Success rarely sleeps, and perhaps nobody is learning that quicker than Florida State U. quarterback Christian Ponder and defensive tackle Everette Dawkins.
At 5 a.m. on weekdays this summer, while most of Tallahassee is still asleep, Ponder and Dawkins are scrolling through their phones, giving teammates wake-up calls to gather at FSU’s practice fields for team workouts.
This is just one way Ponder, a senior, and Dawkins, a redshirt junior, have shown their leadership roles on the team, as both players and the rest of the Seminoles are determined to put last season’s frustrating 7-6 record behind them.
According to Ponder, erasing those memories starts with a greater sense of commitment and discipline.
“Everyone realizes that we’ve had the talent for a while, but we just haven’t worked hard enough or had the discipline to get to where we want to be,” Ponder said. “Everyone has taken on this mindset that we have to do these small things.
“That’s the main thing for the summer: focusing on the small things, working out the kinks and being disciplined in what we’re doing.”
For Dawkins, his leadership is shown more through his actions than his words.
“I try to lead by example, not miss any workouts and make sure I’m on time to everything,” Dawkins said. “I’m vocal when I have to be, but I just make sure I’m there, because you can’t be a leader if you’re not doing what you’re supposed to be doing. [Otherwise] you’re setting an example for players not to show up.”
Ponder and Dawkins’ commitment has rubbed off on their teammates throughout the first four weeks of voluntary workouts, as every player who participated in spring practice has yet to miss one. This is also due in large part to the excitement around the new coaching staff and FSU’s summer conditioning regimen.
If there’s one thing fans can count on in head coach Jimbo Fisher’s inaugural season, it’s that there should be few tired bodies in Florida State uniforms. The players are currently lifting weights as a team three days a week and going through rigorous running workouts four days a week.
In addition to the lifting and running workouts, there is a twice-a-week speed development program run by Erik Korem, who previously worked at Mississippi State. Korem has experience training world-class sprinters such as Tyson Gay, who set the U.S. record in the 100 meter at the 2008 Olympic games, and players are already noticing a difference in their overall speed and running form during their short time with Korem.
“We’ve never been taught how to run before,” Ponder said. “Korem comes in every Tuesday and Thursday and that’s all we work on. Learning to run is something important and that’s what we’re working on. I feel totally different when I run [now], and it’s a good sign.”
Korem’s impact isn’t felt only in workouts—it’s felt at meals as well.
Along with the task of making the Seminoles faster, Korem serves as the team’s nutritionist, and is very strict when it comes to making sure each player is eating right.
“Erik is always on us about food,” Dawkins said. “If you have to gain weight, you’re not going to leave the cafeteria without eating a lot of food. It’s helped myself and a lot of other people. He’s also got us eating a lot more vegetables, instead of us just going in there and eating all meat, and you can tell it’s making a difference.”
From training to dieting, Florida State is doing everything they can to make sure they are prepared for the upcoming season, which is only three months away. Judging from their schedule, the Seminoles will have to make the most of their remaining summer days.
After the season opener against Samford, FSU will head to Norman, Okla., for a showdown with powerhouse Oklahoma. Throw in games against BYU, Boston College, Miami, Clemson and Florida, and the Seminoles have one of the toughest schedules in the nation.
Despite their schedule and recent struggles, Florida State has high expectations for 2010, and Ponder is determined to make the most of his senior season. Given his determination and leadership, Ponder expects his teammates to step up to the challenge as well.
“It’s my last go-around, and I don’t want to fall short again,” Ponder said. “I want to win a championship and reach our goals that we have.
“I want to leave out on the right note and take some great memories with me, so I want to make sure everybody is doing right.”