OneVoice,
Recruits
The Personnel-Minded Recruiter By Jim Henry
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hat’s the way it’s going to be at Florida State for the time being under first-year Head Coach Jimbo Fisher. While that is a departure from the regime of former coach Bobby Bowden, Fisher’s approach and presence has rejuvenated the Seminoles’ fan base. Let’s count the ways: » Renewal of booster membership is up 90 percent from this point in 2009 according to Seminole Boosters, Inc.
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The ticket office is reporting an 80 percent increase in new sales over the total from this time last year.
business casual, Fisher was naturally in great spirits and pleased with the day’s events. “A lot of guys in this group I think will have great careers at Florida State,” Fisher said. Later in the night (on Feb. 3) at the program’s second annual signing day party for more than 1,000 fans at the Tallahassee Car Museum, Fisher repeated that message and also introduced his staff, which includes five new assistants less than a month into their new positions. The high-energy event was streamed, free and live, on the Internet “War Party” events that were staged simultaneously throughout the state — and nation — including two others in Tallahassee.
Fisher is making sweeping changes, from increased support staff to increased competition among players to increased accountability across the board.
NEW CHAPTER Fisher, 44, is inheriting an FSU program From ESPN.com, February 3, 2010 coming off its worst four-year stretch (30-22) in more than 30 years. But that’s in the past. Bowden’s legacy as one of the greatest college coaches of all-time is secure, regard» And let’s not forget Fisher’s first recruiting class, less of his finish. one that secured a top-10 national recruiting Fisher represents a new chapter, and there’s no denying the ranking according to ESPN following National renewed enthusiasm surrounding the football program. National Signing Day on Feb. 3. Signing Day was another step forward. The Seminoles signed 24 players, including 14 on the defensive side, immediately addressMake no mistake: this was Jimbo’s class. He’s head coach, playing the most pressing needs. er personnel director and rush chairman. Though each of his as“Our past couple of recruiting classes have been okay, but it was sistant coaches played a role, Fisher signed off on all 24 players. more like the same ol’ deal,” said Brian Chambers, a frenzied reThat’s a 180-degree turn from Bowden, who let his assistant cruiting follower who admittedly spent his entire Wednesday in coaches handle the evaluations of all players aside from quarterfront of a computer and television keeping tabs on signing-day back. And in recent years, Bowden eventually turned that responupdates. sibility over to Fisher as well. “I feel like Jimbo brings that youth to recruiting, he and his staff “It never felt unnatural. No part of it never felt unnatural,” Fisher are more player-type coaches who know how to relate to these said of the recruiting process under his command for the first kids a lot better. Coach Bowden was great and I think what sold time as a head coach. (recruits) was the legend, that Coach Bowden was in the house While Bowden’s assistants usually joined him and met with the and they played for Coach Bowden. media on signing day, Fisher was a lone solider at the 60-minute “There’s definitely a different feel, a different atmosphere recruiting recap at the Moore Athletic Center in February. Dressed around FSU now.”
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