Ex-Mountaineer rattling in playoffs

DAILY MAIL SPORTSWRITER

Accept the concept or not, it seems NCAA Division I-A was a farmteam for Division I-AA.

Such is the case of JaJuan Seider, who learned the art ofquarterbacking while at West Virginia University from 1995-98.Facing a final year on the bench, Seider moved to I-AA Florida A&M,where he has become one of the most prolific performers in thedivision.

"It's unbelievable," Seider said Wednesday night. "To come here,start eight games and get like 40 touchdowns."

Seider briefly spoke of the weather in Tallahassee. Thetemperature was rapidly descending as practice ended. In fact,Florida's panhandle felt the 20s Wednesday evening.

He did not seem to mind toiling in the chill. After all, had hestayed in Morgantown, he would not be practicing at all. TheMountaineers ended their disappointing 4-7 season last weekend.

"It was a tough one," Seider said. "I was feeling their pain whenthey were losing."

Some of his WVU-based friends probably felt Seider's gleeSaturday when he ran and threw for a combined six touchdowns in the13th-seeded Rattlers' 44-29 upset of No. 4 Appalachian State atBoone, N.C., in the first round of the I-AA playoffs. That boostsA&M (9-3) into Saturday's quarterfinal against No. 5 Troy State (11-1).

Seider did not choose A&M until June. Rightfully convinced hewould see limited playing time as a senior behind record-settingMarc Bulger, Seider followed the lead of another Big East Conferencequarterback who found playing time and statistical happiness inTallahassee. Ex-Temple performer Pat Bonner is also a Florida native(Fort Lauderdale) like Seider (Belle Glade). Bonner played lastseason at A&M.

Including the playoff game, Seider has completed 182-of-295attempts for 2,361 yards and 26 touchdowns with just threeinterceptions. The 6-foot-2, 228-pounder - down from the 245 helugged during a brief try at linebacker at WVU - also ran 136 timesfor 668 yards and 13 scores. He did not become the starter until thefourth game.

"They throw a lot and the quarterback calls all the plays,"Seider said. "I'm more of a coach that's playing the game."

Another former Mountaineer briefly played at A&M this season.Tailback Alvin Swoope left after one game.

"He gave up too early," Seider said.

His stat-compiling senior year has brought Seider attention. Hewon he Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's Offensive Player of theYear honor and is one of 16 finalists for the Walter Payton Award, I-AA's Heisman equivalent. Seider said there has been interest fromCanadian Football League teams.

Seider, who keeps in touch with several Mountaineers (includingassistant coach Doc Holliday), could appear next month inMorgantown. He will need one class to complete his degree.

"I want my degree to be from there," Seider said.

"I wish," he added, "they gave me more of an opportunity. Not totake anything away from Marc. They made up their mind too fast."

Writer Mike Cherry can be reached at 348-5170.