By: Doug Blackburn and Heath A. Smith, TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITERS
Antwaun Moore started wearing an orange jersey Tuesday.
Moore, a wide receiver and defensive back at Lincoln High who's starting his second year at Florida A&M, was moved from defense to offense on the second day of preseason practices. The defense wears green at FAMU practices while the offense is in orange.
"We're trying to find a place where he can make the most impact," FAMU coach Rubin Carter said. "We want to be able to get him on the field and utilize his speed."
Moore looked comfortable - and fast - during Tuesday's practice. He sped past a defender more than once during passing drills.
"He did some good things today," Carter said. "He showed he can catch the ball. I was impressed with his first day at wide receiver."
Moore was also a track standout at Lincoln. He was on the 4x100 relay team that won a national championship. He said he's eager to play wide receiver for the Rattlers.
"I think I did pretty good out there," Moore said. "I think the switch to offense is a pretty good move."
Anonymous Wilson makes an impression
You won't find Fabian Wilson on Florida A&M's most current football roster.
Wilson doesn't even have his own jersey number yet, but that didn't stop him from making plays during Tuesday's practice. Apparently having the flu didn't stop him from making plays either.
Wilson, a walk-on sophomore defensive back from South Sumter High School in Bushnell, made his first interception as a Rattler during seven-on-seven passing drills Tuesday.
"That was my first interception on the team," said Wilson, who joined the team last spring. "That was pretty big."
FAMU head football coach Rubin Carter had success with walk-ons such as cornerback Michael Creary last season and believes Wilson has a chance to contribute to the team.
"He has some ability," Carter said. "He worked out for us and showed he has some burst and the ability to plant and break up plays.
"His performance in the spring warranted us inviting him to our training camp. He certainly has some things to work on, but he showed some good ball skills in that situation today in practice."
Wilson is staying humble right now and said he was just looking forward to being part of the team this season.
"I just want to play my part," Wilson said. "I don't want to be the hero. I just want to do my job. Everybody does their job, we'll be the champs."
Henry a little hamstrung
Sophomore running back Demitric Henry has been bothered by a sore left hamstring during the first two days of practice.
Henry, who is expected to compete for the starting running back job with senior Anthony Edwards in preseason camp, participated in limited practice activities Tuesday.
Edwards (knee) has yet to be cleared to participate in practice.
"It gets a little sore every now and then, but it feels pretty good," said Henry, a walk-on from Vero Beach High School. "All I can do is keep strengthening it, and working on it for now."
In addition to Edwards, senior safety Khalil Sutton was still being held out of practice for medical reasons.
Carter also said sophomore tight end Terrance Pittman was still recovering from offseason knee surgery, but could join the team within a couple days.
Pugilism makes its debut
New strength and conditioning coach Jeff Woods has added a new wrinkle to FAMU's workouts - boxing.
Holding a blocking pad, Woods had lineman Dwayne "Kenneth" Lanier punch the pad on his command. Running back Demitric Henry also spent time throwing short lefts and rights at the blocking pad.
"It's a different way to condition. You're twisting your body, working your mid-section, your back," Woods said. "You change directions. It's a good cardiovascular workout."
Once the players get the hang of hitting the back, Woods will have them use the base of their palm to strike. "It's also good for stiff-arm work," he said.
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