A Day in the Life of Florida A&M's Football Coach Joe Taylor

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FAMU athletes spending summer fine-tuning future

Brandon Hepburn #53
Linebacker, 6'4/235, Redshirt Junior
Pomona, New York
Major: Biochemistry

Excerpt:

Tallahassee, FL - Brandon Hepburn, a linebacker with the Rattlers, isn't banking on making it to the NFL. He is majoring in biochemistry. This summer he is at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, where he is participating in a program funded by the National Science Foundation.

"The opportunity is great because it allows us to step out of the classroom and apply what we've been learning," Hepburn said. "It's great to be able to put it into work in the actual environment in which you plan to get a career in one day.

"I think one of the big things with Corporate America is, 'Can you do what we want you to do how we want you to do it?'"

That's part of what FAMU's Career Center does under director Delores Dean. Students aren't just settling for the odd jobs but focusing more on what will benefit their careers, Dean said, adding the tough job market has also brought a change of attitude about limiting the areas they might want to work.

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FAMU Green Team Dominates Orange in Scrimmage

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Apr. 2) - The FAMU Rattlers Football Team put on their annual Orange & Green Game today in Bragg Memorial Stadium. Thousands of fans showed up for the preview of who would be the stars of the upcoming season. Coming off a season that ended on a six game winning streak and a share of the MEAC championship, fans were anxious to see where this team stood.

The green team won the scrimmage 40-0, as several first and second string players on both offense and defense were on the green team. Players looking to earn a role on the Rattlers' 2011 squad were on the orange team.

Austin Trainor clearly led the Rattler offense to its best success. Trainor passed for 129 yards, hitting on 12 of 21 attempts, and had one interception. Showing an uncharacteristic fleet-footedness, Trainor rushed for 51 yards and caught one pass for 11 yards.

Tyler Bass, who transferred this semester from...


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FAMU defense comes up big in Orange and Green game

Whatever questions coach Joe Taylor might have had about the Florida A&M defense were answered during Saturday's Orange and Green game, which quarterback Austin Trainor used to put a little more separation between himself and Tyler Bass.

Trainor didn't have much of a problem engineering drives that produced points as the Green team defeated the Orange 40-0 at Bragg Stadium.  But after the first quarter, the Green defense which is made up of first teamers took over.

Two of the seven touchdowns were scored by linebackers. Brandon Hepburn recovered a fumble in the end zone in the second quarter and the Green's ensuring touchdown came when...

Rattlers should have a potent running back corps

They may not yet remind anyone of legendary runners like Willie Galimore or Rashard Pompey, but the current FAMU running back corps cumulatively hopes to be as effective as the pair of running backs of yore.

James Owens and Eddie Rocker appear ready to take that responsibility as the two ran for a combined 127 yards and a touchdown in the annual Orange and Green game. Both had 11 carries, and Owens may have run for 83 yards, but the redshirt freshman also fumbled.

PHOTO GALLERIES:
FAMU Orange and Green Game
 Orange & Green Game

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Andrew Jackson High coach Quinn Gray resigns; new QB Coach at Florida A&M

Jackson High coach Quinn Gray quits, blames budget crisis

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Quinn Gray wanted to stay on as Jackson High School's football coach. However, the looming elimination of athletics from the Duval County public schools system created too unstable a future.

The former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback resigned his post on Monday to accept an assistant coaching position with Florida A&M, his alma mater. The 31-year-old Gray spent six seasons in the NFL, including the first five (2003-07) with the Jaguars. Facing a $97 million shortfall, Duval County School Board Chairman W.C. Gentry has stated that all athletic programs will be cut if that figure remains largely in tact.



Jackson Football Coach Resigns Amid Cuts

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Andrew Jackson football coach Quinn Gray is leaving Jacksonville disappointed after just one season at the helm. The idea that high school sports could be eliminated altogether is something the former Jaguars quarterback can hardly believe.

"The determining factor was all the uncertainty when it comes to Duval schools and athletics for the season," Gray said of why he's resigning. "It would be a shame for the kids in the upcoming year, because a lot of students use sports as an outlet, and they use it as a motivator as well."

