Local flavor adds spice to FAMU

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- When Joe Taylor took over four years ago as head football coach at Florida A&M, part of his mission was to have as any many local players as possible on the field.

He’s making significant progress with an impressive list of players from area high schools. One month before two-a-days begin, Taylor projected that as many as nine players with ties to the area could suit up this season as starters — five on offense, three on defense and kicker Chase Varnadore.

Taylor said he is convinced that having local starters who have won the right to play is a win-win for FAMU and each player.

“First of all, the young man grew up in the area,” Taylor said. “People watched him and were excited about him growing up and now those same people can come see him on the college level. I think that’s a plus for he kid and the community. The community wants to see their own.”

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