Ex-FSU QB McPherson Impressive In Workout

[TheGeneral+]

sports.tbo.com

Bucs coach Jon Gruden recently called FSU quarterback Adrian McPherson ''a great talent'' whose physical tools could make him an intriguing NFL prospect.


McPherson put those tools on display today at Bradenton Southeast High School, working out in front of a half dozen NFL scouts this afternoon and perhaps improving his draft stock in the process.

McPherson, who was dismissed from FSU in 2002 and later was charged with gambling on FSU games while he played for the Seminoles, ran 40-yard dash times of 4.52 and 4.59 - faster than his times at the NFL Combine earlier this month, according to scouts.

But while scouts were impressed by his workout - the 6-foot-3, 218-pound McPherson also registered a vertical jump of 40 1/2 inches - questions remained about his off-the-field concerns.

''He's very up front and forward with what happened,'' said Turk Schonert, New Orleans Saints scout and former NFL quarterback. ''In my opinion it's behind him. He made a mistake, we've all made mistakes and he's moved on.

''I think his family has been a strength for him and helped him get through those times.''

McPherson, the only prep athlete in state history to be named Mr. Football and Mr. Basketball in the same year, said those issues are in the past and he's looking forward to moving on - hopefully in the NFL.

''I don't have a character issue,'' said McPherson, who starred for the Indiana Firebirds of the Arena League in 2004. ''Everybody is going to do their research and I've never been in trouble before what happened at Florida State and I've never been in trouble afterwards. ''I think character is a person that continues to get in trouble, and I haven't. I think that when people meet me, they think I'm a good guy that just made a mistake.''

 

[bigboydan]

i just can't see an NFL team taking a chance on this guy due to the gambling troubles he has had in the past though. no matter how impressive he might look during workouts.

 

[Glaken]

As an FSU Alumn I wish him all the best; it seems he has made the most of his second chance. His problems at FSU came at the worst possible time for him and Bobby Bowden; Bowden's son was arrested for fraud and mis-appropriation of investor funds, which included more than $1 million of his dad's money. The Seminoles were also in the midst of a QB controversy with the Boosters and fans calling for Chris Rix to be benched. Was just horrible timing and a stupid mistake by McPherson. Good luck to him and don't even think about playing in The ATL.

 

[Glaken]

Saturday, February 15, 2003<!--/date--></FULLDATE><MULTIPIX name="top" multitemplate="standard"></MULTIPIX><!--kicker--><!--/kicker-->

<!--head-->Former FSU quarterback McPherson charged with another felony<!--/head-->

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<STORYTEXT><!--byline-->By Associated Press<!--/byline--></BYLINE>

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Former Florida State quarterback Adrian McPherson was charged with grand theft for writing five bad checks last summer.

McPherson wrote the checks, all for cash and in the amount of $76, between Aug. 17-20, assistant state attorney Paul Driver said Friday.

McPherson was charged with the felony on Thursday. His case is scheduled to be heard March 6.

"As there are additional revelations, it demonstrates we have a troubled teenager, and that's going to have to be addressed," McPherson's attorney, Grady Irvin Jr., said Friday. "It's a very delicate situation with Adrian."

McPherson was arrested Nov. 27 and charged with a felony and misdemeanor charge for taking a blank check from an auto accessories company in Tallahassee. The check was later made out for $3,500 and cashed. Last month, prosecutors added two felony charges.

McPherson's arrest came two days after Florida State coach Bobby Bowden kicked him off the team.

A sophomore last season, McPherson appeared in nine games, completing 80 of 155 passes for 1,017 yards with 12 TD passes and one interception. He went 3-1 in his four starts.

McPherson dropped out of Murray State last week, less than a month after transferring to the Division I-AA school.

McPherson would have been eligible to play next season. However, the school forbid him to play until his legal problems were resolved.

Irvin said Friday that he expects his client to announce his career plans sometime in March.

 

[GMON]

bigboydan-o: You kidding me or what ?

If this kid can make plays, some squad will put out the spin program and give him all the help he needs.

 

[Dawoofdaddy]

I had forgotten about the guy, but he was one helluva athlete at FSU. The Bucs could certainly use some spark at the skilled offensive positions.

 

[TheGeneral+]

Hell, make him a corner and bring him to Indy. :smoker2:

 

[Concorde]

Gruden have Brian Griese, Does he need a new QB?