FAMU football coach Earl Holmes eager to restore pride in Rattlers

FAMU HEAD COACH EARL HOLMES
(Courtesy: FAMJ Athletics)

Holmes, who is in his first season leading his alma mater, says he is eager to get back to rich winning tradition

ORLANDO, Florida  --  New Florida A&M coach Earl Holmes refused to let his players step on a football field without going through a history lesson.

During meetings that spanned three days, he taught the current class of Rattlers about the program’s rich tradition.

He talked about College Football Hall of Fame FAMU coach Jake Gaither, who posted a 204-36-4 during his tenure leading the Rattlers.

He talked about College Football Hall of Fame FAMU running back Willie Galimore, a star also known as “The Wisp” because of his remarkable speed and sharp lateral moves.

And he talked about former FAMU offensive lineman Henry Lawrence, who was a first round NFL Draft pick.

“Some eyebrows lit up, eyes got big and some palms got sweaty,” Holmes recalled. “I told them, at one point, we were the best school in the country. . . . Now they know they're not just playing to win some games. They're playing to restore the tradition of FAMU football.”

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