Jim Henry

Democrat sports editor

Michael Tanks may not have been the strongest player on Florida State’s offensive line. He may not have been the quickest.

But the sturdy center from Decatur, Georgia, may have had the best technique.

“I never saw him get beat on pass protection,” former Seminole offensive lineman and teammate Tony Yeomans said Thursday

“He was a great technician, a guy who simply refused to get beat. He had great hands and feet, a real competitor. This really hurts. He is going to be missed.”

Tanks, a first-team All-American as a senior in 1989 who returned to his prep alma mater at SW Dekalb High to coach football, died Wednesday - a day before his birthday - after suffering a stroke July 25.

He was 48.

Michael Tanks FSU '89

SW Dekalb High Athletic Director Kathy Walton said the school is “devastated” by Tanks’ death.

Tanks, the team’s head football coach and a 1985 SWD graduate, was preparing his team for their Aug. 20 season opener against Redan. Tanks was at home when he suffered the stroke and had been listed in critical condition and on a ventilator at Grady Hospital, according to reports.

Tanks was married with two children.

“He was extremely well-loved by everyone here,” Walton said Thursday.

“The first impression with him was he was so genuine. He was so easy to get along with and he really cared about the kids and the parents. It’s very devastating because it was so unexpected. And he may have had his best team this season.”

Tanks played defensive line and tight end at SWD, helping the team to an undefeated season in 1984.

Following a redshirt season in 1985 at FSU, Tanks was moved from linebacker to offensive line.

The 6-foot-1, 250-pounder developed into a key contributor for the Seminoles as a four-year letterman and two-year starter at center.

Tanks enjoyed a breakout senior season, calling the line sets and earning All-America status. He also was an Outland Trophy finalist, given to college football’s top interior lineman.

Tanks signed as a free agent with the Seattle Seahawks but did not make the team.

“He was one of my closest friends, I considered him my brother,” said former FSU teammate and NFL player Dedrick Dodge, who resides in Atlanta.

“The way it happened and how it happened so fast, you feel like you were just talking to someone and then they are not here. That’s why it’s important for everybody, if you love somebody, tell them. You see how valuable life is and how short it can be.”

Walton said funeral arrangements are pending.

Former Seminole and NFL linebacker Jesse Solomon, through his Athletes Care Association, Inc., has set up a page to help raise donations for the Tanks family.