Who Are These Famous Noles and FL HS Players?

[OldSchoolLion]

What position(s) did they play, where did they play in high school, and who was their hs coach?  Hint:  They did not play in this decade. 

[181pl]

Jimmy Jordan on the right. I think Wally Woodham on the left. Both QBs.

[181pl]

s.

[181pl]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1979/11/23/two-headed-qb-sparks-florida-state/2bdb02ff-0bdc-41e4-8519-7d57493acd66/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.8cf95733532a

[181pl]

1979 Florida State Signees/Newcomers

From the 1979 FSU Football Press Guide, page 48.

Roger Brownlee, 6-3, 195, LB, Doctors Inlet - Totaled nine letters while attending Orange Park Senior High School...football and track were his specialties...was a second team choice on the football 4-A All-Florida team as a senior...comes to the Seminoles with not only good athletic but also excellent academic credentials.

Ken Burnett, 6-0, 192, QB-DB, Brandon - Was an honorable mention 4-A football selection as a senior...Seminole coaches report he "has a strong arm and very quick feet"...if he does not make it at quarterback position there are several other positions he could play...brother Mike played defensive back for Tampa in Early 1970s.

Greg Cary, 6-1, 176, DB, Tampa - Seminole mentor Bobby Bowden says about Greg "he's a very smart defender with good knowledge of the secondary, who's also a hard hitter"...one of the few players to graduate from Tampa Jesuit and come to FSU...Florida prep sportswriters placed him on their 3-A team after 1978 season.

Harvey Clayton, 5-9, 164, DB, Florida City - Graduated last December from high school (South Dade) and enrolled in January at Florida State...went through spring practice and worked his way into a second unit position...4.66 speed in 40...has advantage of playing behind Bobby Butler and learning position from one of the best...was described after spring as being "green with a lot of ability"...born April 4, 1961...parent: Mrs. Emma Lee Clayton.

Brad Fojtik, 6-4, 197, DE, Auburndale - Attended Santa Fe High School where he earned a total of five varsity letters - two football, two track and one basketball...born on the same day as another freshman, Roger Brownlee...they will celebrate their 18th birthday on September 17, two days after Seminoles meet Arizona State in Tampa...was high school's most valuable performer in football (1978) and track (1978 and 1979).

Herbert Harp, 6-2, 275, DL, Winter Garden - Despite his size, Herbert has "super quickness and reactions for a big man" according to Jim Gladden, the Seminole assistant coach responsible for Harp's signing...made the first team of Florida 4-A all-star squad last fall.

Robert Harris, 6-2, 245, DL, Miami - Played at Norland High School in Miami...signed with the Seminoles on the first day allowed by the southern letter of intent...joined another FSU freshman, Herbert Harp, as a first teamer on the Florida High School 4-A all-star team defensive line.

Clif Holiday, 5-8, 161, DB-RB, Newnan, GA - Don't let size fool you on this freshman...he is an outstanding runningback candidate...probably will receive a long look at start og fall practice as a kick return specialist - an area where the Seminoles lacked last year.

Hardis Johnson, 6-0, 172, WR, Tampa - Hails from the same high school that produced Seminole basketball standout Murray Brown, the nation's leading field goal shooter in 1978-79...another 4-A all-state performer who elected to continue his career with the Seminoles...coaches describe him as having "darting quickness and graceful agility who can contribute quickly."

Tony Johnson, 6-2, 160, WR, Dothan, AL - Has ability to play either offensive or defensive back...was an honorable mention choice for Alabama on the All-Southern team picked by the Orlando Sentinel-Star...was also selected for Alabama's 1-A all-star squad...played on Wicksburg High School team with another freshman, Ricky Render, a defensive line candidate.

Kelly Lowrey, 6-1, 210, QB, Lake City - Joins former high school teammate Tommy Young on the Seminole roster...has the arm to be a quarterback in the Seminole offensive system, but size to play other positions...a multi-sport athlete for Columbia High Scool coaches.

Dennis McKinnon, 6-2, 175, WR, Miami - One of the blue-chip listings last fall described him as "being a versatile talent who would help any team"...was on the "Florida Sweet 16" compiled by Orlando sportswriter Bill Buchalter who wrote "runs smooth patterns, great hands, concentration and makes plays look easy"...a two-time All-Dade County.

Tony Messina, 5-9, 180, C, Tallahassee - The "old man" of the Seminole football roster...Tony is 44 years old (born September 28, 1934) but came out for the team in January and made it though off-season program and the 20 days of spring drills...is retired from the U.S. Coast Guard and a grandfather...was featured in nationwide wire service story last spring and also subject of an NBC-TV Sunday Night News segment.

Zeke Mowatt, 6-3, 220, TE, Wauchula - Seminole coaching staff needed to out-recruit many schools to land this youngster...Michigan was among those who were most interested...attended Hardee County High School where he picked up varsity letters in football (three), basketball (four) and track (two)...in addition to tight end he could also play defensive end or linebacker.

Chris Nickrenz, 6-6, 252, OT, Buffalo, NY - The only player from outside the deep south who will be a member of the freshman class...was considered one of the north's outstanding "big men" in the recruiting wars...has run a 23.4 220-yard dash...attended Saint Joseph's Collegiate Institute where he holds school records in shot put and discus...was named to the Coach's All-American football team.

Ricky Render, 6-4, 220, DL, Ozark, AL - Comes from the same high school that sends wide receiver Tony Johnson to the Seminoles...will probably br tried at several positions before coaching staff decides what spot will suit him best in Garnet and Gold uniform.

Ellis Singletary, 5-9, 210, LB, Jasper - Most valuable player at Hamilton County High School three consecutive years and most improved one season...has great strength to combine with good quickness...won a high school art award for being "best artist" and also received academic honors in world history and physical education.

Greg Thompson, 6-1, 180, WR, Apopka - Late addition to the recruiting list...has good speed and flexibility...might have been overlooked by many colleges because he played for a smaller high school...he is described as being a "deceptive runner with good speed."

