FAMU Football Sending a Message to the MEAC

FAMU's 50-7 win Saturday afternoon did more than improve the Rattlers conference record to (2-0), it sent a message to the rest of the MEAC.  FAMU sophomore defensive tackle Padric Scott says,"This early on in the season to come out with a victory 50-7, that definitely speaks volumes. Not only did we score on special teams, offense, and then defense as well. You start scoring on all phases you get excited to what's to come, but you still have to be humble."

Even with Senior Running Back Philip Sylvester sidelined from an ankle injury, the Rattlers gained 209 yards on the ground and rushed for four touchdowns.

Special teams play big for FAMU

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Florida A&M football coach Joe Taylor opted to try for fourth-down conversions twice during Saturday's 50-7 victory over Howard. But if he had any concerns about his special teams units, they appeared to be answered.  Kicker Trevor Scott hit a 47-yard field goal on his only attempt of the game to account for three of the 14 points scored by the special teams unit. Also included were five points on PATs and a touchdown off a blocked punt.

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Former UF Receiver T.J. Lawrence Heading to Florida A&M

It didn't take long for T.J. Lawrence to make a decision on where he'd be going next after getting his release from University of Florida last week. Lawrence, a former Kathleen High School star receiver, made a surprising announcement Wednesday that he will be suiting up for Florida A&M's football team this season while also getting his baseball career started back up with the Rattlers.

“It's a big shocker because a lot of people wouldn't expect Florida A&M University, but I'm going there to be a two-sport athlete,” Lawrence told The Ledger in a phone interview. The redshirt sophomore said FAMU “kind of popped up” on his radar a couple of days after he got his release from UF, and he's looking forward to competing for a starting spot on the football field right away at the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) level. He'll also be looked at in the return game as well.

“I think that excites me more than anything the fact that I'm going to play this year because I've been waiting like forever,” he said. “That's the biggest excitement, the fact that I get to play with players I played with in high school and players I played against in high school.” Lawrence will be reunited with former Kathleen teammate Adrian Smith, who is also a receiver at FAMU. “I'm actually moving in with him,” said Lawrence, who will be in Tallahassee on Friday.

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The T.J. Lawrence Story:

• First-Team All-State Honors senior season at Kathleen H.S., Lakeland, Florida
• Caught 70 passes and scored 12 touchdowns as senior
• Rated Four-star prospect coming out of high school
• Under Armour All-American senior season
• Chose the FAMU Rattlers over South Florida, Eastern Kentucky, South Alabama, Washington State and Pearl River Community College
• Requested release from Florida football scholarship due to lack of playing time.
• 6-2/190 WR; 4.55 in 40 yard dash - Will play both football and baseball at FAMU

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Wallace leaves FAMU over contract dispute

Strength and conditioning coach Antonio Wallace left a new contract from Florida A&M on the table instead of re-signing on the same terms that he had for the past three years without benefits. His last day on the job was June 30 as an assistant to head football coach Joe Taylor. Wallace said Monday he would have stayed if the new contract with FAMU's athletic department gave him an increase in his salary of more than the $50,000-plus that he was making, with the addition of benefits.

"It was in my best interest and in my family's best interest to move on because anytime you get into a situation like that it's very hard to continue to grow within the program," Wallace said, without saying exactly how much he would have signed for. "I was presented with a contract and I was unwilling to be subject to those terms. I didn't feel good about it."



Wallace graduated from Alabama A&M University in 2003 with a Bachelors of Science in the field of Industrial Safety Management and served previously as a graduate assistant under Dr. Johnny Thomas at Alcorn State, responsible for strength and conditioning and coaching defensive ends.

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FAMU Rattlers paying the ultimate price for competitive greatness

FAMU coach shares words of wisdom

Area football coaches heard about the impact and influence they have on the lives of the young people they come in contact with from a coach who knows a thing or two about impacting the lives of young people. Florida A&M University football coach Joe Taylor spoke to a small group of coaches at the King Center last Saturday to discuss with them the importance of being positive role models, espousing Christian values and promoting the value of education.

Taylor's stop in the area was one of several he said he makes during the off season, "wherever there are Rattlers meeting." He was the guest speaker last Friday night at a gala at the Alachua Woman's Club hosted by the FAMU Alachua County Alumni Association. He began his speech to the coaches after being introduced by local FAMU alumnus Charles Demps, a retired educator.

