COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Florida State quarterback Sexton diagnosed with Lyme disease

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The official word finally came Saturday morning. But Florida State players were already preparing for a season without their only experienced quarterback while readying a pair of redshirt freshmen for one of college football's most pressure-packed positions.
Wyatt Sexton, hospitalized after being found June 13 in the middle of a Tallahassee street exhibiting erratic behavior, has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, a diagnosis confirmed by a Pennsylvania specialist. FSU coach Bobby Bowden stated in a release that "it looks like Wyatt will need several months of treatment and will have to miss the season."
And that means FSU must turn to either Drew Weatherford or Xavier Lee - or maybe both - to revive an offense that struggled a year ago. The two have one collegiate play between them.
FSU offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden said he is not opposed to using both quarterbacks in the nationally televised season opener against Miami at Doak Campbell Stadium on Labor Day night.
"'I wouldn't rule it out," he said. - College Football -
But the coordinator would prefer to have one move to the forefront in competition that he promises to be wide open. And he would like to keep some of the offensive package that he put in during the spring for Sexton, who is mostly a pocket passer, while also playing off Lee's and Weatherford's athleticism.
"Up until the incident occurred, I felt like Wyatt was the guy ... that there was no way that Wyatt was not going to start the first game," Jeff Bowden said. "You have two really athletic guys behind him who are just lacking the experience ... . We're going to let them fight it out. The one who is ahead is going to be the starter. - College Football -
"We're always going to look to be balanced run-pass. Whether we're going to sit in the pocket as much as we have, that might change. We got a good beginning plan for these guys. We're just going to see how it unfolds and how comfortable they are with it. I'm really going to listen to them to tell me what they are comfortable with."
'Not a punishment' - College Football -
There had been some media speculation that Sexton, no matter the medical ruling, may not be eligible to play. Sexton was suspended prior to the incident for violation of team rules.
"He's not off the football team," Jeff Bowden said. "This is not a punishment issue."
While the junior's health has been forefront among teammates, preseason practice was also looming with players reporting on Aug. 8. The focus during afternoon workouts and informal film sessions among players has been on Lee and Weatherford. Lee did not play last season, and Weatherford participated in just one play. He injured his ankle on that play but not the one that required surgery in the spring. - College Football -
"We had to be realistic - everybody knew (Sexton) had something that was definitely a problem," junior offensive lineman Matt Meinrod said. "When it became apparent that it was real and not some b.s. excuse, we had to look for a contingency plan. Everybody sort of realized it looked like he wasn't going to be with the team. You can't look back. You got to look forward and that's what we had to do with those two young guys."
Meinrod said he and teammates didn't learn of Sexton's diagnosis or his status until Saturday morning when FSU released a statement. Weeks earlier, Meinrod and others already approached Lee and Weatherford about their changing roles. - College Football -
"I think it was important to let them know that they are our guys now," Meinrod said. "We hadn't given up on Wyatt but at the same time we had to look ahead. I told them both on separate occasions that this is your team now. Whoever takes over, we're going to follow you."
Lee and Weatherford have impressed teammates with their effort this summer. Both have participated in voluntary summer workouts, although Weatherford has been limited because of ankle surgery conducted after spring practice. - College Football -
"They are out there taking a leadership role," Meinrod said.

By Steve EllisKnight Ridder Newspapers