Cromartie waiting, but hopeful

Nobody wanted to play more in the Miami game than Antonio Cromartie. The sophomore cornerback had been looking forward for the instate showdown since spring practice began and was one of the hardest workers over the summer months. He was also in a heated battle for a starting job so the last thing he wanted was an injury. However, after getting tangled up with Chauncey Stovall during a routine drill on Tuesday it looked like his plans would be derailed.

On Friday Cromartie appeared at practice without crutches and walked around without much of a limp. According to the former USA Today high school Defensive Player of the Year, an MRI taken on Tuesday showed scar tissue but the team doctors will give the knee a closer look on Tuesday.

"They are going to clean it up and go inside and see if there is anything else inside of it that needs fixed," Cromartie said. "It's sore but right now I'm waiting until Tuesday until I get a scope on my knee. I'll probably be out like three to four weeks. I'm just being patient until Tuesday."

As far as playing in the Miami game, Cromartie may be out of luck but he is still holding out hope.

"I'd say 30-70," Cromartie said. "I'm not going to say there's a 50-50 chance because I don't think I will be (playing). I'm going to try to work hard through my rehab after Tuesday. I'll give it all I got and see if I can play."

Last season as a true freshman Cromartie had 17 tackles and one interception. He made his biggest contribution on kickoff returns where he led the team averaging 23.7 yards per return. He was slated to be a starter on kick returns again this season and is listed as the No. 2 right cornerback behind senior Leroy Smith.

Talk about it on the

href="http://floridastate.rivals.com/forum.asp?sid=1061&fid=1079&style=2">Football Message Board or on the Tribal Council