deserves to be on this list.
1. Are we just basing decisions on stats? If so, keep in mind that Bill Peterson hadn't fully developed his wide open passing attack until Biletnikoff's Senior year -- FSU's breakout season -- when he and Tensi became a lethal combo. By the time Sellers arrived it was a well-oiled machine that Sellers could step into. So he had three full years (freshman weren't eligible at the time) to fit into a well-honed system and pile up the stat numbers.
2. Biletnikoff might've had better numbers in his soph. and junior years if (a) Peterson hadn't split QB play between Tensi and Ed Pritchett (he finally settled on Tensi in '64), and (b) FSU wasn't playing one platoon football til '64. Freddie played WR and DB in '63 -- with 3 INTs, including one for a TD against Miami. Imagine how much better his numbers would be if he wasn't on the field the entire game.
3. Fred was instrumental in some monumental moments in FSU football. including a key TD pass in the first ever victory over the reptiles. And the way he destroyed mighty Oklahoma in the Gator Bowl in which upstart Fla. State was supposed to be taught a lesson by a major national power.
4. (Last and certainly not least) How could we possibly leave out a WR whose collegiate performance was memorable enough to have the annual award for the top college receiver named after him?
Frank has said Fred Biletnikoff could be called one of FSU's underrated players.
I'd say he's more of a forgotten player. After all, Freddie B. made his mark -- gasp -- 45 years ago. So to most Nole fans -- even those who began cheering for FSU in the 80s -- Biletnikoff is just a name from a bygone era.
My primary factor for picking Biletnikoff for FSU's All-Time Offensive Team isn't stats. I call it Impact on the Program. He transcends numbers from over four decades ago.
No other WR has meant so much in terms of building FSU's brand image in college football. The positive impact has been felt in everything from getting on the radar of blue chip recruits and greater media coverage to increased enrollments and booster contributions.
Sure, he's not among FSU's tops in catches. But who do we -- and college football fans over the past decades -- remember more: Biletnikoff or Barry Smith, E.G. Green, Snoop Minnis, etc.? (With all due respect to those guys.)
But, again, consider impact on the program. Freddie and Ron Sellers are the only two Nole WRs in the College Football Hall of Fame. I believe all of this, and his memorable play in Garnet & Gold, makes him an All-Timer.
Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now. I admit I'm prejudiced on the matter. I watched Freddie play during that amazing season, when the Noles knocked down the door to big boy football.
E.G. Green (1994-97) Gp=44, Rec=166, Yds=2920, Avg=17.6, TD=29, Rsh=10, Yds=47, Avg=4.7, TD=1
GREEN IN THE FSU RECORD BOOKS- 2nd in Career TD'S=29, Most Consecutive Games With a Reception=38, 3rd in Career Rec Yds=2920, 4th in Career Receptions=166, and 13-100 yds rec. games,
Tight Ends (TIE)-Ed Beckham and Melvin Pearsall
Ed Beckham (1973-76) Rec=70, Yds=932, Avg=13.3, Lng=42, TD=5
1976 Associated Press - All-American - Honorable Mention
Melvin Pearsall (1994-97) Rec=63, Yds=742, TD=11
CENTER-Tom McCormick
Tom McCormick (1981-83)
1981 Associated Press - All-American - Honorable Mention
1982 Associated Press - All-American - Honorable Mention
1983 Associated Press - All-American - Honorable Mention
Football News - All-American - Honorable Mention
GUARD- Pat McNeil
Pat McNeil (1990-94)
1991 Football News - Freshman 1st Team All-American
1992 Football News - Sophomore 1st Team All-American
1993 Football News - 3rd Team All-American
1994 United Press International - All-American - Honorable Mention
TACKLE- Ken Lanier
Ken Lanier (1977-80)
From the second game of his freshman season in 1977 to the last seconds of the 1981 Orange Bowl, Ken Lanier started every Florida State football game on the offensive line. His career coincided with FSU's rise on the national scene with back-to-back Orange Bowl appearances against Oklahoma and a 39-8 record over his four years. Over that span of time where FSU football reached the pinnacle of success, the Seminoles played in three bowl games.
Lanier won All-South Independent honors both his junior and senior years, and in 1980 as a senior, was chosen to the second team of the Associated Press All-American squad. That honor is shared by only two other FSU linemen in history - the late Del Williams and former lineman Jamie Dukes. The Columbus, Ohio native was a two-sport athlete at FSU, and his 1979 shot put record of 60-feet, 4 inches is still etched in Seminole record books today.
The Denver Broncos made Lanier their fifth round draft pick several months after the 1981 Orange Bowl and the 6-3, 275 pounder anchored down a starting position on the Broncos' line. He was one of three Seminoles who played in the 1987 Super Bowl.
1979 Associated Press - All-American - Honorable Mention
1980 Associated Press - 2nd Team All-American
PLACE KICKER- Derek Schmidt
Derek Schmidt (1984-87)
Derek Schmidt rewrote the Florida State record books as the Seminoles' kicker from 1984-1987. When Schmidt graduated in 1987, he had scored more points (393) than anyone in the history of college football. Schmidt led Florida State in scoring in each of his four seasons as a Seminole. He was selected to the All-South Independent and All-Metro Conference teams as a sophomore and received Associated Press and UPI All-American honorable mention. He made 108 consecutive PAT and held the school record for the longest field goal (54 yards,), most field goals made (73), best career percentage (70.2), most PATs (174) and most consecutive PATs with 108 when he left.