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Haven Native LeDawn Gibson Looks for a Bigger Year At FAMU

LeDawn Gibson, the former head coach of the Winter Haven girl's basketball team, is no stranger to exceeding expectations. During her first season as the head coach of the Florida A&M women's basketball team, she coached the Lady Rattlers to a victory over then-favored Coppin State in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament.

In her second season, despite a heavily depleted roster caused by injuries, she led the team to an 18-11 overall record, its best win total since a 17-win season in 2003. The season included victories over out-of-conference opponents South Florida and Florida.

Season Opener: Nov. 12, 2010 - At University of Arkansas, 12 noon, Little Rock, AR

FAMU Rattlers fighting through injuries

Safety Anthony Shutt went out with a minor injury. Cornerback Qier Hall was cramping, while defensive back Curtis Holcomb was still hobbling from an old ankle injury. That was just last Saturday against Morgan State for Florida A&M. Each unit has been hit, but no unit was hit as hard all season with injuries as the secondary last week.

FAMU's Stewart beating the odds

When Jerral Stewart blew a coverage that allowed a Morgan State touchdown, the Florida A&M cornerback shrugged it off as just another situation that he'd have to overcome. On the ensuing Bears possession, Stewart snagged an interception that he returned for a touchdown. He felt a bit of redemption.

FAMU signs 3-year deal with IMG

Florida A&M University is going the way of the heavyweights of college athletics in hopes of cashing in on its name and tradition in athletics.

The university announced Tuesday that it has signed a three-year agreement with International Management Group for the mega marketing company to encourage Corporate America to spend some of its advertising dollars with the school. The partnership is believed to be the first between IMG and a school in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.



University inks multi-year deal with marketer

Florida A&M University officials on Tuesday announced a multi-year deal with IMG College that will put at least $250,000 (annually) of extra revenue in the athletics department.

IMG College, a division of IMG Worldwide, is considered the leader in developing integrated licensing marketing and multimedia opportunities for collegiate brands across a regional and national platform. The company has a partnership with the NCAA and its 88 championships, leading conferences and universities.

Anthony ready for a battle

Florida A&M center Shelley Anthony heard enough about linebacker Brandon Jackson to know that he'll be the main player who could cause havoc for the Rattlers' offense, although he couldn't readily recall his name.

"We've got to block, whoever he is," Anthony said during Tuesday's team press conference. "What's his name, Jackson?

FAMU's Marching 100 Takes Sound to National TV Airwaves

The Battle Presented by AT&T – an inside look at the HBCU (Historically Black College and University) Marching Bands from Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M – will air five 30-minute shows during four straight weeks, every Thursday from Nov. 4 to Nov. 25, on ESPNU. The shows reach into the training, discipline, heart and soul that make up HBCU bands. The bands train rigorously day-in and day-out for the football games and rivalries that date back decades as part of the HBCU culture.

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Trainor moves up FAMU depth chart»

If Austin Trainor plays his role with the same confidence and tenacity that he demonstrates during an interview, the former North Florida Christian quarterback should give some kind of effort.

Coach Joe Taylor announced earlier this week Trainor has been promoted on the Florida A&M depth chart to second-string quarterback behind Martin Ukpai. Maybe it's the innocence of being a redshirt freshman, but Trainor responded to the move from third-string as if he was handed the reins.

FAMU's Ojo making a positive impact at safety

As Florida A&M offense struggled last weekend to put points on the board, safety Oye Ojo felt a sense of responsibility as the game went on.

The former Florida High standout just wanted to do something — anything defensively — to get the Rattlers in a position to score. That didn't happen, of course. But as a result of his effort, Ojo ended the game with a career-best 12 tackles in the game, becoming the team's second leading tackler.

FAMU benefits from added depth »

Last season when South Carolina State University made a personnel switch to strengthen its lineup in the finals of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tennis championships, Carl Goodman couldn't counter. His Florida A&M team didn't have the depth.

But with an eight-player roster, with the possible addition of another in January, Goodman is already seeing the advantage of having a deeper roster this season. The Rattlers didn't have a single overworked player two weeks ago when they captured the HBCU national championship in Atlanta.

