Redshirt freshman ready for 1st start at Fla. St.

Nov 9, 2009 - 4:57 PM TALLAHASSEE, Fla.(AP) -- Heralded recruit EJ Manuel will get his first start Saturday at Wake Forest.

The redshirt freshman from Virginia Beach, Va. replaces junior quarterback Christian Ponder, who suffered a dislocated shoulder in Saturday's loss to Clemson.

Florida State (4-5, 2-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) must win two of its next three games to avoid its first losing season since 1976.

The 19-year-old Manuel was offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher's prized recruit in his initial recruiting class at Florida State. Fisher is slated to become the Seminoles head coach in January of 2011.

The 6-4, 225-pound Manuel, who was redshirted last year, threw for nearly 7,400 yards and 68 touchdowns in high school.