Weegie Thompson, 6-5, 210, QB, Midlothian, VA - Weegie is the nickname, his full name is Willis Hope...comes from the same high school as Seminole offensive coordinator George Henshaw...a first team all-stater, he was also a Virginia representative on the All-Southern team...lived in Pensacola, Fl until he was a high school freshman...last year he completed 35 of 98 passes for a 5-5 high school team, but 10 of the completions were for touchdowns...he also rushed for 603 yards and eight scores.

Mark Trimble, 6-3, 176, QB, Tampa - One of three players from the city of Tampa who will be joining the Seminole ranks...is a "Christmas Baby" after being born on December 25, 1960...Tampa Tribune Sports Editor Tom McEwen wrote last December that Trimble "may be the most versatile football player in the state"...is regarded as a good kicking prospect and could play any of five positions in college.

Mike Walker, 5-11, 180, RB, Orlando - Seminole coaches say Mike reminds them of Larry Key, who graduated in 1977 and is now playing in the Canadian League...has ability to cut without losing speed and is a punishing runner...ran a 21.7 220 split while participating in track...made both the All-Southern and Florida 4-A all-star teams.

Tom Wheeler, 6-3, 200, DB-QB, South Daytona - Played for Spruce Creek High School of Port Orange, Fl...threw for better than 1,400 yards as a high school senior which helped make him Daytona Quarterback Club Player of the Year and recipient of the Benny Kahn Memorial Award...a member of the Florida 4-A all-star team that was picked by state sportswriters.

Terry Widner, 6-5, 250, OG, Donalsonville, GA - Will play either offensive guard or tackle...attended Seminole County High School where he was elected team's 1978 football captain...was also winner of the school's Mike Bowen Leadership Award...invited to be a participant in the Georgi High School all-star game...will major in hotel and resaurant management at FSU.

Blair Williams, 6-0, 165, QB, Tallahassee - Continues the Tallahassee Leon High School quarterback tradition for Florida State...this season's starters - Jimmy Jordan and Wally Woodham - both hail from the same high school and quarterback coach Billy Sexton is also an ex-Leon Lion...like Jordan and Woodham, he'll never be recognized for his running, only his ability to drop back and throw the ball...a member of the All-Southern team and Buchalter's "Florida Sweet 16."

Ricky Williams, 5-11, 170, RB, Griffin, GA - Graduated six months early from high school and attended FSU last winter...that allowed him to participate in spring drills and gain valuable experience that should aid him this fall...the Atlanta Journal-Constitution named Ricky its 4-A Back of the Year in '78...played on Griffin High School team that tied Valdosta, 7-7, for state championship...will be quickest back on the squad with 4.5 speed in the 40...had 2,238 yards of offense as a senior with 14 touchdowns...born March 28, 1961...parent: Mrs. Georgia B. Williams.

---

1979 Roster - By Name

From the 1979 FSU Football Press Guide, page 52.