Taylor said he is constantly telling his coaches they have to be better than the guy next door because they are the ones going into homes telling parents that they are going to take care of their sons when they get to FAMU. "As coaches, we have to exhibit the kinds of behavior that we want our players to emulate," said Taylor, sporting two of the four huge Black College Football National Championship rings he won during his tenure at Hampton University in Virginia from 1992-2007. He has been the head coach at FAMU since 2008 and has compiled an 18-6 record.

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Ukpai, FAMU receivers stress timing during workouts

There was no question who was in-charge during a lively 1-on-1 session involving Florida A&M receivers and defensive backs. Quarterback Martin Ukpai ran the show from start to finish Tuesday afternoon. His mission during the unsupervised workouts the team will be going through the next few weeks is to establish timing between himself and the receiving corps. "When timing connects, it's almost impossible to defend," Ukpai said. "I'm making sure they catch the ball every time and that we can move the chains."

There was a lot of conversation going on between both units. The upper classmen made time to illustrate execution of routes, on both defense and offense. "This is the line of scrimmage," receiver Brian Tyms told one of the newcomers. "You go 5, 10 (yards), then come back down to make the catch." Ukpai spent the first 20 minutes or so working strictly with his receivers before the defensive players took the field. At that point, he seemed to have more authority with his throws and as the workout progressed the cohesion seemed to intensify.

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Former Rattlers' Coleman honored for service to Johnson High School

Coach Roosevelt Coleman played for the Florida A&M University Rattlers from 1959-62 as offensive and defensive tackle. "I went to FAMU 6-2, 195 and I left 6-2, 235.” In 2005, Coleman was named as a member of the Florida A&M Centennial Team for his outstanding play on the gridiron. He is also a member of the FAMU Hall of Fame.

In his 31 years as a coach and teacher at Johnson High School, Roosevelt Coleman wanted to give his students and athletes something they'd remember and, hopefully, appreciate. Judging by the more than 200 friends, colleagues and former students who filled Savannah State's King-Frazier Ballroom for a retirement banquet commemorating his contributions, he did just that. "I tried to make their experience with me a memorable one that they would remember," Coleman said. "I'd say, 'I want you to remember something that we did in this classroom or on the football field or on the track, and remember it for the rest of your life.'"

When the school year ends in June, Coleman's years of service will come to a close. Coleman said he and his wife, Vernelle, plan to spend time with family, volunteer within the community, and make more frequent use of their football season tickets at Florida A&M University, his alma mater. "There a lot of things in mind that I'd like to do," Coleman said. "...Now I don't have anything to hold me back." The banquet's Master of Ceremonies, Gerald "Lil' G" Arrington, opened the evening with an anecdote many of today's students under Coleman can relate to.

"Coach Coleman does not know me by name," Arrington said. "He knows me as Young Man. 'How are you today, Young Man?' 'I'm good coach.'"

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Help Wanted (FAMU): Division I Transfer QB

Coach Joe Taylor, looks over his players in the FAMU athletic complex weight room.

If Martin Ukpai is "the man" coming out of Spring football practice, Rattler football fans just as well take out "Help Wanted Ads" in Division I Collegiate newspapers around the nation.

The Rattlers are in trouble--Ukpai is the man with no reliable back up or experience in the quarterbacking corps. Is there another talented strong armed Curtis Pulley type running/throwing quarterback available? What other team in the MEAC could Ukpai, Eddie Battle and Austin Trainor sit at 1-2-3?

It's a safe bet to say not at Hampton; not at Morgan State and definitely not at two-time MEAC champion South Carolina State. Maybe, North Carolina A&T because the Aggies have a Blue Death, lights-out defense. The others, doesn't matter. They are all perennial losers going no where fast toward a conference championship.

But with one bad hit or a high ankle sprain in the season opener at the University of Miami, the Rattlers may be in for a long, losing season, unless transfer quarterback help is on the way. Remember, both Curtis Pulley and Eddie Battle were injured last season and the Rattlers lost 0-25 in a blowout to lowly Hampton (5-6, 3-5 MEAC), whereas, a Rattlers win over the Pirates would have placed a possible 9-2 Rattler team in an at-large NCAA FCS Playoffs spot.

Why risk the 2010 season on a weak quarterbacking corps that may not make it past Miami. Is Coach Joe Taylor becoming a gambling man? I have all the admiration and respect for Coach Taylor, the 3rd ranked winningest coach in Division I FCS football, even though he has not won one playoff game in his career and last won the MEAC championship in 2006.

