FAMU's Taylor focused on local recruits

Rattlers' football roster features 22 players from Big Bend schools

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  Florida A&M's recruiting philosophy under coach Joe Taylor has focused on local talent. In fact, 22 players – 17 from Tallahassee – listed on the Rattlers' current roster played high school football in the Big Bend.

Local prep coaches are hopeful that pipeline continues following Saturday's news of Taylor's announcement to retire at the conclusion of the season. The Rattlers played at North Carolina A&T on Saturday.

Taylor's decision, ending his tenure after five years at FAMU, also caught prep coaches off guard.

"I am shocked," FAMU High coach Ira Reynolds said.

"I look at this man's resume, all he has ever done is win. I like coach Taylor and, in my opinion, he's a good coach. I am not sure what prompted him to make this decision. I think it's a loss for the university."

Florida High has an area-high five players at Florida A&M, including senior safety John Ojo, sophomore kicker Chase Varnadore and sophomore receiver Dewayne Harvey. Ojo, considered one of the team's top defensive players, has missed a majority of the season following surgery (turf toe).

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