L
T                                                  PY
R No Name                  Pos     Hgt   Wgt  Cl   Ltr  Hometown (Prior School)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  63 Lee Adams             OG      6-4   245  Jr   *    Ruskin (East Bay/Georgia Tech)
  52 Willie Andrusko       C       6-5   227  So        Atlanta, GA (North Springs)
  57 Keith Baker           LB      6-0   195  So        Delray Beach (Atlantic)
  65 Trent Barnes          OG      6-4   230  Jr        Lakeland (Lakeland)
* 42 Monk Bonasorte        DB      6-1   177  Jr   **   Pittsburgh, PA (Bishop Boyle)
  88 Jeff Bowden           WR      5-7   165  So        Tallahassee (Lincoln)
* 75 Tom Brannon           OT      6-3   240  Jr        Albany, GA (Riverview Academy)
  61 Brent Brock           OG      6-4   235  Jr-R      Albany, GA (Albany)
  45 Roger Brownlee        LB      6-3   195  Fr        Doctors Inlet (Orange Park)
  49 Ken Burnett           QB-DB   6-0   192  Fr        Brandon (Brandon)
  38 Kelly Burney          RB      5-9   180  So        Miami (Jackson)
* 21 Bobby Butler          DB      5-11  185  Jr   **   Delray Beach (Atlantic)
* 17 Bill Capece           PK      5-11  190  Jr   **   Miami (Chaminade)
*  1 Dave Cappelen         PK      5-9   140  Sr   ***  Vero Beach (Vero Beach)
* 76 Walter Carter         DT      6-4   240  Sr   ***  Richmond, VA (Walker)
  37 Greg Cary             DB      6-1   176  Fr        Tampa (Jesuit)
* 31 Gator Cherry          FB      6-0   205  Sr-R **   Lake Wales (Lake Wales)
* 84 Sam Childers          TE      6-2   195  So   *    Tallahassee (Leon)
  24 Harvey Clayton        DB      5-9   164  Fr        Florida City (South Dade)
     Ron Clewis            C       6-2   220  Jr        Pensacola (Escambia)
  92 David Cloud           DT      6-3   235  Fr        Marianna (Marianna)
  47 Bryan Cobb            LB      6-3   200  Jr        Glennville, GA (Glennville)
  66 Redus Coggin          OG      6-3   230  So        Chipley (Chipley)
  78 Mike Coleman          OT      6-4   235  Jr        Savannah, GA (Savannah Country Day)
* 74 Danny Collier         OT      6-4   250  So        Eau Gallie (Eau Gallie)
* 64 Jarvis Coursey        DE      6-5   195  So   *    Gray, GA (Jonesco Academy)
     Tim Davis             QB      6-1   190  Jr        Dover (Plant City)
  91 John Diamantas        DT      6-3   230  So        Merritt Island (Merritt Island)
  20 Jeff Ector            DB      5-11  175  Fr        Griffin, GA (Griffin)
  93 David Ellis           OT      6-3   235  So        Paisley (Umatilla)
  62 Charles Ferguson      LB      6-1   212  So   *    Delray Beach (Boca Raton)
  68 Jeff Field            OG      6-1   225  Jr        Albany, GA (Westover)
* 23 Jackie Flowers        WR      6-2   195  Sr   ***  Jacksonville (Raines)
  98 Brad Fojtik           DE      6-4   197  Fr        Auburndale (Santa Fe Catholic)
* 79 Garry Futch           DE      6-3   220  So        Ocala (Forest)
* 70 Greg Futch            OT      6-3   245  Jr-R **   Ocala (Forest)
* 51 James Gilbert         NG      6-2   235  So   *    Miami (Carol City)
* 69 Mike Good             OG      6-2   230  Sr   ***  Sanford (Seminole)
* 43 Hector Gray           DB      6-1   190  Sr-R *    Miami (Miami Springs)
  97 Herbert Harp          DL      6-2   275  Fr        Winter Garden (West Orange)
* 33 James Harris          DB      6-0   170  So        Gainesville (Buchholz)
  59 Robert Harris         DL      6-2   245  Fr        Miami (Norland)
* 40 Gary Henry            DB      6-1   185  So   *    Orlando (Oak Ridge)
* 39 Reggie Herring        LB      6-2   195  Jr   *    Titusville (Astronaut)
  83 Ron Hester            TE      6-2   205  Jr        Umatilla (Umatilla)
  36 Clif Holiday          DB-RB   5-8   161  Fr        Newnan, GA (Newnan)
   4 Rick Houston          QB      6-1   190  Sr        Orlando (Edgewater)
* 46 Ivory Joe Hunter      DB      5-11  180  Sr-R **   Tallahassee (Leon)
* 22 Hardis Johnson        WR      6-0   172  Fr        Tampa (Robinson)
     Homer Johnson         DB      6-3   192  Sr        Pompano Beach (Pompano Beach)
  22 Homes Johnson         RB      5-10  180  Jr   *    Lake Hamilton (Haines City)
  82 Tony Johnson          WR      6-2   160  Fr        Dothan, AL (Wicksburg)
  96 Carlton Jones         DT      6-1   230  Jr-R *    Fitzgerald, GA (Irwin County)
* 28 Keith Jones           DB      5-11  185  Jr   *    Wildwood (Wildwood)
     Wayne Jones           DB      5-11  171  So        Jacksonville (Jackson)
* 15 Jimmy Jordan          QB      6-1   185  Sr   ***  Tallahassee (Leon)
  86 Bill Keck             TE      6-4   220  Jr   *    Newark, OH (Newark)
* 30 Keith Kennedy         RB      5-10  180  Sr-R *    Red Bay, AL (Red Bay)
* 85 Grady King            TE      6-4   205  Sr   **   Satellite Beach (Satellite)
* 72 Ken Lanier            OT      6-4   260  Jr   **   Columbus, OH (Marion Franklin)
  13 Kelly Lowrey          QB      6-1   210  Fr        Lake City (Columbia)
* 48 Mark Lyles            FB      6-4   232  Sr   ***  Buffalo, NY (Cleveland)
* 67 Mark Macek            DT      6-2   235  Jr   **   Wyandotte, MI (Roosevelt)
* 58 John Madden           C       6-2   218  Jr   *    Fort Walton Beach (Choctawhatchee)
     Tim McGuffin          WR      6-1   170  So        Middleburg (Orange Park)
   6 Dennis McKinnon       WR      6-2   175  Fr        Miami (South Miami)
* 60 Scott McLean          DT      6-4   218  So   *    Clermont (Clermont)
  71 Bob Merson            OG      6-3   238  So        Seminole (Seminole)
     Tony Messina          C       5-9   180  So        Tallahassee (Watertown)
     Jeremy Millinoff      DB      6-0   187  So        Gainesville (Buchholz)
* 77 Jeremy Mindlin        DT      6-3   230  Sr-R *    Miami (South Miami)
  18 Joe Moss              WR      6-1   176  So        Jacksonville (Stanton)
  81 Zeke Mowatt           TE      6-3   220  Fr        Wauchula (Hardee)
* 73 Chris Nickrenz        OT      6-6   252  Fr        Buffalo, NY (Saint Joseph)
* 53 Paul Piurowski        LB      6-3   205  Jr   **   Sarasota (Sarasota)
* 29 Sam Platt             WR      5-11  176  Jr   *    Jacksonville (Wolfson)
     Brian Poag            LB      6-2   240  So        Jacksonville (Terry Parker)
* 32 Greg Ramsey           RB      5-10  170  Sr-R **   Fort Lauderdale (Dothan)
     Scott Redditt         LB      5-11  195  So        Altamonte Springs (Lake Brantley)
  99 Ricky Render          DL      6-4   220  Fr        Ozark, AL (Wicksburg)
* 90 Edenbur Richardson    DE      6-3   206  Sr   **   Crystal River (Crystal River)
  56 Dmitri Rigas          NG      6-2   210  So-R      Augusta, GA (Glenn Hills)
     Mark Rodrigue         DE      6-3   215  So        Tallahassee (Choctawhatchee)
  62 Eric Ryan             OG      6-4   225  Fr-R      Sarasota (Sarasota)
     Ernie Saltmarsh       QB      5-11  193  Jr        Jacksonville (Wolfson)
* 54 Arthur Scott          DE      6-2   222  Jr-R *    Tampa (Brandon)
* 50 Ron Simmons           NG      6-1   220  Jr   **   Warner Robins, GA (Warner Robins)
  94 Mark Sims             LB      6-4   215  So        Bonifay (Holmes County)
  35 Ellis Singletary      LB      5-9   210  Fr        Jasper (Hamilton County)
   7 Mike Smith            DB      5-11  185  Jr   *    Panama City (Bay)
*  3 Rohn Stark            P       6-3   195  So   *    Fifty Lakes, MN (Pine River)
* 11 Rick Stockstill       QB      6-1   182  So-R      Fernandina Beach (Fernandina Beach)
  82 Lawrence Strainge     WR      6-3   175  So        Delray Beach (Boca Raton)
   9 Greg Thompson         WR      6-1   180  Fr        Apopka (Apopka)
  18 Weegie Thompson       QB      6-5   210  Fr        Midlothian, VA (Midlothian)
     Mark Trimble          QB      6-3   176  Fr        Tampa (Leto)
  19 Kurt Unglaub          WR      5-11  175  Sr   ***  Tallahassee (Leon)
  71 Barry Voltapetti      OT      6-5   225  So-R      Miami (Chaminade)
  10 Mike Walker           RB      5-11  180  Fr        Orlando (Oak Ridge)
* 26 Wade Wallace          FB      5-10  190  Sr   *    Birmingham, AL (Tarrant)
* 80 Scott Warren          DE      6-3   228  Sr   ***  Titusville (Astronaut)
* 55 Gil Wesley            C       6-1   220  Sr   **   Birmingham, AL (Woodlawn)
  89 Tom Wheeler           DB-QB   6-3   200  Fr        South Daytona (Spruce Creek)
* 27 Michael Whiting       RB      6-2   195  So   *    Largo (Largo)
  95 Terry Widner          OG      6-5   250  Fr        Donalsonville, GA (Seminole County)
  14 Blair Williams        QB      6-0   165  Fr        Tallahassee (Leon)
     Mike Williams         TB      6-3   185  Fr        Bartow (Bartow)
* 87 Phil Williams         WR      5-10  168  Jr   *    Warner Robins, GA (Warner Robins)
* 44 Ricky Williams        RB      5-11  170  Fr        Griffin, GA (Griffin)
     Dale Winslette        DE      6-4   203  So        Fort Walton Beach (Fort Walton Beach)
* 12 Wally Woodham         QB      5-11  182  Sr-R **   Tallahassee (Leon)
  41 Tommy Young           RB      6-0   195  So        Lake City (Columbia)

