Story courtesy of FANHOUSE.com

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Attitudes and approaches are changing within Florida State’s football program.

That’s from the bird’s-eye view of quarterback Christian Ponder, who continues his rehabilitation from November surgery on his right throwing shoulder. Ponder says his rehab is going well and is actually ahead of schedule, though he’s not sure if he will play in the Seminoles’ April spring game.

FSU, under first-year head coach Jimbo Fisher, is scheduled to begin spring practice on March 16 and the 20-day session will culminate with the spring game on April 10 at Doak Campbell Stadium. There’s plenty more happening here inside and outside the walls of the Moore Athletic Center, too.

Fisher hasn’t been bashful about making changes from the Bobby Bowden Era, a span of more than three decades that brought unprecedented success to the Seminoles but ended in disappointment, frustration and inconsistency.

While Ponder says he hasn’t noticed a great change in Fisher since he was elevated from offensive coordinator to head coach, there’s certainly a different vibe within the program.

“He’s definitely changed the whole program around, but him himself, I don’t think he’s changed,” Ponder said. “He’s been pretty much the same guy I’ve seen. I like him, he’s bringing a lot of enthusiasm and holding a lot of people accountable, on the team, and off the team. There’s definitely been a lot of changes, but he’s still himself.”

That means Fisher, known for his intensity and control, is going full-throttle. Better buckle your seat belt.

Fisher plans to nearly double the number of support staff in various student-support areas, including academic, strength and medical. He has implemented strategies for improved nutrition (no more honey-fried chicken for players) and sports psychology in regard to mental preparation. He has increased staff time to recruiting, punctuated by devoting the first two hours of every day to recruiting meetings and evaluations. (FSU already has eight non-binding verbal commitments in its Class of 2011). Fisher wants increased use of technology across the board.

Take a breath, because there’s more.

Outdoor afternoon fourth-quarter drills on the artificial turf practice field have replaced the 5 a.m. indoor mat drills. Ponder said the exercises and drills are more conducive to football, and a lot more running and conditioning is involved. Fisher’s also eliminating offensive and defensive divisions on the team, meaning the locker room will no longer be divided by offense and defense or by position. There will no longer be an offensive and defensive team bus.

“Guys are really working hard and getting better,” Ponder said.

“You can see the changes right before your eyes, and that’s exciting to see. … It’s a lot different. And it’s a lot different in the sense of it being better.”

That must be refreshing news to FSU fans, who continue to display renewed enthusiasm for football. Yet, the team’s off-season progress will also be closely monitored and scrutinized more than ever. Ponder says that’s OK because the Seminoles are committed to improving. He said there are still a lot of things the players can do, starting with developing better leadership.

“There’s still some attitudes that need to change, and there’s still some development of leadership that we need to have,” Ponder said. “We’ve always had some leaders there and present, but haven’t really been truly developed, and I think that there’s some things we can do to do that will benefit this team.”

Fisher’s staff is busy putting its personal touch on the program, too.

Fisher, who has preached one voice, one message — much like good friend Nick Saban at Alabama — is even allowing assistant coaches to hold a meet-and-greet with the media. Defensive coordinator Mark Stoops and running backs coach Eddie Gran each had their turn, and others are scheduled to follow over the next few weeks.

Stoops arrives from Arizona to help retool a once proud defense that ranked 108th in yards allowed per game (434.6) and 94th in points allowed per game (30) last year. Stoops replaces longtime defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews and has two decades of coaching experience.

Stoops explained that the defensive staff, which includes fellow first-year coach Greg Hudson (linebackers) and D.J. Eliot (defensive ends) and veteran returnee Odell Haggins (defensive line), has been busy preparing for the start of spring practice. The Seminoles will rely on a 4-3 alignment with multiple looks, specifically in the secondary.

However, first on the agenda, Stoops said, is rebuilding the Seminoles’ confidence. He saw too many long faces in his first meeting with players.

“I noticed some heads down and some guys who were a little beat down,” Stoops said. “When they do not perform up to standards that are set around here … not living up to the expectations and not statistically having a great year [defensively]. I noticed a group that was a little beat down. I told them there’s no more of that, there’s no more putting your head down.

“We are going to be very confident. They don’t have anything to be ashamed of. They had a great [Gator Bowl] win to send Coach Bowden and Coach Andrews out, a great win, as they should of. The defense came up with some great stops in that game.

“I want to use that game to roll into this new start. I want them to understand they have the ability; we have to get their confidence back, get their heads up and get ready to roll.”

Ponder is anxious to roll, too, but he’s had to pace himself since his November surgery — he suffered a Grade-III separation on a tackle following an interception at Clemson on Nov. 7. Ponder’s surgery was performed by renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews at his new facility in Destin.

Ponder said Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford suffered a similar injury last season and underwent surgery, also performed by Andrews, in late October. Bradford is expected to throw without limitation during his March 25 pro day. Ponder had his surgery three weeks later than Bradford.

Ponder has started to lightly throw a regulation football to athletic trainers and continues to concentrate on range-of-motion exercises and light weight training.

“I’m a little ahead of schedule, and I think I was actually progressing pretty quickly, they kind of slowed me down just in case to make sure I was doing everything right,” Ponder said. “They slowed me down a little recently, but you know I’m pretty much right where I need to be.”

FSU, under Fisher, is working at getting back where it needs to be, too. Attitudes and approaches are changing. Ponder said FSU fans should keep their expectations high. The players, he said, are aiming for an ACC title and a national title.

“It is exciting. We have a lot of weapons coming back,” Ponder said. “Obviously a great offensive line with all those guys returning. Hopefully we can pick up where we left off, and hopefully we can be even better.”

Tags: Florida State Football, Jimbo Fisher