With a five year contract at $237,000 annually (which is really pocket change for all Division I FBS head coaches at Miami, Florida, Florida State, U Central Florida, S. Florida, Florida International, Florida Atlantic, etc.), Coach Taylor gets paid for winning championships and graduating student-athletes. A career record of 214-84-4 is very impressive; however, with no playoff wins or an NCAA championship on this resume, it doesn't say much to the Rattler Nation. Legendary status in Rattlers lore is gained by winning championships, like previous FAMU coaches named Gaither and Hubbard.

However, Coach Taylor and his staff are to be commended for graduating nearly all of its student-athletes on time in employable major fields of study. Definitely, in the classroom the Rattlers are well on their way to become national academic champions.

As the Marching 100 plays Janet Jackson's "What have you done for me lately," it makes you scream -- "talented Division I quarterback wanted for 2010 Rattler football team that has all other pieces in place for a 2010 MEAC and NCAA Division I FCS championship run." One stud quarterback like Curtis Pulley at FAMU, deserves another....an another.

I am beyond being patient or hoping we make it with one young, talented quarterback named Ukpai. Too much is at stake in 2010; next year is this year and April is like September. Time for Rattler Nation to rise up and demand championships from this highly paid coaching staff. Season records of 8-3 and 9-2 are no longer acceptable if it guarantees a seat at home during the NCAA national championship playoffs.

Aren't you tired of watching other brands named Appalachian State, Elon, William and Mary, Richmond, Villanova, Delaware, Montana, Weber State, McNeese State and New Hampshire in the championship race, while we are not even in the conversation? If you are not, there were more than 6,500 die hard Rattler fans out for the Spring game that want the FAMU Rattlers to join the 2010 championship race.

If we don't join the race soon, upstarts like Old Dominion, Georgia State and MEAC newcomer North Carolina Central will be knocking on the championship doors before our coaching staff can ask, what happened? (beepbeep)

Will Martin Ukpai go where no other Rattlers quarterback has gone since 1978, or will he become just another name soon to be forgotten in Rattlers history? Ukpai will pen his own football legacy beginning on Sept. 4, 2010 against the University of Miami Hurricanes at Landshark Stadium.

We celebrate you winning the starting quarterback role, Mr. Ukpai. This 1978 National Championship Coke drink is for you (with me drinking it) and the 2010 Rattlers who aspire to win championships.

Ukpai earns starting QB role for the Rattlers

With just two more practices remaining before Florida A&M wraps up spring workouts, coach Joe Taylor came away from Saturday morning's scrimmage naming Martin Ukpai as the team's starting quarterback. Taylor said he also saw huge improvements with the rest of the team, which had left several questions after last Saturday's spring game. "I thought we ran the ball better, Ukpai had did a better job, I saw leadership from (Chris) Sands and the offense line communicating," Taylor said. "We really got better as a result of that spring game last weekend."

Ukpai, who spent the spring competing with Eddie Battle and Austin Trainor, looked like the one to beat from the opening series of plays. A part from a high snap to start an 80-yard drive that ended with a deep pass to walk-on receiver Brian Tyms, Ukpai was almost flawless working against the second-team defense. "He has so much athleticism; he just has to learn how to use it," Taylor said. "We have to get him to tuck that ball away. He has to stop dancing because when you start dancing you're 5-5, but when you keep running you're 4-6."

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Foot race heats up as FAMU seeks starting punter‎

There is no mystery to what carries a lot of weight as special teams coach Juan Vasquez tries to find out which of two competing punters will have the edge after Florida A&M spring football practice. "We want the ball punted 40 yards, four seconds hang time," Vasquez said. "Whoever can do that more consistently is going to be it." Unlike coach Joe Taylor's first two seasons when there was little competition for the punting job, Branden Holdren is being challenged by Justin Moore. As the incumbent, Holdren came into spring practice as the one to beat.

Holdren, who was recruited last season, was pressed into punting after Troy Walker left the program, heading off what might have been an intense showdown. Moore came in just before the start of camp last season and, instead of trying to play catch up, waited behind Holdren. So here they are, as each tries to prove that he can handle the job best. Holdren's experience makes him the front-runner, but Vasquez doesn't appear willing to stop there.