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Positive changes continue for FAMU athletics

The corporate world would throw around terms like "re-branding" or a "re-assessment of core values" or some other "strategic initiative." Within the Florida A&M athletic department, it's much easier to explain. This place has changed, and it's continuing to change.

Those paying attention Saturday evening as nearly 23,000 fans packed into Bragg Memorial Stadium — most of them wearing the same black T-shirts — understand exactly what is happening on the highest of Tallahassee's seven hills.

Andre Dawson Returns to FAMU

Andre Dawson, who is a Major League Baseball Hall of fame inductee and self proclaimed 'rattler forever' returned to his stopping grounds to give those being inducted to the FAMU Sports Hall of fame a pat on the back. Dawson, a Rattler baseball great in the 70s, was a member of the 81 FAMU sports hall of fame.

After a knee injury out of high school-- He says his time on the Rattler Diamond is what made his child hood dream work itself out. Andre Dawson says, "I got a full scholarship because ...

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Florida A&M-Miami Hurricanes not on TV

It is only four days away, so if you don't have tickets (or aren't planning on getting them) for the Hurricanes' home opener Thursday against Florida A&M, make sure your computer is ready. The 7:30 p.m. game will not be televised, but will be carried on the Internet at ESPN3.com , formerly ESPN360.

The Hurricanes recently unveiled a new ticket package for the FAMU game, called the ``Michael Irvin 4-for-$47 Deal.'' Irvin wore No. 47 when he played for the Hurricanes. The four-ticket package is available online only at HurricaneSports.com or Ticketmaster.com . The offer is available through Wednesday. Fans need to enter the code `Irvin47' when prompted for the package. UM season tickets and individual game tickets are still available at HurricaneSports.com or by calling 1-800-GO-CANES.

FAMU Marching 100 at Charlotte, North Carolina's Sprite Battle of the Bands 8/28/2010.





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Shooting sidelines FAMU's Running Back Page for season

"The involved parties had no affiliation with FAMU except for the victims."

Running back Lonvontae Page had mixed emotions Sunday afternoon while sitting in FAMU's locker room. He was glad to be alive after being shot in his left forearm Saturday night. Some anger was in his voice as he talked about the incident that ruined what was the best start to his college football career. He will miss the remaining games this season and will request a medical red shirt, coach Joe Taylor said.
























Sophomore RB Lonvontae Page plows 6 yards for Rattler TD, gaining 61 yards on 20 carries in FAMU 21-12 win over Delaware State Hornets.

Page was the victim of a stray bullet about two hours after he'd rushed for 61 yards on 20 carries to help the Rattlers beat Delaware State 21-12 in their season opener. His 14-year old cousin, Quinterrius Page, also was struck in the jaw by the same bullet that wounded the sophomore running back. A third victim was identified as a 17-year-old. FAMU police arrested a 17-year old boy Sunday morning on three counts each of felony battery using a deadly weapon, firing a weapon in public and crimes against persons, said FAMU Police Chief Calvin Ross.

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VIDEO: http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/57613372.html

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Taylor sees good things at FAMU scrimmage

Rattlers All-American KR LeRoy Vann

There were enough good signs during Saturday's practice for Florida A&M football coach Joe Taylor to beam with optimism about his team. Running back Philip Sylvester toyed with the interior defensive linemen, then darted through some holes to score twice. Receiver Kevin Elliott made a leaping catch for another touchdown and quarterback Curtis Pulley showed more efficiency with his passes.

On a scale of 1 to 10, Taylor rated the performance by both the offense and defense as an eight. He also said the team will begin preparation for its season opener against Delaware State, starting with the final two spring practices next week. "We are doing some good things, and like I told them -- all you ever want in life is a chance," Taylor said. "You give yourself a chance when you're competitive. I'm very, very convinced that we will be very competitive this year."

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FAMU 's National Signing Day Recruits

Head Rattler, Coach Joe Taylor is poised for a championship '09 season with a talented incoming class.

RATTLER RECRUITING RECAP: Florida A&M signed 15 players in their 2009 recruiting class, 13 of whom are from the Sunshine State....... Six (6) of the players are transfers, including five I-A imports from East Carolina, Marshall, South Carolina, Florida State and Illinois - all of whom originally hail from Florida.

