TALLAHASSEE–The Florida A&M Rattlers began Spring football practice this week and expectations are high for the reigning Cricket Celebration Bowl Champions. Armed with a new head coach in James Colzie, a new offensive play caller, and a new defensive coordinator, FAMU is not unlike many of the top HBCU programs in the country as far as replacing assistant coaches at successful programs.
Former FAMU head coach Willie Simmons resigned on Jan.1 to take the running backs coaching position at Duke University. He was also the Rattlers’ play caller. Joseph Henry was listed as the offensive coordinator last year. Henry now assumes play-calling for the Rattlers. In Simmons’ exit, he indicated that Henry was well qualified to run the FAMU offense.
FAMU’s top-rated defense gets a makeover
FAMU’s defense was the No.2 rated FCS defense in the country to end the season. During the season, it had held the No.1 position for weeks. Former defensive coordinator Ryan Smith left the program to pursue the Defensive Coordinator position at Murray State. Milton Patterson who served as co-defensive coordinator last season steps in as the team’s defensive coordinator.
FAMU head coach James Colzie, the popular choice among former players and alumni, is trudging forward with his opportunity to lead the Rattlers. “It was a typical first day,” Colzie said. “We’ve got a lot of things we gotta work on. But, I’m still pleased by what I saw today and throwing on the shoulder pads does that add an extra energy. With the psychological aspect added with pads I think you may find out who the real ball players are.”
In an early-morning practice at Bragg Stadium, Colzie ran up and down the field motivating and teaching the Rattlers as they went through drills. The sound outside of the stadium was as if there was a game going on inside. The excitement of all the off-the-field issues behind them and the opportunity to just play the game they love excited the players, staff and coaches.
Assistant coaches are stepping up to the challenge
After warmup drills, the team went through sessions just as normal practices. Full team segments garnered the most energy. Receivers coach and offensive pass coordinator Antonio AC” Carter was his normal animated self. In the face of players challenging them to be their best self.
The defensive line looked impressive. With several returning players as well as backups who saw plenty of time last season, the core of the defense looks to be ready to dominate again this season and compete for another HBCU Championship. Led by returning defensive lineman Gentle Hunt and Cherif Saye, that duo could fill the middle and put excessive pressure on the offenses they face.
James Colzie impressed with the Rattlers’ energy in pads
“We’re flying around and you find out who’s gonna stick their head in there a little bit, right, as far as making contact. Ultimately, guys did a good job. I just want us to protect ourselves a little bit better. We gotta just be able to learn to practice a little bit better, stay off the ground, but also make sure that we take care of our details as far as our assignments go,” Colzie said.
The Rattlers are preparing for their April 13, Orange and Green game. Following the spring game, the Rattlers will start the season off where they ended it, in Atlanta, GA for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. The Rattlers will take on Dawson Odums’ Spartans of Norfolk State at Center Parc Stadium on Aug. 24, 2024 in a huge HBCU matchup.