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Jackson High hires former FAMU QB Quinn Gray to be its football coach

Gray spent five seasons with NFL Jacksonville Jaguars

Jackson High School (Jacksonville, FL) has a new football coach, and it’s a name that area football fans will undoubtedly recognize. The school has hired former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Quinn Gray. The 30-year-old Gray spent six seasons in the NFL, including the first five (2003-07) with the Jaguars. “It’s truly a privilege and an honor to be part of such a great tradition here at Jackson," Gray said. “Jackson reminds me of my old high school [Dillard] with its great tradition. The student-athletes here measure up and being able to coach at a school with such a great tradition is a great opportunity for me.”

He succeeds Kevin Sullivan, who resigned to take over at Atlantic Coast, the new Duval County high school that opens in the fall. Gray, who is teaching physical education and health at the school, inherits a Jackson program that has posted consecutive 11-1 seasons. Gray spent last season playing for Hartford in the United Football League after his NFL run ended after a year with Kansas City. This will be his first coaching position.

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FAMU's Vann works out for scout for the Jacksonville Jaguars

All-American Rattler LeRoy Vann completed a workout with Jacksonville Jaguars yesterday, sporting a new hair cut. San Francisco, Detroit, Green Bay and Tampa Bay have expressed interest in Vann and expects to be among 20 NFL teams present for FAMU Pro Day Drills on Thursday, March 18.

Nate Koczor, an assistant special teams coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, had a single focus Monday morning inside Bragg Stadium. He watched former Florida A&;M punt/kick returner LeRoy Vann chase balls for almost 90 minutes. The unannounced workout exclusively for the Jaguars was the first with a pro team for Vann, who wasn't invited to the NFL combine but has since been on the radar of several teams.

As fast as the ball machine pumped them out, Vann snagged one ball after another. He even caught those that he had to pursue after getting up from a laying position, dropping only a couple during the rapid-fire segment of the drill. Koczar wouldn't give his assessment of the workout, but Vann thought he was impressive. "It went well," said Vann, who no longer wears the long locks that he'd worn last season when he was setting NCAA and school records for the Rattlers. "My goal was not to drop any ball but eventually I dropped two. Out of 60 balls, that's good so I feel I did a good job."

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NFL Jacksonville Jags will conduct private workout today with FAMU's LeRoy Vann

Folks know about all the big dogs entering this year’s NFL Draft. But a name Jags fans should file into their mental Rolodex as April approaches is LeRoy Vann, a former standout at Florida A&M, who will conduct a private workout today in Tallahassee for the Jaguars, according to an NFL source. Originally scheduled to work out for Tampa Bay later this week (with Jacksonville set to help guide the session), Vann had also planned to perform for the Jaguars shortly after the session with the Buccaneers. But the plans quickly changed thanks, in part, to a buzz beginning to build concerning Vann, who holds the NCAA record for career returns for touchdowns (eight punts – including five last season – and three kickoffs for TDs).




Instead of waiting until later this week to conduct the session they’d originally planned for Vann, the Jaguars contacted his representatives and asked for the workout to be moved up to today. Vann plans to conduct his pro day at FAMU next month. According to the league source, the Jags also plan to attend that session, despite conducting the private workout today with Vann.

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FAMU's Coach Taylor happy, so far, with signing class

Taylor happy, so far, with signing class

The verdict is still out as to which of the MEAC schools grabbed the most talented players on the first day of the national signing period, but FAMU's coach Joe Taylor ended the day praising his recruiters. He gave them credit for beating out Florida schools such as Division-I upstarts FIU and FAU, along with Hampton and Bethune-Cookman in his league.

"When you look at the other schools that we're recruiting the same guys, that really impressed me," Taylor said during a Wednesday afternoon press conference. "I felt like we were able to compete. Jacksonville State, FIU, FAU were recruiting some of these guys and they still decided to come here. The Bethune-Cookman's and Hampton's, we were able to win on those guys."

Roberts wants to prove himself right away at FAMU

When LeRoy Vann was making national headlines on his way to setting records for returning punts and kicks last season, Ocala Forest High School safety Devan Roberts was watching with the rest of nation. Every time he saw or heard anything about Vann, Roberts began to think how he could do the same for the Rattlers. After signing a letter of intent Wednesday to play his college football at FAMU, Roberts said he doesn't intend to take long to prove his point.

