From the Okeechobee News archives: Florida State is learning what Okeechobee already knows. Lonnie Pryor is the real deal.
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From the Archives highlights interesting stories from the over 100-year history of Okeechobee News, many of which have never been online before.
Florida State is learning what Okeechobee already knows. Lonnie Pryor is the real deal.
Pryor, a true freshman, is already one of the better players on the Seminoles offense this year. He has rushed for 56 yards on 10 carries, has caught a pass out of the backfield, ran back a kickoff against Miami, and even made a tackle.
Pryor is third on the team in scoring in just a handful of opportunities.
The Seminoles might be off to a disappointing (2-2) start, but it’s not because of Pryor. Lonnie had his best game two weeks ago when the Seminoles shocked Brigham Young 54-28. BYU was ranked number nine in the country at the time. Pryor had two touchdown runs for the Seminoles.
“It was a great feeling. I didn’t even know I had scored the first one,” he said. “It was a good feeling. They expected us to lose by three touchdowns but we stayed focused, did what we had to do, and got the job done.”
Pryor was moved to fullback so he could get more touches for
the offense. Offensive Coordinator Jimbo Fisher told the Tampa Tribune that the move was just to get their best players on the field, “He’s physical and he can run it up in there. This gets him more involved in what we do.”
Pryor has gotten opportunities at fullback and tailback in the past few games. He noted it takes a lot of intangibles to be good in college because you don’t have a lot of free time, you must manage your time well, and you better read the play book.
“The biggest difference, football wise, was the speed and the talent of players,” he said. “You have to get in the play book. It’s not like high school. It’s a lot more involved. You have to know what the line is doing, and the wide receivers are doing. You must learn the plays.”
Pryor said he is getting a lot of help from FSU running back coach and former NFL player Dexter Carter. He won a super bowl with the San Francisco 49ers during his playing career.
Pryor also thanked the Okeechobee community for their support. He said he received 65 text messages following his effort against BYU from his friends and family in Okeechobee.
“I thank everyone back home for their support,” he said. “It’s a big help that Okeechobee is behind me. Thank you to my family and fans.”
