Lee, Weatherford to alternate with first team

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida State opened fall practice Tuesday with quarterback Xavier Lee running the first team offense, but coach Bobby Bowden says he plans to rotate Drew Weatherford daily as the Seminoles search for a new starting signal caller.

The only two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster, Lee and Weatherford - both redshirt freshmen - are vying for the job vacated by projected starter Wyatt Sexton, who will miss the season as he recovers from Lyme disease.

Sexton and Florida State are petitioning the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility.

"I think it's very fair," said Weatherford, who gets the first-team Wednesday. "I think working with both the ones and the twos will help us learn our offense better and help both of us make sure everyone is in the right places."

Weatherford is the only one of the two to take a snap in a college game, though he was injured on that one play and took a medical redshirt last season.

Also Tuesday, Bowden learned that reserve defensive end Barry Wright would be academically ineligible for the upcoming season.

It was feared defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley would meet the same fate, but Bowden said it's likely that the senior and will be cleared to practice by the end of the week. Bunkley started seven games last season and is the Seminoles' only returning starter on the defensive front.

"He'll be back when I feel like he's done what I want him to do," Bowden said. "There's always a chance he won't be with us but the odds (Bunkley will play) are good if he does what he supposed to do."

The day also marked the start of Bowden's 30th year on the Seminoles' sidelines. Bowden said his intensity has not dropped off a bit since he began coaching.

"I've still got adrenaline," Bowden said. "It's just old adrenaline that's trying its best to get me going."

The Seminoles worked out in helmets and shorts Tuesday. The first day in full pads is Saturday.

FSU's team motto this year is "Seminole MAGIC," an acronym for "Make A Greater Individual Contribution."

Florida State opens the season Sept. 5 against Miami.