"I have a knack for the end zone," Roberts said during a telephone interview. "I know LeRoy Vann is a great return person. It's huge shoes to fill but I'm going to try." Roberts and linebacker Anthony Hamm were the two biggest names signed by FAMU on the start of the national signing period. Hamm comes with a reputation for being a ball-hound (nine career sacks), while Roberts is a speedster who had more than 700 return yards and scored 10 touchdowns during his high school career.



FAMU's Class of 2010 Football Recruits

Michael Ethridge
Ethridge a 6'3" - 245 lb tight end is regarded as an excellent run blocker with great hands. In his time at Godby, Ethridge had 25 receptions for 225 yards and 4 touchdowns. Ethridge is also a fierce and tenacious run blocker who recorded over 100 pnacakes as a tight end. A 2-star recruit on Scout.com, he was also rectuited by FAU and FIU.

Dennis Hall
Hall 5'10" - 170 lb Wide Receiver from Pahokee High School. Hall possesses incredible athleticism and speed out of football powerhouse Pahokee HS in Belle Glade, Fl. In his career at Phaokee, Hall recorded 84 receptions, 14 touchdowns and over 700 yards receiving. In their state championship game, Hall caught the game winning touchdown pass vs. nationally ranked Trinity Catholic. Hall is also 1st cousin of NFL Pro Bowler Anquan Bolden who is also from Pahokee. Also recruited by Eastern Michigan, Eastern illinois, Villanova, Appalachian State and B-CU.

Dante "Bubba" Black
Black is a 5'9" running back from (Ocala) Dunnellon HS. he was one od Dunnellon High School's all-time rushing leaders with over 5,000 rushing yards and over 50 touchdowns in his career for the Tigers. With blazing 4.3 speed and 10.8 spped in the 100-meter stretch. Black is an incredible return specialist with 18 career returns for touchdowns and kick off returns and punt returns.

Christopher White
White is a 6'4" - 225 lb defensive end from Newberry High School. he is a relentless defensive lineman with incredible athletic ability and knack for sacking the quarterback. In his senior season, White recorded 11 sacks while anchoring the defensive squad with 67 tackles and 17 for loss. He was also recruited ny North Carolina A&T, B-CU and Hampton.

Kevin House
House is a 6’3 315 Offensive Lineman from Edward White HS-1ST Team All State & All Conference Offensive Lineman out of Edward White HS in Jacksonville, FL. he was awarded Offensive Lineman of the Year and dominated at his position with 78 Pancakes in his senior campaign and 0 sacks allowed in two years at Edward White HS. Rated : 3 Star Recruit. Also Recruited by Western Carolina, Tennessee State, BCU, Western Michigan.

Lenworth Lennon
Lennon is a 5’10 180 WR Boyd Anderson HS- 3 Star recruit out of Boyd Anderson HS in Fort Lauderdale Fl. WHe was a top 5 in Broward County in Receiving Yards, receptions and touchdowns with 768 yds, 47 receptions and 8 touchdowns. He was also a starter in the Dade vs. Broward All Star Game where he recorded 2 receptions for 36 yds. He also Recruited by Buffalo, Central Michigan and West Carolina.

Shawn Brown
Brown is a 6’3 290 OL/DT from Miami Central HS- 1st Team All Miami Dade & 2nd Team All State (6A) from Nationally ranked Miami Central HS. Brown is a 3 year starter with tremendous athleticism, size and strength to go along with over 50 pancakes in his career as a Rocket. On the Defensive side of the ball Brown also recorded 6 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, and 57 total tackles at DT. Rated: 2 Star Recruit. Also recruited by FAU, FIU, Tennessee State, BCU, and Hampton.

Aaron Wynn
Wynn is a 6’5 280 OL from Lakewood HS- 2 star recruit out of Pinellas County where he was also voted 1st Team All County and Most Valuable Lineman in Pinellas county. As a Junior Wynn also made 2nd Team All Pinellas and gave up only 4 career sacks out of Lakewood HS. Also recruited by Hampton, Norfolk State, and New Mexico.

Devon Roberts
Roberts is a 6’1 180 DB from Ocala Forest HS- 1st Team All County Playmaker out of Forest HS in Ocala, Fl. In his just his senior season alone Roberts had over 72 Tackles, 7 Interceptions, 18 Pass Break Ups, and 4 sacks. Also specializing on Kick Off and Punt Return, Roberts accumulated over had 700 career return yardage and 10 touchdowns. He was also recruited by Middle Tennessee State, Troy, and FAU.