COACH JOE TAYLOR COMMENTS: "We used a three-prong approach in our recruiting - Division I-A and junior college transfers, high school prospects, as well as looking within at redshirts already within the program - to give scholarships to....

"We ended up with about 15 or so newcomers total and we are satisfied that we met our needs, particularly on our offensive and defensive lines.... Since we lost only five seniors, we didn't have many pressing needs, but we felt that getting some experienced hands (from I-A ranks) could only be a plus for us....

"We still place a lot of emphasis on high school recruiting, which is the backbone of any successful program, and it is especially important for us to develop and maintain relationships with the high school programs in the state and region."

2009 Florida A&M Football Newcomers

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Class. Hometown/High School/College or JUCO
Chirstopher Atkins DE 6-5 260 r-So. Quincy, Fla./E. Carolina
Corey Atkins RB 5-11 193 Fr. Madison, Fla./Madison HS
Jerod Brisbom LB 6-1 215 Fr. Tampa, Fla./Hillsborough HS
Jay Culpepper LS 6-5 290 r-Jr. Madison, Fla./Florida State
Brandon Curry OT 6-6 320 r-Fr. Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Marshall
Brandon Davis OL 6-3 290 r-So. Jacksonville, Fla./Illinois
Jonathan Ferrell LB 6-1 200 r-Fr. Tallahassee, Fla. / FAMU DRS
Trevon Fleshmon TE/DE 6-2 235 Fr. Jacksonville, Fla./Forrest HS
Bobby Jackson OLB 6-2 225 Fr. Miami, Fla./Miami Jackson HS
Rodeshawn Joseph CB 6-1 170 Fr. Ft Lauderdale, Fla./Boyd Anderson HS
Abraham Muhieze S 6-1 205 Jr. San Diego, Calif./Grossmount College
Jamil Parris DE 6-5 230 r-Jr. Vero Beach, Fla./Kentucky
Harrison Sweeting LB 6-4 235 Fr. Jacksonville, Fla./Ed White HS
Daniel Walker P 5-11 180 r-So. Wakulla , Fla./Wakulla HS
Jerry Willis DL 6-4 280 So. Chicago, Ill.

Recruiting Class Profile

Name Pos Ht Wt Hometown / Previous School
Chris Atkins DE /LB 6-5 255 Quincy, Fla./East Carolina
Transfer from East Carolina. Graduate from West Gadsden where he was a five-sport letterman and versatile athlete playing S, LB and DE. HS Career totals: 380 tackles, 43 sacks, 114 tackles for loss, two interceptions and two block punts.

Corey Atkins RB 5-11 193 Madison, Fla. / Madison HS
This Madison HS standout has blazing speed and a power clocking 4.4..rated a three star recruit by Scout.com. Atkins rushed for over 1700 yds, 24 Touchdowns and was Second-Team all state in Class 2A.

Jerod Brisbom LB 6-1 215 Tampa, Fla. /Hillsborough HS
This Hillsborough HS product was their top LB for three consecutive seasons… Recorded over 100 tackles for three straight seasons… career stats 316 tackles, 13 sacks, 7 FF…Recruited by Iowa State, Bethune Cookman University, FIU.

Jay Culpeper OL/LS 6-5 290 Madison, Fla. /Florida State
This Madison county high school graduate and was on the state championship team. Versatile offensive lineman and Long Snapper with a great upside considering size….Culpepper will compete in Special Teams for snapping duties in 2009… four-year letterman at Madison HS… played two seasons at FSU, Criminal justice major.

Brandon Curry OL 6-6 305 Lauderdale, Fla. / Marshall University
Transfer from Marshall University. HS: Sun Sentinel & Miami Herald First-Team All County both Jr and Sr Year. First-Team All-State class 6A as a senior. Rated # 14 recruit out of broward county, no sacks allowed for two consecutive years, Army vs Navy all American game, selected for Dade vs broward all star game in 2007.

Brandon Davis OL 6-4 285 Jacksonville, Fla./Illinois
Highly touted offensive lineman from Jacksonville Fl. 4 star recruit, selected to play in Shrine Bowl, All Conference, Captain of Shrine Bowl, Top 5 offensive lineman in Florida. Recruited by FSU, Miami, Illinois, Tennessee, Ole Miss, WVU, FIU and FAU.

