FAMU's emerging offensive players

Photo: #87, Adrian Smith

Adrian Smith and Justin Delancey have arrived for FAMU

Adrian Smith

Adrian Smith is in an enviable position.

The lanky wide receiver from Lakeland spent the 2006 season studying Willie Hayward, who had a break-out year catching passes. Hayward was the ideal role model for Smith, because both are built likes greyhounds.

Smith, a freshman who FAMU football coach Rubin Carter opted to redshirt last year, seems to have benefited from Hayward's example. He was among the Rattlers' most impressive newcomers in the spring and is poised to be an impact player this season.

He is likely to begin 2007 flying under the radar of defensive coordinators, who will be concentrating on how to contain Hayward - another way in which Smith is in an enviable position.

But Smith's defensive teammates know he has the ability to make big plays.

“His speed is deceiving. He's got long legs and his stride is so long that you don't think he's running that fast,” cornerback Michael Creary said of Smith. “But in the end you see him pulling by you and you have to stay on your horses.

“At the start of spring, he made a great catch on a deep post. His route running has gotten a lot better this year.”

Linebacker Bryan Parker is impressed by Smith's willingness to come across the middle. He said Smith is not afraid of contact.

“Tough guy. Physical. (Smith) loves competition,” Parker said. “I like him. He's quick off the line and he catches the ball.”

Veteran linebacker Vernon Wilder is convinced that Smith will be for the Rattlers this season what Hayward was last year - a player teeming with potential who comes into his own.

“He's young, but he's coming along,” Wilder said. “He'll be pushing for a starting spot, so we need him to step up like's he's been doing.”

#70 Justin Delancy


Justin Delancy gained scant attention last season.
That often happens when you play on the offensive line - especially when you are playing alongside a first-team all-conference lineman, which was the case for Delancy. But Daniel Parrish, Delancy's teammate for the past three seasons, is no longer on the scene.

Now it's Delancy's turn to step into the spotlight.

At 6-foot-2 and 328 pounds, he's got the body to create large holes for Rattler runners. And as a senior he's primed to be a leader for FAMU. That's how Delancy's teammates see him as the 2007 season gets under way.

“He (Delancy) is the leader on the offensive line,” linebacker Bryan Parker said. “He has good hands.”

Defensive tackle Demetris Lane does battle with Delancy every day in practice. Delancy is responsible for making Lane a better player, Lane said.

“He's a really good player Ð him and Anthony Collins,” Lane said of Delancy. “We have a little pact that we're trying to go against the best every day.”

Delancy has a wealth of experience. The 21-year-old from Martin County saw action in 2005 and was one of the offensive line's anchors last year, as quarterback Albert Chester II led FAMU to a 7-4 record and the third-most productive offense (351.9 yards per game) in the conference.

Linebacker Vernon Wilder expects Delancy to be an All-MEAC player this season, and perhaps All-American.

“Justin's one of the best tackles in the nation. I come across Delancy about once or twice a practice,” Wilder said. “We have some good battles.

“He has good balance, good footwork. He plays with an intensity. He's almost a total package for a tackle. Probably the only thing he doesn't have is the height. But he has all the tools.”