TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The Florida A&M Rattler football team finished a full week of activities feeling like it was a solid week of work. Dodging the inclement weather that plagued the team all week, head coach Alex Wood altered the schedule to make sure that the team could get in all the necessary practice time.
The Rattlers will hold a Saturday practice at 10:30 a.m. on tomorrow. Wood and his staff will look to see where the team is in it’s retention of the new offensive and defensive schemes that have been implemented since the Spring.
COUNTDOWN
The Rattlers are now just three weeks away from kickoff of the 2015 season. The season opens on Sept. 5, in Tampa, Fla. at Raymond James Stadium, as the Rattlers take on the Bulls of USF. The Rattlers were routed 70-17 the last time out against the Bulls, but look to put together a much better outing this time around. The USF game starts a three game road sweep, with the Rattlers traveling to Birmingham, Ala., on Sept 12, to face the Samford Bulldogs and Orangeburg, S.C. on Sept. 17, to face MEAC rival South Carolina State on a game to be broadcasted on ESPN. The Rattlers open their home slate on Sept. 26, in the Hall of Fame game against the “Big Blue” Tigers of Tennessee State.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
DEFENSE:
Akil Blount – Blount led the Rattlers in tackles last season. He has good physicality from the linebacker position. Voted to the 2015 MEAC Preseason All-MEAC team, Blount is expected to dominate from his position.
Kashawn Butler – Butler is one of the most underrated players on the Rattler squad. He showed flashes of his intensity last season, which was a breakout one for him. His energy in the Spring and in the Summer indicates that he could be ready to have a great season from the linebacker post.
OL/DL:
Mateo Kambui – The quiet leader on the offensive line, Kambui had a solid season last year at center. With quick hands and feet, Kambui is a dependable center both with the quarterback under center and in the shotgun.
Michael Lovejoy – Battling injuries last season, Michael Lovejoy wasn’t able to realize his full impact, but with a successful Spring and a healthy offseason, look for Lovejoy to impose his frame on offensive linemen and wreak havoc in the backfield.
OFFENSE:
Gerald Hearns – Running back Gerald Hearns took over the running back spot as a true freshman. With tough competition in the backfield this season, he looks to improve on last season. Behind a veteran offensive line, Hearns should be able to improve on his rushing stats, while providing a sure pair of hands out of the backfield.
Brandon Norwood – As a freshman, Norwood came in and anchored the receiving corps with his crisp routes and sure hands. Adding a few more pounds of muscle should serve Norwood well as the talented group of receivers on the offense look to have an explosive season.
FAN DAY
Come out and meet the Rattler players and coaching staff on Aug. 22. At Fan Day. The event starts at 2 p.m. and there will be posters and other collectibles for fans. The FAMU Ticket office will also be open, just in case you haven’t picked up your season tickets as of yet. There will be a photo booth and all types of activities for the whole family.
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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