Jonathan Ferrell S 6-0 195 Tallahassee, Fla./FAMU DRS
Gray shirt sophomore from FAMU high school. Recorded 112 tackles his sr year along with 3 int, 2 ff and 7 sacks. Versatile player who can also line up at LB, was Second-Team All State in 2007 and also led the baby rattlers to 2007 state championship.

Trevon Fleshmon TE/DE 6-2 235 Jacksonville, Fla./Forrest HS
First-team TE shrine bowl, First-team all county selection, nominated for Army vs Navy all star game, First-team all state selection.4.5 speed TE with Career stats totaling 67 receptions, 17 TDs, 43 pancakes blocks; on defense 63 tackles, seven sacks…considered one of the top wrestlers in Florida, Fleshman only loss three matches in High School…Recruited by East Carolina, FIU, UCF and Arkansas State…Criminal justice major.

Bobby Jackson OLB 6-2 225 Miami, Fla. / Miami Jackson HS
Recorded 103 Tackles, 18 sacks (school record), 4 FF, 2 Ints, Miami Dade All Dade team. Sr season defensive captain, boasts 4.5 speed, honor student with 3.5 gpa….interests by East Carolina , Marshall, FIU and FAU.

Rodeshawn Joseph CB 6-1 170 Ft Lauderdale, Fla./Boyd Anderson HS
Aggressive player and lock down corner with great upside. Selected Broward county all star team, and played in Dade vs Broward game. Recorded 73 tackles, 4 int. Defensive captain during senior season….top 100 athlete in state of Florida... Business Management major.

Abraham Muhieze S 6-1 205 San Diego, Calif./Grossmont College
Juco transfer from Grossmont college in CA where he was the team captain and recorded 136 tackles, seven int , one ret for td, two FF, three blocked punts in one game Totaled five blocked punts in his career at Grossmont.. In HS, was versatile athlete who played QB/S… career stats Passed for 4,000 yds and 1300 yds rushing (which is a CA record for total yardages) 56 total touchdowns 43 passing and 13 rushing. At Safety, recorded 118 tackles, 10 Ints (3 returned for a TD)…First-Team All American, First-Team All State, Red Zone Player of the Year…recruited by Idaho State, Montana State, Texas State Major in Kinesiology.

Jamil Paris DE/LB 6-5 245 Gifford, Fla./Kentucky
Transfer from University of Kentucky where he played as a true freshman where he recorded 4 sacks, 23 tackles…recorded sack versus Chris Leak in Music city Bowl 2006…HS Sabastian River High where he was the #1 Wk DE in Florida, #13 in the Nation and Florida's top 100 at # 57….career totals 31 sacks, 113 tackles, 23 tkfls in just two seasons.

Harrison Sweeting LB 6-4 235 Jacksonville, Fla. / Ed White HS
Recorded 6 sacks, 93 tackles and 1 int…career stats 167 tackles 13 sacks…honorable mention all state.

Daniel “Troy” Walker P 6-0 195 Wakulla, Fla./Wakulla HS
Grey shirt sophomore with tremendous leg power…HS 2007 Wakulla High First-Team All State, First-Team All Big Bend as a Punter averaging 42.1 yds per punt… also Rushed for seven TDs, while playing Running Back at Wakulla…Undefeated wrestling title and was First-Team All Big Bend in wrestling.

Jerry Willis DT 6-4 295 Chicago, Ill. /
Who has tremendous upside at DT. Former all conference at FB/DT…Willis also received interest from Kentucky State, Grambling and Tenn State.

FAMU's Joe Taylor announce expected football starters

Photo: FAMU head football coach Joe Taylor.

Potential players are still calling FAMU football coach Joe Taylor, but they'll have to wait in line unless they bring what it takes to upend projected starters. But for now, Taylor is comfortable with the two players he's determined fit the play each position on defense and offense.

On Tuesday, Taylor released a two-deep chart which he hopes will stay intact when his players return in August (see below). "I'm excited," he said. "When you see them bonding and pushing each other that's a sign that they're making progress.

He also said there are about 35 players who are attempting to join the team. Most of them will be competing for just under three remaining scholarships this fall.