---

1979 Roster - By Number

From the 1979 FSU Football Press Guide, page 52.

L
T                                                  PY
R No Name                  Pos     Hgt   Wgt  Cl   Ltr  Hometown (Prior School)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Ron Clewis            C       6-2   220  Jr        Pensacola (Escambia)
     Tim Davis             QB      6-1   190  Jr        Dover (Plant City)
     Homer Johnson         DB      6-3   192  Sr        Pompano Beach (Pompano Beach)
     Wayne Jones           DB      5-11  171  So        Jacksonville (Jackson)
     Tim McGuffin          WR      6-1   170  So        Middleburg (Orange Park)
     Tony Messina          C       5-9   180  So        Tallahassee (Watertown)
     Jeremy Millinoff      DB      6-0   187  So        Gainesville (Buchholz)
     Brian Poag            LB      6-2   240  So        Jacksonville (Terry Parker)
     Scott Redditt         LB      5-11  195  So        Altamonte Springs (Lake Brantley)
     Mark Rodrigue         DE      6-3   215  So        Tallahassee (Choctawhatchee)
     Ernie Saltmarsh       QB      5-11  193  Jr        Jacksonville (Wolfson)
     Mark Trimble          QB      6-3   176  Fr        Tampa (Leto)
     Mike Williams         TB      6-3   185  Fr        Bartow (Bartow)
     Dale Winslette        DE      6-4   203  So        Fort Walton Beach (Fort Walton Beach)
*  1 Dave Cappelen         PK      5-9   140  Sr   ***  Vero Beach (Vero Beach)
*  3 Rohn Stark            P       6-3   195  So   *    Fifty Lakes, MN (Pine River)
   4 Rick Houston          QB      6-1   190  Sr        Orlando (Edgewater)
   6 Dennis McKinnon       WR      6-2   175  Fr        Miami (South Miami)
   7 Mike Smith            DB      5-11  185  Jr   *    Panama City (Bay)
   9 Greg Thompson         WR      6-1   180  Fr        Apopka (Apopka)
  10 Mike Walker           RB      5-11  180  Fr        Orlando (Oak Ridge)
* 11 Rick Stockstill       QB      6-1   182  So-R      Fernandina Beach (Fernandina Beach)
* 12 Wally Woodham         QB      5-11  182  Sr-R **   Tallahassee (Leon)
  13 Kelly Lowrey          QB      6-1   210  Fr        Lake City (Columbia)
  14 Blair Williams        QB      6-0   165  Fr        Tallahassee (Leon)
* 15 Jimmy Jordan          QB      6-1   185  Sr   ***  Tallahassee (Leon)
* 17 Bill Capece           PK      5-11  190  Jr   **   Miami (Chaminade)
  18 Joe Moss              WR      6-1   176  So        Jacksonville (Stanton)
  18 Weegie Thompson       QB      6-5   210  Fr        Midlothian, VA (Midlothian)
  19 Kurt Unglaub          WR      5-11  175  Sr   ***  Tallahassee (Leon)
  20 Jeff Ector            DB      5-11  175  Fr        Griffin, GA (Griffin)
* 21 Bobby Butler          DB      5-11  185  Jr   **   Delray Beach (Atlantic)
* 22 Hardis Johnson        WR      6-0   172  Fr        Tampa (Robinson)
  22 Homes Johnson         RB      5-10  180  Jr   *    Lake Hamilton (Haines City)
* 23 Jackie Flowers        WR      6-2   195  Sr   ***  Jacksonville (Raines)
  24 Harvey Clayton        DB      5-9   164  Fr        Florida City (South Dade)
* 26 Wade Wallace          FB      5-10  190  Sr   *    Birmingham, AL (Tarrant)
* 27 Michael Whiting       RB      6-2   195  So   *    Largo (Largo)
* 28 Keith Jones           DB      5-11  185  Jr   *    Wildwood (Wildwood)
* 29 Sam Platt             WR      5-11  176  Jr   *    Jacksonville (Wolfson)
* 30 Keith Kennedy         RB      5-10  180  Sr-R *    Red Bay, AL (Red Bay)
* 31 Gator Cherry          FB      6-0   205  Sr-R **   Lake Wales (Lake Wales)
* 32 Greg Ramsey           RB      5-10  170  Sr-R **   Fort Lauderdale (Dothan)
* 33 James Harris          DB      6-0   170  So        Gainesville (Buchholz)
  35 Ellis Singletary      LB      5-9   210  Fr        Jasper (Hamilton County)
  36 Clif Holiday          DB-RB   5-8   161  Fr        Newnan, GA (Newnan)
  37 Greg Cary             DB      6-1   176  Fr        Tampa (Jesuit)
  38 Kelly Burney          RB      5-9   180  So        Miami (Jackson)
* 39 Reggie Herring        LB      6-2   195  Jr   *    Titusville (Astronaut)
* 40 Gary Henry            DB      6-1   185  So   *    Orlando (Oak Ridge)
  41 Tommy Young           RB      6-0   195  So        Lake City (Columbia)
* 42 Monk Bonasorte        DB      6-1   177  Jr   **   Pittsburgh, PA (Bishop Boyle)
* 43 Hector Gray           DB      6-1   190  Sr-R *    Miami (Miami Springs)
* 44 Ricky Williams        RB      5-11  170  Fr        Griffin, GA (Griffin)
  45 Roger Brownlee        LB      6-3   195  Fr        Doctors Inlet (Orange Park)
