Highlights from FSU's annual Kickoff Luncheon (Video added)
The Florida State Alumni Association held its 65th annual Kickoff Luncheon on Friday afternoon in the Civic Center. Here are some of the highlights (video will be coming soon):
* FSU President John Thrasher says he believes Dalvin Cook should have won the Heisman Trophy last season (eliciting loud applause).
* Thrasher singles out two FSU players to stand up -- Cook and then senior QB Sean Maguire. Thrasher says Maguire has been an inspiration to teammates for his "grit" and "determination."
* As he has said before, Thrasher says he believes Jimbo Fisher is the "best head coach in America."
* Thrasher spoke about the Showtime cameras that are following the team all season. "Coach Trickett is keeping the guy with the mute button pretty busy."
* Thrasher drew a large ovation when he gave a shout-out to FSU's No. 1-ranked soccer team.
* The "voice" of the Seminoles, Gene Deckerhoff, talks about the Doak Campbell Stadium and Civic Center renovations and says he remembers when rival schools would make fun of FSU's facilities -- Tully Gym and "The Erector Set." He said that doesn't happen anymore and complimented Seminole Boosters for all they do.
* Athletics Director Stan Wilcox lists some of FSU football's accomplishments, including a 49-6 record the last four years.
* Wilcox says fans will be "amazed" by the new video replay board in Doak. He says the new sound system is "crystal clear" but can rattle the windows of the Capitol.
* Wilcox receives a cheer when he says that restrooms inside Doak have been renovated as well.
* Suspended quarterback Malik Henry was with the team and was introduced with the other quarterbacks.
* Freshman linebacker Dontavious Jackson, who has been out due to "personal reasons," was introduced with the other linebackers.
* Fisher says this has been a particularly tough preseason for the players -- because of the heat and because the coaches have pushed them hard. He says they've pushed harder than usual because this schedule is so tough.
* Fisher says the team got the day off on Thursday. He then joked to the players that Trickett didn't want to give it to them.
* Fisher reminds the players that they are "lucky" to have the opportunity to play at Florida State. "I know it didn't feel like that the last 15 days." Fisher goes on to say that they have coached "the pee out of them" in camp. Then follows up by saying, "Sometimes literally."
* Fisher says the team's theme this season will be, “What can I do?” He wants the players to take ownership of the team and not wait for their time to step up.
* Fisher says he really likes this team and says they're confident they can win a national title. He is confident in them, too, but now it's time to see for real.
Tweets from the luncheon
Check back for video highlights from Jimbo Fisher's Luncheon speech and more.
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