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FAMU’S TWO-DEEP TEAM CHART

Offense

LT -(a) #51 Kwame Akkebela, 6-4/255, JR, Orlando, FL - Jones HS
(b) #76 DeWayne Lanier, 6-7/315, RS JR, Aurora, CO - Grandview HS

LG -(a) #60 Anthony Collins, 6-3/355, RS JR, Miami, FL - Pace HS
(b) #78 Franklin Carter, 6-3/370, SO, Orlando, FL - Dr. Philips HS

C - (a) #64 Steve Brazzle, 6-4 /328 SR, Coatesville,PA - Coatesville HS
(b) #51 Kwame Akkebela, 6-4/255, JR, Orlando, FL - Jones HS

RG – (a) #61 Javier Wallace, 6-3/270, SR, Austin, TX - LBJ HS
(b) #79 Gerald Poke, 6-6/270, RS SO, Orlando, FL - Boone HS

RT – (a) #75 Robert Okeafor, 6-4/295, JR, Jacksonville, FL - Wolfson HS
(b) #73 Christopher Sands, 6-8/315, RS SO, Tallahassee, FL - Leon HS

X – (a) #80 Isaac West, 6-2/200 SO, Tallahassee, FL - Lincoln HS
(b)#15 Javares Knight, 6-4/190 RS JR, Tallahassee, FL - FAMU DRS

QB- (a) #8 Eddie Battle, 6-2/215, RS SO, Titusville, FL - Astronaut HS
(b) #6 Robert Love, 5-11/190 RS SO, Pahokee, FL - Pahokee HS

Z – (a) #5 Kevin Elliott, 6-3/195, SO, Orlando, FL - Colonial HS
(b) #87 Adrian Smith, 6-2/175 RS JR, Lakeland, FL - Kathleen HS

TB – (a) #30 Philip Sylvester, 5-10/185, SO, Marianna, FL - Marianna HS
(b) #23 Demitric Henry, 5-9/175, JR, Gifford, FL - Vero Beach HS

FB – (a) #43 Mykel Benson, 6-0/240, JR, Palm Bay, FL - Bayside HS
(b) #39 Kalum Harris, 5-10/215, SR, Miami, FL - Southridge HS

TE –(a) #82 Taj Jenkines, 6-4/225, SR, Jacksonville, FL - Clarksville HS
(b) #11Tobias Lee, 6-4/215, SO, Troy, AL - Pike County HS


Defense

DE – (a) #99 Joseph Wims, 6-5/250, RS JR, Miami, FL - Carol City HS
(b) #81 Max Purcel, 6-2/240, SO, Orlando, FL - Edgewater HS

NT – (a) #71 Cameron Houston, 6-0/285, SO, Rockledge, FL - Rockledge HS
(b) Ronald Jackson

OT – (a) #63 Demetris Lane, 6-2/295, RS JR, Hollywood, FL - Pace HS
(b) #93 Lymon Reed, 5-11/271, RS JR, Tampa, FL - Chamberlain HS

DE – (a) #97 Kendrick Washington, 6-5/245, SO, Sebastion River (HS), FL
(b) #91 Marquiste Ramos, 6-5/245, JR, Bayside, FL - Bayside HS

CB – (a) #1 Qier Hall, 6-2/175, SO, Cocoa Beach, FL - Cocoa HS
(b) #18 Gregory Clark, 5-8/180, RS SO, Tampa, FL - Durant HS

S – (a) #57 Bryan Parker, 6-3/220, RS JR, Randlestown (HS), MD - Ariz. Western JC
(b) #94 Dozell Varner, 6-1/225, RS JR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Plantation HS

MLB –(a) #44 Vernon Wilder, 6-0/248, RS SR, Miami, FL - Carol City HS
(b) #41 Alvis Graham, 6-2/225, SO, Orlando, FL - Colonial HS

MLB – (a) #55 Alphonso Walker III, 6-2/215, SO, Eustis, FL -Eustis HS
(b) #51 Darious Nobles, 6-2/210, JR, Lynn Haven, FL - Mosley HS

CB – (a) #24 Curtis Holcomb, 5-10/170, SO, Miami, FL - Southridge HS
(b) #12 Donovan Johnson, 5-11/181, SR, Miami, FL - B. T. Washington HS