* 46 Ivory Joe Hunter      DB      5-11  180  Sr-R **   Tallahassee (Leon)
  47 Bryan Cobb            LB      6-3   200  Jr        Glennville, GA (Glennville)
* 48 Mark Lyles            FB      6-4   232  Sr   ***  Buffalo, NY (Cleveland)
  49 Ken Burnett           QB-DB   6-0   192  Fr        Brandon (Brandon)
* 50 Ron Simmons           NG      6-1   220  Jr   **   Warner Robins, GA (Warner Robins)
* 51 James Gilbert         NG      6-2   235  So   *    Miami (Carol City)
  52 Willie Andrusko       C       6-5   227  So        Atlanta, GA (North Springs)
* 53 Paul Piurowski        LB      6-3   205  Jr   **   Sarasota (Sarasota)
* 54 Arthur Scott          DE      6-2   222  Jr-R *    Tampa (Brandon)
* 55 Gil Wesley            C       6-1   220  Sr   **   Birmingham, AL (Woodlawn)
  56 Dmitri Rigas          NG      6-2   210  So-R      Augusta, GA (Glenn Hills)
  57 Keith Baker           LB      6-0   195  So        Delray Beach (Atlantic)
* 58 John Madden           C       6-2   218  Jr   *    Fort Walton Beach (Choctawhatchee)
  59 Robert Harris         DL      6-2   245  Fr        Miami (Norland)
* 60 Scott McLean          DT      6-4   218  So   *    Clermont (Clermont)
  61 Brent Brock           OG      6-4   235  Jr-R      Albany, GA (Albany)
  62 Charles Ferguson      LB      6-1   212  So   *    Delray Beach (Boca Raton)
  62 Eric Ryan             OG      6-4   225  Fr-R      Sarasota (Sarasota)
  63 Lee Adams             OG      6-4   245  Jr   *    Ruskin (East Bay/Georgia Tech)
* 64 Jarvis Coursey        DE      6-5   195  So   *    Gray, GA (Jonesco Academy)
  65 Trent Barnes          OG      6-4   230  Jr        Lakeland (Lakeland)
  66 Redus Coggin          OG      6-3   230  So        Chipley (Chipley)
* 67 Mark Macek            DT      6-2   235  Jr   **   Wyandotte, MI (Roosevelt)
  68 Jeff Field            OG      6-1   225  Jr        Albany, GA (Westover)
* 69 Mike Good             OG      6-2   230  Sr   ***  Sanford (Seminole)
* 70 Greg Futch            OT      6-3   245  Jr-R **   Ocala (Forest)
  71 Bob Merson            OG      6-3   238  So        Seminole (Seminole)
  71 Barry Voltapetti      OT      6-5   225  So-R      Miami (Chaminade)
* 72 Ken Lanier            OT      6-4   260  Jr   **   Columbus, OH (Marion Franklin)
* 73 Chris Nickrenz        OT      6-6   252  Fr        Buffalo, NY (Saint Joseph)
* 74 Danny Collier         OT      6-4   250  So        Eau Gallie (Eau Gallie)
* 75 Tom Brannon           OT      6-3   240  Jr        Albany, GA (Riverview Academy)
* 76 Walter Carter         DT      6-4   240  Sr   ***  Richmond, VA (Walker)
* 77 Jeremy Mindlin        DT      6-3   230  Sr-R *    Miami (South Miami)
  78 Mike Coleman          OT      6-4   235  Jr        Savannah, GA (Savannah Country Day)
* 79 Garry Futch           DE      6-3   220  So        Ocala (Forest)
* 80 Scott Warren          DE      6-3   228  Sr   ***  Titusville (Astronaut)
  81 Zeke Mowatt           TE      6-3   220  Fr        Wauchula (Hardee)
  82 Tony Johnson          WR      6-2   160  Fr        Dothan, AL (Wicksburg)
  82 Lawrence Strainge     WR      6-3   175  So        Delray Beach (Boca Raton)
  83 Ron Hester            TE      6-2   205  Jr        Umatilla (Umatilla)
* 84 Sam Childers          TE      6-2   195  So   *    Tallahassee (Leon)
* 85 Grady King            TE      6-4   205  Sr   **   Satellite Beach (Satellite)
  86 Bill Keck             TE      6-4   220  Jr   *    Newark, OH (Newark)
* 87 Phil Williams         WR      5-10  168  Jr   *    Warner Robins, GA (Warner Robins)
  88 Jeff Bowden           WR      5-7   165  So        Tallahassee (Lincoln)
  89 Tom Wheeler           DB-QB   6-3   200  Fr        South Daytona (Spruce Creek)
* 90 Edenbur Richardson    DE      6-3   206  Sr   **   Crystal River (Crystal River)
  91 John Diamantas        DT      6-3   230  So        Merritt Island (Merritt Island)
  92 David Cloud           DT      6-3   235  Fr        Marianna (Marianna)
  93 David Ellis           OT      6-3   235  So        Paisley (Umatilla)
  94 Mark Sims             LB      6-4   215  So        Bonifay (Holmes County)
  95 Terry Widner          OG      6-5   250  Fr        Donalsonville, GA (Seminole County)
  96 Carlton Jones         DT      6-1   230  Jr-R *    Fitzgerald, GA (Irwin County)
  97 Herbert Harp          DL      6-2   275  Fr        Winter Garden (West Orange)
  98 Brad Fojtik           DE      6-4   197  Fr        Auburndale (Santa Fe Catholic)
  99 Ricky Render          DL      6-4   220  Fr        Ozark, AL (Wicksburg)

Lettermen on page 9 1980 FSU Football Media Guide.

