Two prep stars pick hometown Seminoles

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Posted 7:29AM on Thursday, February 6, 2003

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - Florida State coach Bobby Bowden stayed close to home Wednesday, landing two of the nation's top recruits in his backyard as he seeks to return the Seminoles to the nation's elite. Antonio Cromartie of Tallahassee Lincoln High School, the USA Today Defensive Player of the Year, and North Florida Christian's Ernie Sims III, a linebacker in the Derrick Brooks' mold, signed to play with the Seminoles. ``You always want to take care of home,'' Florida State recruiting coordinator John Lilly said. ``That was the focus from day one.'' Sims and Cromartie each signed national letters of intent at ceremonies hosted by their high schools and both plan to play defense in college. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Cromartie played cornerback and wide receiver in high school and is considered a prospect at either position. Cromartie, who chose Florida State over Alabama, Auburn and Florida, could return kicks or punts as well. ``Coach Bowden has always had the philosophy he's going to let a young man play where he wants to play,'' Lilly said. Cromartie, who played with Sims before transferring to Lincoln in his sophomore year, said he'd always wanted to be a Seminole. Sims said he went with his heart Wednesday, deciding to stay at home and play for the school where his dad played for Bowden in the late 1970s and early 80's and his mother was a track star. Sims, a 6-foot, 225-pound speedster who led North Florida Christian High School to four state championships as a linebacker and running back, said he would play defense for the Seminoles. ``Florida State was the place for me,'' Sims said. ``My heart led me to Florida State. I've got family, I've got friends ... so I'm here.'' Sims, whose size and speed reminds coaches of former Florida State star Derrick Brooks, chose Florida State over Auburn, Florida, Georgia and Miami. Sims' mother, the former Alice Bennett, was a track star at Florida State, where his father Ernie Sims Jr. played for coach Bobby Bowden from 1977 through 1981. ``I could see in his heart, he really wanted me to go to Florida State,'' Sims said of his father. ``They just went crazy around the house when I told them. They were very happy, very excited.'' And he'll wear his favorite No. 34, which has long been retired at Florida State. Ron Sellers, a two-time All American receiver who played in the late 1960s, gave Bowden permission for Sims to wear it. ``Coach Bowden told me I would have a great opportunity to come in and showcase my talent,'' said Sims, who led his high school team to four state titles. Bowden's age (he is 73) was not a factor for the Sims family. ``Coach Bowden is just as sharp as I am,'' Alice Sims said. ``He remembered specific stuff way back when he recruited my husband. He's a legend. He stands out.'' Several off-the-field problems also had no affect on Florida State's ability to rcruit close to home. ``I don't know of anybody who can make a stronger statement that all is well on the homefront than those kids,'' said Bowden, who also landed wide receiver DeCody Fagg from nearby Quincy. Sims' younger brother Marcus, a 207-pound freshman who started at North Florida Christian as well this season, also attended the signing. Although Florida State returns a pair of outstanding outside linebackers in Michael Boulware and Kendyll Pope, coaches believe Sims is capable of providing instant help. ``He was the best poker player I've every tried to recruit,'' Bowden said. ``I had no idea what he was thinking. He did the best job of not letting anybody know of anybody I've ever been around.'' Sims was the most highly acclaimed Tallahassee prep star to sign with Florida State since Leon High School's Tamarick Vanover in 1992. After 14 seasons ranked no worse than fourth and two national titles along the way, the Seminoles have been relatively mediocre the past two seasons with a 17-9 record. Bowden, college football's second most winning coach with 332 victories, is anxious to bounce back from the school's poorest season since 1981. Although they won the Atlantic Coast Conference title for the 10th time in 11 seasons, the Seminoles finished 9-5 and No. 21 in the final AP poll. The Seminoles concentrated on linemen and stayed close to home. Their first 16 signees were from Florida and Georgia. Florida State was still waiting on another half dozen or so players to make decisions and hoped to sign a quarterback before the day was over. Three of the new recruits - defensive end Chauncey Davis, kicker Chase Goggans and defensive back Roger Williams - are already enrolled at Florida State.