Patrick Davis
Davis is a 6’1 240 FB from Eastside HS- out of Gainesville Fl, with a nose for contact at the Fullback position. He was a dominant force at both run blocking and pass receiving and collected 23 pancakes and 6 touchdowns during his senior season. Davis also was the starting Fullback in the Florida/Georgia All Star Game this past season and also boasts a 3.0 gpa and an Honor Roll student at Eastside HS.

Rodney Johnson
Johnson is a 5’9 175 RB out of Hillsborough HS. The 4.4 speedster out of Hillsborough High School has the ability to take it the distance on any play, Johnson averaged over 10 yds per carry with 832 yds on the ground and 17 touchdowns. Johnson is also one of the strongest, bench pressing over 375 pounds and squats 485 pounds. Recruited by Bowling Green, Toledo and FIU.

Terry Johnson
Johnson is a 5’11 180 Ath/CB out of Rickards high School in Tallahassee. Johnson was a 1ST Team All Big Bend athlete with ability to excel on both sides of the ball. On offense Johnson passed for over 1200 yards and 20 touchdown passes. While on defense, Johnson dominated with 7 Interceptions, 16 Pass Break Ups and 45 tackles. He was also recruited by Middle Tennessee State, Northern Iowa and Colorado State.

Anthony Hamm
Hamm is a 6'2"-220lb, LB from Mainland High School. He was a 3-star outside linebacker that can also play defensive end. He totaled over 200 tackles in his career at Mainland, which included 18 tackles for loss and 9 sacks. He was also recruited by north Carolina A&T, B-CU, hampton and UT Chattanooga. He started every game at Mainland since a freshman.

Shelley Anthony
Anthony is a 6’3 295 OL from Sandy Creek HS/WKU- The transfer from Western Kentucky Anthony is expected to compete for the starting position at the center this upcoming Spring. He lettered all four years at Sandy Creek High School, helping the Patriots to a 35-10 record during that span . He was a three-year starter. SCHS reached the state playoffs in each of those seasons, winning the regional title in both 2003 and ’04 . Earned first-team all-area and all-county honors as a senior after grading out at 87 percent with 32 knockdowns.

Saf Ahmad
Ahmad is a 6’3 270 OL from Miami Norland HS/FIU- He is a transfer from FIU. Ahmad is expected to compete for starting Guard position this upcoming spring. He was a three-year starter and team captain as a senior. He didn’t allow a sack as a prep senior .2006 Second team All Dade County selection by the Miami Herald.

James Poe
Poe is a 6’4 240 HB/TE UCF/Freedom HS- 3 star transfer from UCF. Poe is expected to compete for a starting position this upcoming spring. He attended Georgia Military College before coming to UCF. He played for Freedom High School in Orlando. He was selected as the team MVP his final two years after being ranked as the fifth-best running back in the state with 1,500 rushing yards as a senior, and 700 yards as a junior. He was also recruited by West Virginia, Louisville, Florida, East Carolina and Iowa.

Eric Watts
Watts is a 6’2 215 LB Wolfson HS- 3 star transfer linebacker from the University of Illinois. He is expected to come in and compete for starting LB position this spring. In High School: Ranked on the Florida Times Union's Top-24 Jacksonville Prep players ... A member of the Florida Times- Union Super-24 team ...Ranked as the No. 79 strong side linebacker nationally by Scout.com ... Earned first-team All- Conference honors as a junior and senior ... Rated the No. 85 outside linebacker in the country by ESPNU ... Totaled 91 tackles, 16 behind the line of scrimmage as a senior ... Averaged over 10 tackles per game in 2008 ... Posted 110 tackles, 12 sacks and two forced fumbles as a junior ... Three-time All-First Coast (city) honoree ... Recruited by Illinois, Ole Miss and South Florida.

Joshua Newkirk
Newkirk is a 6’3 240 LB WSSU- is a transfer from WSSU. Newkirk is expected to come in and compete for a starting linebacker position this spring. A native of Richmond, Va., he is a 2006 graduate of Meadowbrook High School where he was an All-District and Academic-All District selection as a senior.