---

1979 All-Americans

Name                     Organization
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monk Bonasorte           Associated Press - 3rd Team All-American

Bobby Butler             Associated Press - All-American - Honorable Mention

Jackie Flowers           Football News - 2nd Team All-American
                         United Press International - 2nd Team All-American
                         Associated Press - All-American - Honorable Mention
                         The Sporting News - All-American - Honorable Mention

Mike Good                Associated Press - All-American - Honorable Mention

Jimmy Jordan             The Sporting News - All-American - Honorable Mention

Ken Lanier               Associated Press - All-American - Honorable Mention

Ron Simmons              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
                         Kodak - 1st Team All-American
                         United Press International - 1st Team All-American
                         NCAA - Consensus All-American
                         The Sporting News - All-American - Honorable Mention

Scott Warren             Churchman's - 1st Team All-American
                         Associated Press - All-American - Honorable Mention

Gil Wesley               Churchman's - 1st Team All-American

All-Americans -  9

---

1979 Noles in the Pros

Name                     No      Pos                Team
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ed Beckman               85      TE                 Kansas City Chiefs
Randy Coffield           59      LB                 New York Giants
Bobby Jackson            40      CB                 New York Jets
Willie Jones             90      DE                 Oakland  Raiders
Lee Nelson               38      CB                 St. Louis  Cardinals
Gary Parris              89      TE                 St. Louis  Cardinals
Mike Shumann             84      WR                 San Francisco 49ers
J.T. Thomas              24      DB                 Pittsburgh Steelers

Noles in the Pros -  8

---

1979 Schedule and Results

					GAME DAY
					FSU		OPP		OPP EOY
DATE	REF	LOC	OPPONENT	SCORE	AP	UPI	AP	UPI	AP	UPI	REC
09/08	Ref	H	SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI	W 17-14	19						6-4-1
09/15	Ref	N	ARIZONA STATE Tampa, Fl	W 31- 3	18						6-6
09/22	Ref	H	MIAMI	W 40-23	14						5-6
09/29	Ref	A	VIRGINIA TECH	W 17-10	12						5-6
10/06	Ref	A	LOUISVILLE	W 27- 0	9						4-6-1
10/13	Ref	H	MISSISSIPPI STATE	W 17- 6	9	10		20			3-8
10/27	Ref	A	LOUISIANA STATE	W 24-19	8	7					7-5
11/03	Ref	A	CINCINNATI	W 26-21	6						2-9
11/10	Ref	H	SOUTH CAROLINA	W 27- 7	7		19				8-4
11/17	Ref	H	MEMPHIS STATE	W 66-17	5						5-6
11/23	Ref	A	FLORIDA	W 27-16	5						0-10-1
01/01	Ref	N	OKLAHOMA Orange Bowl, Miami, Fl	L 7-24	4	4	5	5	3	3	11-1

                Overall   Home    Away   Neutral
------------------------------------------------
FSU RECORD IS   11- 1     5-0     5-0     1-1
AGAINST TOP 25   2- 1     2-0     0-0     0-1

FINAL  AP -  6
FINAL UPI -  8

[181pl]

That was the year I became an FSU fan (I was 10).

[181pl]

Jimmy Jordan also had to deal with another 2 headed QB situation with the Bandits. He and John Reaves split time.

[181pl]

AP Poll[edit]

 

