Florida State names Weatherford starting QB for Miami opener

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Redshirt freshman Drew Weatherford, who sprained an ankle on his lone college play last fall, was named Florida State&#39;s starting quarterback for Monday&#39;s season opener against Miami.<br> <br> Weatherford, who is from Tampa, bested another redshirt freshman, Xavier Lee of Daytona Beach.<br> <br> ``It looked from about the third scrimmage on that Drew would be the guy you&#39;d start,&#39;&#39; Bowden said Wednesday. ``He has all the tools to be an outstanding quarterback.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Bowden said he considered Weatherford the starter and Lee, possibly, the closer.<br> <br> ``I want both of &#39;em practicing with a number one mentality,&#39;&#39; Bowden said.<br> <br> The veteran coach said he expected Weatherford and Lee would battle throughout the season for playing time.<br> <br> ``They will continue this competition,&#39;&#39; he said. ``This is not a season-ending contest.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Weatherford, 20, was sidelined last year after hurting his right ankle against North Carolina in the fourth game of the season and he had surgery on it this spring, but has been healthy throughout the August practices while Lee has been troubled with a sore arm.<br> <br> However, Bowden said Wednesday that Lee&#39;s arm is now fine and he too is ready to play against Miami.<br> <br> (Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)