FS – (a) #38 Fabian Wilson, 5-11/180, SR, Bushnell, FL - South Sumter HS
(b) #48 Victoriano Arboleda, 5-10/190, SR, Tampa, FL - Middleton HS

SS – (a) #31 Greg Harvey, 5-10/185 SO, Largo, FL -Largo HS
(b) #21 Michael McCreary, 5-9/180, JR, Deerfield Beach, FL - Deerfield Beach HS


Rattlers fans: Each player class ranking shown is projected for Fall 2008. We are currently seeking information on NT Ronald Jackson as he is not showing on previous Rattlers football rosters. This should give you a little more insight on our size for next season for the (a) starters and (b) back ups.

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Coach Taylor grading all players after FAMU's spring game

Though the fact that there were members of the Marching 100 there was a change. Coach Joe Taylor wanted it, and so for the first time in 20 years the band showed up at Bragg Stadium on Saturday for the Orange and Green game.
"We wanted a game-like atmosphere," Taylor said. "We wanted to see how the guys react with the officials, with the crowd, with the band. Whenever we line up on the field (the Marching 100) has got to be here because they're the 12th man. I know it's going to benefit us."

The Green team chewed up a lot of yards while having its way against the Orange, to the tune of a 54-0 final score.

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Arboleda the last line of defense for FAMU

Photo: FAMU LB Dannel Shepard missed making tackle against Southern's RB Brian Threat in 2007 game.

When Victoriano Arboleda came to FAMU three years ago, he simply wanted to get in where he could fit in on the Rattlers’ football team. That meant playing linebacker with an occasional assignment on special teams.

Now in his senior year he’s where he wanted to be in the first place – playing safety. The move is one of two position changes that coach Joe Taylor made to shore up the Rattlers’ last line of defense, where sophomore Donnie Alexander was the only returning player.

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FAMU linebacker coach, Holmes, has high standards

Photo: FAMU Inside Linebacker coach Earl Holmes.

If Florida A&M linebacker coach Earl Holmes had to pick a player to demonstrate a stunt or blitz technique, there's a good chance senior Vernon Wilder would be his choice. "The fact is, he is a leader," Holmes said. "He doesn't lead by his mouth. He leads by example.

"He is the first one to give me everything he has on every play and guys respect that. With his work habits, I think a lot of good things are going to come."

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Dallas Cowboys Hayes deserves better place in sports history

Photo: The late FAMU Rattlers Hall of Famer, Olympic Gold Medalist and Super Bowl Champion Robert 'Bob' Hayes deserves a better place in sports history. Once considered the world's fastest man, Bob Hayes was a handful for opposing defenses. Despite averaging 20 yards per catch and being largely responsible for the advent of zone defenses, Hayes is often overlooked when the topic turns to WR greats.

It is now official, beyond quarrel or question. Bob Hayes is captain of the all-time All-Snub team.

The monopoly of indifference toward the former Dallas Cowboys receiver's NFL career has received another jolt of nonsupport. This time it was from an ESPN.com panel that help select the top 10 receivers in NFL history. Hayes wasn't on the list even though Terrell Owens made it and Raymond Berry didn't.

The top 10 list included:

(1) Jerry Rice; (2) Randy Moss; (3) Don Hutson; (4) Michael Irvin; (5) Paul Warfield; (6) Charley Taylor; (7) Steve Largent; (8) Cris Carter; (9) Owens; (10) Marvin Harrison.

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Receivers shine for FAMU Rattlers

Florida A&M assistant football coach Jerry Stevens is still getting the names of all of the players under his watch down pat, but he can point them out one by one and give an account of their abilities.

Stevens, FAMU's receivers coach, already knows what lanky Isaac West can do with his height. Small but speedy Jarvis Funderburk is another one that Stevens is already familiar with. Even those whose names he's still learning bring something that Stevens is already getting a little ecstatic about.

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FAMU begins spring with high-tempo practice

Each player on FAMU's practice field earned every minute of the short water breaks they were granted Monday afternoon. An extra gulp wouldn't have been too much for a group of linebackers stationed at the sled.