	Preseason Preseason[1][2]	Week 1 Sep 10[1]	Week 2 Sep 17[1]	Week 3 Sep 24[1]	Week 4 Oct 1[1]	Week 5 Oct 8[1]	Week 6 Oct 15[1]	Week 7 Oct 22[1]	Week 8 Oct 29[1]	Week 9 Nov 5[1]	Week 10 Nov 12[1]	Week 11 Nov 19[1]	Week 12 Nov 26[1]	Week 13 Dec 3[1]	Week 14 (Final) Final[1][3]
1.	USC (47)	USC (1–0)	USC (2–0)	USC (3–0)	USC (4–0)	USC (5–0)	Alabama (5–0)	Alabama (6–0)	Alabama (7–0)	Alabama (8–0)	Alabama (9–0)	Alabama (10–0)	Alabama (10–0)	Ohio State (11–0)	Alabama (12–0) (46)	1.
2.	Alabama (11)	Alabama (1–0)	Alabama (1–0)	Alabama (2–0)	Alabama (3–0)	Alabama (4–0)	Texas (4–0)	Nebraska (6–0)	Nebraska (7–0)	Nebraska (8–0)	Ohio State (10–0)	Ohio State (11–0)	USC (10–0–1)	Alabama (11–0)	USC (11–0–1) (21)	2.
3.	Oklahoma (4)	Oklahoma (0–0)	Oklahoma (1–0)	Oklahoma (2–0)	Oklahoma (3–0)	Oklahoma (4–0)	Nebraska (5–0)	USC (6–0–1)	USC (7–0–1)	Ohio State (9–0)	Nebraska (9–0)	Nebraska (10–0)	Ohio State (11–0)	USC (10–0–1)	Oklahoma (11–1)	3.
4.	Texas (1)	Texas (0–0)	Texas (0–0)	Texas (1–0)	Texas (2–0)	Texas (3–0)	USC (5–0–1)	Arkansas (6–0) т	Houston (7–0)	USC (8–0–1)	USC (9–0–1)	USC (9–0–1)	Florida State (11–0)	Florida State (11–0)	Ohio State (11–1)	4.
5.	Penn State	Purdue (1–0)	Notre Dame (1–0)	Missouri (3–0)	Nebraska (3–0)	Nebraska (4–0)	Houston (5–0)	Ohio State (7–0) т	Ohio State (8–0)	Houston (8–0)	Florida State (9–0)	Florida State (10–0)	Oklahoma (10–1)	Oklahoma (10–1)	Houston (11–1)	5.
6.	Purdue	Michigan (1–0)	Penn State (1–0)	Nebraska (2–0)	Houston (3–0)	Washington (5–0)	Ohio State (6–0)	Houston (6–0)	Florida State (7–0)	Oklahoma (7–1)	Texas (7–1)	Texas (8–1)	Texas (9–1)	Arkansas (10–1)	Florida State (11–1)	6.
7.	Michigan	Penn State (0–0)	Nebraska (1–0)	Michigan State (3–0)	Washington (4–0)	Houston (4–0)	Florida State (6–0)	Oklahoma (5–1)	Oklahoma (6–1)	Florida State (8–0)	Oklahoma (8–1)	Arkansas (9–1)	Nebraska (10–1)	Nebraska (10–1)	Pittsburgh (11–1)	7.
8.	Nebraska	Nebraska (0–0)	Michigan State (2–0)	Houston (2–0)	Ohio State (4–0)	Ohio State (5–0)	Oklahoma (4–1)	Florida State (6–0)	Texas (5–1)	Texas (6–1)	Arkansas (8–1)	Oklahoma (9–1)	Arkansas (10–1)	Houston (10–1)	Arkansas (10–2)	8.
9.	Notre Dame	Notre Dame (0–0)	Missouri (2–0)	Washington (3–0)	Florida State (4–0)	Florida State (5–0)	Notre Dame (4–1)	Texas (4–1)	Arkansas (6–1)	Arkansas (7–1)	Houston (8–1)	Houston (8–1)	BYU (11–0)	BYU (11–0)	Nebraska (10–2)	9.
10.	Michigan State	Michigan State (1–0)	Houston (2–0)	Purdue (2–1)	Notre Dame (2–1)	Notre Dame (3–1)	Arkansas (5–0)	Michigan (6–1)	Michigan (7–1)	Michigan (8–1)	BYU (9–0)	BYU (10–0)	Houston (9–1)	Pittsburgh (10–1)	Purdue (10–2)	10.
11.	Georgia	Missouri (1–0)	Michigan (1–1)	Michigan (2–1)	Michigan (3–1)	Michigan (4–1)	Michigan (5–1)	BYU (6–0)	BYU (7–0)	BYU (8–0)	Pittsburgh (8–1)	Pittsburgh (9–1)	Pittsburgh (10–1)	Texas (9–2)	Washington (9–3)	11.
12.	Missouri	Georgia (0–0)	Washington (2–0)	Florida State (3–0)	Purdue (3–1)	Arkansas (4–0)	Washington (5–1)	Pittsburgh (5–1)	Pittsburgh (6–1)	Pittsburgh (7–1)	Purdue (8–2)	Purdue (9–2)	Purdue (9–2)	Purdue (9–2)	Texas (9–3)	12.
13.	Stanford	Houston (1–0)	Pittsburgh (1–0)	Arkansas (2–0)	Arkansas (3–0)	LSU (3–1)	BYU (5–0)	Auburn (5–1)	Notre Dame (5–2)	Notre Dame (6–2)	Michigan (8–2)	Clemson (8–2)	Washington (8–3)	Washington (8–3)	BYU (11–1)	13.
14.	Texas A&M	Washington (1–0)	Florida State (2–0)	Ohio State (3–0)	NC State (4–0)	North Carolina (4–0)	Auburn (4–1)	Notre Dame (4–2)	Wake Forest (7–1)	Purdue (7–2)	Clemson (7–2)	Auburn (8–2)т	Auburn (8–2)	Michigan (8–3)	Baylor (8–4)	14.
15.	Washington	Ohio State (1–0)	Arkansas (1–0)	Notre Dame (1–1)	Missouri (3–1)	Missouri (3–1)	NC State (5–1)	North Carolina (5–1)	Purdue (6–2)	Washington (7–2)	Auburn (7–2)	Washington (8–3)т	Michigan (8–3)	Tulane (9–2)	North Carolina (8–3–1)	15.
16.	Houston	Pittsburgh (0–0)	Ohio State (2–0)	NC State (3–0)	Michigan State (3–1)	BYU (4–0)	Purdue (4–2)	Purdue (5–2)	Washington (6–2)	Auburn (6–2)	Washington (7–3)	Michigan (8–3)	Tulane (9–2)	South Carolina (8–3)	Auburn (8–3)	16.
17.	Pittsburgh	Arkansas (0–0)	Purdue (1–1)	UCLA (2–1)	LSU (2–1)	NC State (4–1)	Pittsburgh (4–1)	Navy (6–0)	Tennessee (4–2)	Baylor (6–2)	Wake Forest (8–2)	Baylor (7–3)	South Carolina (8–3)	Auburn (8–3)	Temple (10–2)	17.
18.	Arizona State	Florida State (1–0)	SMU (2–0)	Penn State (1–1)	North Carolina (3–0)	Auburn (3–1)	Tennessee (4–1)	Wake Forest (6–1)	North Carolina (5–1–1)	Clemson (6–2)	Temple (8–1)	Tulane (8–2)	Clemson (8–3)	Clemson (8–3)	Michigan (8–4)	18.
19.	Florida State	NC State (1–0)	NC State (2–0)	SMU (3–0)	Tennessee (3–0)	Michigan State (3–2)	North Carolina (4–1)	Tennessee (4–2)	Penn State (5–2)	South Carolina (6–2)	Tennessee (5–3)	South Carolina (7–3)	Penn State (7–4)	Baylor (7–4)	Indiana (8–4)	19.
20.	Arkansas	SMU (1–0)	UCLA (1–1)	LSU (2–0)	BYU (3–0)	Purdue (3–2)	Navy (5–0)	Washington (5–2)	Auburn (5–2)	Wake Forest (7–2)	Baylor (6–3) т Tulane (8–2) т	Penn State (7–3)	Baylor (7–4)	Temple (9–2)	Penn State (8–4)	20.
	Preseason Preseason[1][2]	Week 1 Sep 10[1]	Week 2 Sep 17[1]	Week 3 Sep 24[1]	Week 4 Oct 1[1]	Week 5 Oct 8[1]	Week 6 Oct 15[1]	Week 7 Oct 22[1]	Week 8 Oct 29[1]	Week 9 Nov 5[1]	Week 10 Nov 12[1]	Week 11 Nov 19[1]	Week 12 Nov 26[1]	Week 13 Dec 3[1]	Week 14 (Final) Final[1][3]
		Dropped: Stanford Texas A&M Houston Arizona State	Dropped: Georgia	Dropped: Pittsburgh	Dropped: UCLA Penn State SMU	Dropped: Tennessee	Dropped: LSU Missouri Michigan State	Dropped: NC State	Dropped: Navy	Dropped: Tennessee North Carolina Penn State	Dropped: Notre Dame South Carolina	Dropped: Wake Forest Temple Tennessee	None	Dropped: Penn State	Dropped: Tulane South Carolina Clemson

