Rattlers get a litle hot headed during practice

By Heath A. Smith DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

Things got a little more physical for Florida A&M's football team Thursday.

The first morning practice of preseason camp had a little more hitting than the first three days. With the increased hitting came the first few scuffles of camp as well.

"Everybody is trying to get the plays right and we've been working hard all summer," said redshirt-sophomore offensive lineman DeWayne Lanier. "We finally got to hit, so of course there is going to be some aggression."

Lanier and redshirt-junior linebacker Vernon Wilder got into the first altercation Thursday followed by another brief exchange between senior offensive lineman Justin Delancy and senior defensive end Tyrone McGriff.

"This was the first day that the entire offense and defense got to go against each other," said FAMU coach Rubin Carter "They had been separated by units the last three days. It was good to see them go out and at someone at full speed."

Carter is no stranger to camp fights and understands they can happen from time to time, but said it was important that the players learn how to keep their composure as well."That's football and that's practice," Carter said. "You don't just see it on this level, but on the next level as well. Just watch ESPN and you'll see a flare-up or two.

"For the most part, we have a well-disciplined team. They have to understand that we will compete, but we won't be combative."

Delancy said he doesn't take such incidents personal, but he said it was important that the offensive line set a more physical tone this preseason.

"Ever since I been here, the defense usually comes out and gets the one up on us first," said Delancy, the lone senior on the offensive line this season. "This time we wanted to make a change and get after them first."

Lanier and Wilder shook hands and hugged on the sidelines shortly after their heated exchange."We are teammates," Lanier said. "We all want that championship ring. We don't want to take any animosity off the field with us. Sometimes you get a little heated like I did. I had to take a second, but after that you come together as a team."