Knee injury sidelines FSU's Weatherford

By Jamey Givens, Times Correspondent, and Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
In print: Thursday, March 27, 2008

Quarterback Drew Weatherford of Florida State calls out a play during a game against Boston College last season.
	[Getty Images]

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TALLAHASSEE — Florida State starting quarterback Drew Weatherford has a slight tear in the lateral meniscus of his right knee and likely will miss the rest of spring practice.

"We're probably going to make the decision by the end of the week whether or not I'm going to be able to come back out," the ex-Land O'Lakes High star said Wednesday. "And it doesn't look like I'm going to be. So I'm probably going to have surgery as soon as possible."

The senior was hurt during Saturday's scrimmage, when Dekoda Watson tried to strip the ball. Surgery could happen as soon as Friday, but Weatherford would be ready in plenty of time for fall practice.

Coach Bobby Bowden said he wasn't worried because it allows Christian Ponder and D'Vontrey Richardson, who will be redshirt sophomores in the fall, to get reps.

"The other guys need the work," he said.

Gator moves to defense

GAINESVILLE — Former Armwood High offensive lineman Matt Patchan has moved to defense, Florida coach Urban Meyer said. Patchan began the spring working full time on offense with extra work on defense. But Meyer said the Gators need more help on defense and Patchan seems capable of making the change. He'll now do extra work on offense when possible.

Meanwhile, receiver Percy Harvin missed practice to have an MRI exam on his injured heel. He is currently in a boot.

south carolina: Coach Steve Spurrier said quarterback Stephen Garcia must get counseling while suspended. The Jefferson High grad recently was fined $257 for underage drinking, his third run-in with police since arriving about a year ago.

Times staff writer Antonya English contributed to this report, which used information from the Associated Press.