July 31, 2002

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. - Florida State's 2002 freshmen class hit the practice fields for the first time Wednesday with a one hour morning session and a second workout in the afternoon at 4:00 p.m. The newcomers were tested in the vertical jump, broad jump, 10-yard dash and 40-yard dash prior to the morning practice.

"They had a pretty good day," said head coach Bobby Bowden. "They looked very alert and willing to learn. That's the main thing you want to see. We are trying to teach them as much as we can and throw everything at 'em. Hopefully they can pick up enough to where they can get into it when the varsity reports."

Wide receiver Lorne Sam recorded the top 40-yard dash with a time of 4.36 in morning testing, followed by running back Lorenzo Booker (4.49) and safety Pat Watkins (4.53). Sam had the best 10-yard time as well at 1.57 with Booker (1.63) and Watkins (1.69) next next in line. The times were recorded on practice fields. The top vertical leaps were recorded by defensive end Darrell Burston (37"), Booker (36.5") and Watkins (36.5"). Watkins (10'5"), Burston (10'3.25") and running back Thomas Clayton (10'1.75") had the best marks in the broad jump. Sam led the freshmen with a performance index of 2,271. Booker (2,082) and Watkins (1,918) were second and third. The index is formulated by the strength staff and awards points in each of the four categories based on the height and weight of each player.

Bowden was impressed with the running backs as a group. Booker, Clayton and Leon Washington worked at tailback with Torrance Washington lining up at fullback.

"We signed a lot of very good backs this year," said Bowden. "I don't remember ever bringing in a quality group of running backs like this. All of them need to practice with the mindset that they're going to play. You don't know what's going to happen in 13 games."

The freshmen return to two-a-days Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. with the second session scheduled for 3:00 p.m. The varsity reports for dinner Thursday evening and do their running tests of 16, 110-yard sprints Friday at 3:00 p.m. The first full squad practice is Saturday (8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.) with media/fan day set for Sunday.