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'Nole respect Talented Rix still needs to earn teammates' confidencePosted: Sunday August 10, 2003 5:14 PM
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Florida State quarterback Chris Rix seems to have it all: He's tall and tough, with a strong arm and fast feet. But he's still working on winning respect. After an up-and-down 2002 season climaxed by a suspension for the Sugar Bowl for oversleeping and missing a final exam, Rix has a lot to prove. "I'm going to make sure my teammates can depend on me in all aspects," Rix said during Sunday's media day. "We learn from our mistakes." Rix has been criticized for taking too many chances with the ball, especially when he runs. "He's a reckless, wild, physical, tough guy," coach Bobby Bowden said Sunday during the school's annual media day. "It works against him sometimes." But Rix is a junior now with 21 starts under his belt, and Bowden says he'd be "shocked" if Rix doesn't improve his decision-making and have a big year. "He's supposed to produce," Bowden said. Linebacker Michael Boulware says Rix comes off as cocky to his teammates, but marvels at the talent. "I'm glad he's back there," said Boulware, comparing his teammate to Michael Vick of the Atlanta Falcons. "He has as much athleticism as I've ever seen in a quarterback." The 6-4, 215-pound Rix, who describes himself as "confident," said it's time he lives up to the hype about his potential. "You saw in the Florida game, what I'm capable of," said Rix, who ran for 83 yards and threw two touchdown passes in a 31-14 victory over the rival Gators in last year's season-finale. "I need to do that week in and week out." Rix has thrown for 4,418 yards and 37 touchdowns. In his freshman year, Rix averaged 8.11 yards per play -- the fourth highest average in ACC history. Although he already ranks sixth in career total offense at Florida State, the enigmatic Californian is 14-7 as a starter -- as many losses as former quarterbacks Charlie Ward, Chris Weinke and Casey Weldon suffered together over nearly eight full seasons. But none of them were tossed into the starting lineup as early as Rix, who turned 22 in May. "Now when he's in that huddle, it's Mr. Rix," Bowden said. Ward and Weldon didn't start until they were juniors, while Weinke cracked the lineup as sophomore -- albeit at age 26, with a half dozen minor league baseball seasons behind him. There are some big changes taking place in Rix' personal life as well. Rix, who lived alone the last three years, is moving into the home of his minister, former Florida State basketball player Ron Miller. The pastor and his wife have two boys under the age of 2 and it will be a new experience for Rix. He grew up in a single parent home as an only child after his mother died when he was 8. Meanwhile, Rix's father is moving to Tallahassee from California to be able to watch his son. On the field, Rix realizes it's not important to be everyone's buddy. "The biggest thing is they respect me," he said. And that seems to be taking place. During Saturday 's practice, a defensive linemen hit Rix late and guard Bobby Meeks retaliated immediately -- nearly setting off a brawl. Bowden has also resurrected a "unity council" made up of players and coaches to ensure the team avoids some of the squabbles that led to problems last year. The 2001 Freshman of the Year in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Rix was benched last season after several turnovers in a loss to Notre Dame. He regained his starting spot after four games when Adrian McPherson was kicked off the team and led the Seminoles to a season-ending victory over Florida. Then Rix failed to show up for the final exam in a religion class and was kept out of the Sugar Bowl game against Georgia. His teammates believe the trials of last season have him prepared to lead them to another ACC title and BCS bowl. "He has dealt with a lot more than most juniors quarterbacks have," said receiver Dominic Robinson. "He's seen the peaks and he's seen the depths." |
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