[OldSchoolLion]

• FSU beat the Gators 3 years in a row between 1977-1979.  Prior to that, the Noles were 2-16-1 versus the Gators.  
• Check out the weights of the linemen back then...225-260 pounds.  No big bellies like today.    
• FSU was recruiting south Florida back then.  Check out the roster including futre Atlanta Falcon Bobby Butler. Bowden was a recruiting genius.
• Look at all of the qb's from north Florida.  This is how FSU and the BIg 3 used to recruit qb's...in-state. 
• Ron Simmons..absolute beast and set the stage for future Nole defensive greats.
• Rohn Stark and Bill Capece(Chaminade) became the best kicking tandem in the NCAA.  Stark was an All-American in 1980.  Capece held many FSU placekicking records.  Both played in the NFL  
• Paul Piurowski...name sound familiar?  His son was a great tight end for the Noles in the modern day.
• Rick Stockstill...up-and-coming qb from Fernandina Beach.
• WR Kurt Unglaub played at Leon with Woodham and Jordan....started as a freshman in '76.

[OldSchoolLion]

I think 181pl liked this one.  Thanks for sharing all of the great information.  

It is Jimmy Jordan(right) and Wally(Woodham), who both played for coaching legend Gene Cox at Leon High.  Imagine two players of that talent sharing the spotlight today  LOL  Those guys were real team players.

http://www.nolefan.org/garnet/seminole12.html

Check out the one season passing yardages of those two mentioned in the article above.  3500+yards in a season is incredible even by today's standards.  Only 10 FL hs qb's have ever done it.  To put up those kinds of numbers in high school 40+ years ago...I cannot begin to tell you how astronomical that was, because the game was nothing like today.  It is weird seeing their names/dates in the record books with everyone else from the 2000's and later.. a sign of how extraordinary they were..and Bowden saw that.  

 

[181pl]

Lots of players from the Tampa area where recruited in that class. There's even a Leto Falcon who was recruited. I remember Weejie Thompson, Hardis Johnson, and Zeke Mowatt out of that class very well.

[FL_HS_football]

Got to see Zeke Mowatt play against SE high school in 77, SE had a kid on their team that year, that I swear was the closest thing in body build to Herschel Walker that I had ever seen in as far as before weight training became a thing at the HS level. Name was Zontina Jackson. Saw  Paul Piurowski from Sarasota play against Manatee, he had a fumble recovery for a TD that game. Sarasota had some really good teams back then, when they were coached by Charlie Cleland! I've always been a Gator fan, but my year up at Tallahassee and going to Lincoln HS (Bowden's 1st year at FSU), allowed me to be introduced to Ginger and Jeff Bowden. I found both of them to be pompous a-holes, and it just solidified my dislike for all things FSU. <grins>

181 what are your thoughts of Kerwin Bell being named OC at USF? He's been successful everywhere he's gone winning a Nat'l title at Valdosta State this year. I see his resume much in the same light I looked at Joe Kinnan's........I think Bell's a winner and will do great things at USF for the offense!

[181pl]

I like Kerwin. If he pushed it he may have been a D1 HC by now.

[181pl]

23 hours ago, OldSchoolLion said:

• FSU beat the Gators 3 years in a row between 1977-1979.  Prior to that, the Noles were 2-16-1 versus the Gators.  
• Check out the weights of the linemen back then...225-260 pounds.  No big bellies like today.    
• FSU was recruiting south Florida back then.  Check out the roster including futre Atlanta Falcon Bobby Butler. Bowden was a recruiting genius.
• Look at all of the qb's from north Florida.  This is how FSU and the BIg 3 used to recruit qb's...in-state. 
• Ron Simmons..absolute beast and set the stage for future Nole defensive greats.
• Rohn Stark and Bill Capece(Chaminade) became the best kicking tandem in the NCAA.  Stark was an All-American in 1980.  Capece held many FSU placekicking records.  Both played in the NFL  
• Paul Piurowski...name sound familiar?  His son was a great tight end for the Noles in the modern day.
• Rick Stockstill...up-and-coming qb from Fernandina Beach.
• WR Kurt Unglaub played at Leon with Woodham and Jordan....started as a freshman in '76.

Ron Simmons, Jimmy Jordan, and Paul Piurowski were all Tampa Bay Bandits. Billy Capece was the Bucs kicker in the early 80's and was the victim of one of John McKay's best one-liners. After missing a few easy kicks in a game, a reporter asked McKay about Capece's status with the team and McKay famously said: "Capece... is kaput."

 

I agree about the lineman. In that era, the O-line got off the ball much, much faster and hit much harder initially because most teams ran the ball. You wanted quickness off the ball to get the Dlineman out of the way and so the guards could pull. The era of the fat, behemoth lineman has made the game less technically enjoyable.