One by one, they took a rapid-fire approach as they slammed into the padded metal sled, jerking it back with every contact. Linebackers coach Earl Holmes wouldn't let a man let up. "Grab and control," Holmes bellowed after every strike. "Run through it. Bring your hips with it."

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Excellent article and comments by Coach Joe Taylor and A.D. Bill Hayes.

FAMU QB robbed, threatened at gunpoint in campus dormitory

Photo: Mike Johnson, 6-1/208 quarterback, freshman transfer from Division I, University of Tulsa/Durham (NC) Hillside H.S.

Masked men wrote 'Mike + football = death' on son's mirror, says mother of football player.

The mother of a Florida A&M University football player says three masked men put a gun to her son's head and threatened that he would die if he stays on the team.

Mina Forte-Ferguson, of Durham, N.C., said it happened to her son, Mike Johnson, 19, in his campus dorm room. Johnson heard a knock at the door about 4 a.m. Tuesday. The three men rushed in and pushed him onto his bed. They wrote "Mike + football = death" on his mirror, television and refrigerator, his mother said. They also stole items from his room. She and her husband, Neil Ferguson, drove from Durham, N.C., to meet with FAMU officials Thursday.

Johnson is a freshman and enrolled at FAMU for the spring semester. He transferred from the University of Tulsa and was recruited as a quarterback.

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Johnson was a three-year letter winner and two-year starter at Hillside High School completing 65 percent of his passes for 3,142 yards and 27 touchdowns his senior season. He also rushed for 500 yards and five TDs and was a first-team all-conference, all-area and honorable mention all-state selection as a senior. Johnson had a two-star rating by Scout.com and Rivals.com coming out of high school. He threw for 1,524 yards and 12 touchdowns his junior campaign and was a second-team all-conference performer as a junior.

Florida A&M football is coached by Joe Taylor, who was hired in late December 2007.

FAMU football makes blockbuster hire: Earl Holmes

Photo: FAMU Inside Linebacker Coach Earl Holmes brings a Resume with 11 NFL seasons as an impact player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions.

Although it is the offense that is credited with the success Florida A&M's football program enjoyed in the mid to late 1990's, it was actually a one man wrecking crew on defense that ushered in the Rattlers' golden age under former head coach Billy Joe. His name was Earl Holmes, and if you were an offensive player in 1994 and 1995, you didn't want to see him on the other side of the ball.

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Like most, I've been waiting patiently for FAMU Coach Joe Taylor to make the announcement that will unite Rattlers from all generations and give Rattler Nation the competitive edge in Florida recruiting. Earl Holmes is a major piece in this puzzle--the only guy that could make folks jump into their cars and drive 2000 miles (round-trip) to see FAMU play in Tallahassee. It did not matter who the opponent was as Earl Holmes was going to implode their offense from his linebacker position before a full house at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Holmes told the Tallahassee Democrat, ""I am so, so blessed. It's like being drafted again." Mr. Holmes, Rattlers everywhere are blessed and the defensive Gods are rejoicing that we have a former 11 Year NFL talent with your teaching capabilities on our sidelines.

I recall a statement Earl made to a reporter when he first went to the Detroit Lions which exhibits what drives Holmes on the football field and gives him that special leadership quality. “Winning is contagious,” said Holmes. “Once you win one game you want to feed off that. You want to keep that feeling and you want there to be a snowball affect. You want to win as many as you can but all it takes is to win one or two. It all starts with a ‘W.’”

That's the type of defensive attitude that has been missing from Rattler football for sometime. Holmes' notoriety in the Big Bend area also should open many doors to top flight recruits that want to be mentored by an impact player that led his NFL teams for six straight seasons in tackles (Steelers, Browns and Lions).

Here is an updated snapshot of the FAMU coaching staff today:

Head Football Coach - Joe Taylor
1. Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach - Lawrence Kershaw
2. Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers - Steven Jerry
3. Running backs - Aaron Taylor
4. Linebackers/Recruiting Coordinator - Timothy Edwards
5. Defensive Line Coach, George M. Small
6. Inside Linebackers - Earl Holmes
7. Defensive Coordinator -vacant
8. Tight Ends/Special Teams -vacant

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