SCHMIDT IN THE FSU RECORD BOOKS- FSU Career Scoring Leader=393 points, #1 Career PAT Pct Made=97.8, #1(T) Season PAT Pct Made=100, Most FG Made Career=73, Consecutive PAT Made Career=108
Year GP XPM-XPA FGM-FGA Pct 0-29 30-39 40-49 50-99 Lg Pts
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1984 42- 42 17- 24 .708 4- 4 4- 7 7- 9 2- 4 54 93
1985 44- 44 18- 25 .720 5- 6 3- 3 7-11 3- 5 51 98
1986 41- 41 15- 23 .652 2- 3 9-10 3- 8 1- 2 53 86
1987 47- 49 23- 28 .821 7- 7 9-12 6- 7 1- 2 53 116
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Tot 174-176 73-100 .730 18-20 25-32 23-35 7-13 54 393
KICK RETURNER-Tamarick Vanover
Tamarick Vanover (1192-93)-KR=13, Yds=523, Avg=40.2, Lng=96, TD=2
VANOVER IN THE FSU RECORD BOOKS- Most TD on KR Season=2, Most TD on KR Career (T)=2
PUNTER/PLACE KICKER COMBO-Special Category- Graham Gano
Graham Gano (2005-08) GP=40, Punts=148, Yds=6238, Avg=42.1, Lng=64, Rsh=1, Yds=24,
FIELD GOALS FGM-FGA Pct 01-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-99 Lg
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Graham Gano 24-26 .923 0- 0 3- 3 11-11 5- 5 5- 7 53
2008 Lou Groza Award Winner
Rivals.Com - 1st Team All-American
Associated Press - 2nd Team All-American
Walter Camp - 2nd Team All-American
cnnsi.com - 2nd Team All-American
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Others receiving consideration.
Travis Minor-RB (1997-00) GP=44, RA=664, Yds=3218, Avg=4.8, Lng=87, TD=28, Rec=106, Yds=831, Avg=7.8, Lng=42, TD=3, KR=4, Yds=85, Avg=21.3. MINOR IN THE FSU RECORD BOOK- 3rd most career yards=3218, 4th most career TD's=28, most career rushes=644, 3rd most career 100-yd games=14
Amp Lee-RB (1989-91)RA=405, Yds=2092, Avg=5.2, Lng=44, TD=30, Rec=70, Yds=968, Avg=13.8, Lng=88, TD=8. LEE IN THE FSU RECORD BOOK-3rd most career TD's=30, 3rd most TD's in a season=16
William Floyd-FB (1991-93) GP=30?, RA=147, Yds=640, Avg=4.4, Lng=20, TD=16, Rec=34, Yds=293, Avg=8.6, Lng=33, TD=4
Kez McCorvey (1991-94) GP=33, Rec=192, Yds=2660, Avg=14.1, TD=16
Kez McCorvey caught 192 passes from 1991-94, which is the third highest total in school history. The 6-1 wide receiver was a two-time All-ACC selection, he was named to a pair of All-America teams as a senior, a first-team UPI All-American, Scripps Howard All-American honorable mention, and was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Trophy and played in the Senior Bowl. He had at least one reception in each of the last 32 games of his FSU career.
Kez McCorvey was well known as a favorite target of Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward. His junior season in 1993 was particularly memorable for FSU fans as it culminated in the school's first national title. when he made 74 receptions for 966 yards, which was the second highest in FSU history. He was listed 13th best in the NCAA in receptions per game as he moved up the charts in the Seminole history book. His total of 74 receptions that year was the second highest in FSU history and was only surpassed by 86 catches made by Hall of Famer Ron Sellers in 1968.
After graduating with a degree in sociology, he started his six-year pro football career in 1995 when he was drafted by the Detroit Lions. He was inducted into Florida State's Hall of Fame in 2005.
MCCORVEY IN THE FSU RECORD BOOKS-2nd Most Rec in a Season=74, 3rd in Career Rec=192, 3rd in Avg Career Rec per Game=4.20, 4th Career Rec Yds=2660, and a total of 6-100 Yard Rec Games
Lonnie Johnson TE (1990-93) GP=33?, Rec=43, Yds=555, Avg=12.9, Lng=78, TD=10
Reggie Johnson TE (1987-90) Rec=52, Yds=544
Centers=Gil Wesley, Robbie Baker, Mark Salva, David Castillo
Guard=Jason Kuipers
Walter Jones OT (1995-96) 1996 Associated Press - 2nd Team All-American
Tra Thomas OT (1993-97) 1997 Associated Press - 2nd Team All-American
Kevin Mancini OT (1988-91) 1991 United Press International - All-American - Honorable Mention
Greg Futch OT (1977-80) Played OT first 3 years then OG when he won 1980 Associated Press - All-American - Honorable Mention
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OK, now it’s your turn. Which players do you agree with and which do you disagree with, what changes would you make, and why?
Also, please visit http://garnetandgreat.com/ to learn more about the Heroes, Highlights & History of FSU Football.