NORFORK, Virginia -- The Florida A&M Football Team was predicted to finish fifth in the 2013 season. Quarterback Damien Fleming was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Preseason Co-Offense Player of the Year as the Rattler gridders placed 11 players on the 2013 Preseason All-MEAC team, voted on by the conference sports information directors and head coaches. The teams and predictions were announced today by Patricia Porter, assistant MEAC commissioner for media relations, at the annual MEAC Football Kickoff Luncheon held at the Marriott Waterside Hotel.
Fleming, a 6-2, 205, junior quarterback from Jacksonville, Fla., is a First Team Preseason All-MEAC selection and Co-Offensive Player of the Year, an award shared with Bethune-Cookman’s running back Isidore Jackson.
Fleming finished last season with 2,157 yards as he completed 214 passes in 308 attempts with 16 TDs and five interceptions. In addition, he became the first FAMU quarterback to pass for 2,000 plus yards in a season, since 2004 when Ben Dougherty was the Rattler signal caller.
Joining, Fleming on the Preseason All-MEAC first team are running back James Owens, wide receiver Lenworth Lennon, offensive linemen Kevin House and Zerrie Patterson and place kicker Chase Varnadore.
Earning second team honors is defensive back Jonathan Pillow and return specialist Owens, with his second nod. Rounding out the cast of all-conference performers is center Douglas Almendares, linebacker Brandon Denmark, and defensive back Devonte “Terry”Johnson.
FAMU was picked to finish fifth as a team with 250 points. Reigning champion Bethune-Cookman was predicted to finish first as the Wildcats garnered 480 points and 16 first place votes. South Carolina State was predicted to finish second as they tallied 365 points and two first place votes, followed by North Carolina A&T with 302 points. North Carolina Central was predicted to finish fourth with 260 points.
Predicted to finished sixth was Howard with 227 points, followed by Norfolk State with 222 points and 1 first place vote in seventh place.
Rounding out the conference is Delaware State with 201 points for an eighth place predicted finish, followed by Hampton with 196 points and one first place vote for a predicted ninth place finish. Morgan garnered 113 points for a 10 place predicted finish and Savannah State is predicted 11th with 52 points and one first place vote.
FAMU will open its 2013 season against Mississippi Valley State in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney, at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla., broadcasted live on ESPN in an 11:45 a.m. start.
The following week, the Rattlers will open their 2013 home schedule against Tennessee State on Saturday, September 7 at Bragg Memorial Stadium in a 2 p.m. start. For ticket information, contact the FAMU ticket office at 850-599-3141.
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MEAC Press Conference and Luncheon |
2013 MEAC Football Predicted Order of Finish
1. Bethune-Cookman (16) - 480
2. South Carolina State (2) - 365
3. North Carolina A&T - 302
4. North Carolina Central - 260
5. Florida A&M - 250
6. Howard - 227
7. Norfolk State (1) - 222
8. Delaware State - 201
9. Hampton (1) - 196
10. Morgan State - 113
11. Savannah State (1) - 52
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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