Steven Robinson
Robinson is a 6’3 300 OL Lincoln HS/UCF- He is a transfer offensive lineman who is expected to come in and compete for a starting position this summer. He earned four letters in football for head coach Kyle Rice at Lincoln High School . He was named first-team Class 4A All-State by the Florida Sports Writers Association following his senior season. He earned All-Big Bend first-team honors by the Tallahassee Democrat as a junior and senior. He is a four-year starter on the offensive line. He earned third-team All-State honors as a junior and also lettered in wrestling, track and field and played the tuba in the school band. Ranked as the No. 25 offensive guard prospect in the country by ESPN.com. Ranked as the No. 24 offensive guard prospect in the country and the No. 69 overall prospect in the state of Florida by Scout.com. Ranked No. 90 on the top 100 high school football prospects 2007 list by the Orlando Sentinel. He was also recruited by Clemson, Georgia, Minnesota, South Carolina and USF.

Jarien Moreland
Moreland is a 6’5 320 OL Glades Central HS/UCF- He is a transfer offensive lineman who is expected to come in and compete for starting position this summer. He earned four letters for head coach Willie Snead at Glades Central High School. He helped lead his team to the 2006 Class 3A state championship as a junior and Class 3A Region 4 titles as a sophomore, junior and senior. He Ranked No. 36 nationally among offensive guards by Rivals.com and the 90th best prospect in the state of Florida. He ranked No. 95 nationally among offensive tackles by Scout.com. He also received recruiting interest from Florida State, LSU, Miami (Fla.), Pitt and USF.

Willie Ferrell
Ferrell is a 6'2" - 235 lb LB from FAMU High. He is a transfer from OLE MISS. He is a 4-star linebacker. He was rated the No.33 linebacker in the nation and No.75 player in Florida as ranked by Rivals.com. he was a PrepStar and SuperPrep all-Region selection. Scout.com ranked him the No.13 linebacker in the nation. he earned first team Class 2B All-State honors from the Florida Sports Writers Association as a senior at FAMU DRS. He is a two-time Tallahassee Democrat All-Big bend selection. he totaled over 300 tackles as a junior and Senior and was a 2009 Nike All-American under FAMU-DRS coach Ira Reynolds.

Brandon Green
Green is a 2009 Tampa Catholic H.S. grad who played a season at prep school, at Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia, which is considered to be one of the country’s elite prep schools for football. FAMU signed the 6-foot-3, 245-pounder to play LB and DE. Brandon is the older brother of Tampa Catholic H.S. QB Christian Green, who signed to play at FSU on National Signing Day.

Jordan Stanley
Stanley is a 5-11/185 Running Back out of Florida A&M University H.S., Tallahassee, who is signed on an academic scholarship. Jordan is clocked at 4.42 forty and is a shifty runner with the power to go inside or outside. Jordan had over 1200 yards and 17 Touchdowns for the 2009 season.



Note: The Orlando Sentinel reports OL Davonnie Coard (Evans HS) signing w/FAMU. Tampa Tribune reports WR/DB Chaise Dunn (Pasco HS) signing w/FAMU. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Ft. Lauderdale) reports DL/TE Linval Williams (Boyd Anderson HS) signing w/FAMU. MEAC/SWAC Sports Main Street will verify this new info, if time permits.

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Wake-Up Call: Vann's records make sweet music

Two-time All-American. For Florida A&M University senior LeRoy Vann (Tampa Blake High), it's a sweet sound and the best way to be remembered. Vann, a record-setting return man who garnered national attention this season through ESPN's SportsCenter and on the pages of Sports Illustrated, again made first team on the Walter Camp Football Championship Subdivision All-America team, which was announced Wednesday. "I almost can't believe some of the things that have happened to me playing college football," said Vann, a 5-foot-9, 185-pounder who plays cornerback.

To Vann, one of the most unbelievable things was when former Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard visited the FAMU campus to do a story for ESPN's College GameDay program. "That was crazy," Vann said. "I didn't know until right before it happened that he was coming to talk to me. I felt like a little girl, blushing and everything. I could hardly talk." All modesty aside, Vann's FAMU career was something to talk about.

FAMU's record-setting kick return specialist LeRoy Vann was named to the 2009 Sports Network Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) All-America team on 12/23/09. It was the second straight year that the 5-9, 185-pound fireball from Tampa, Florida was named to the first team, thanks to a memorable senior season which witnessed him take a school record five punts back for touchdowns; tie a single-season NCAA record for TD punt returns, while setting a new single-season return yardage mark for the school and the MEAC. Vann also finished his career as just the fifth player in NCAA FCS history to compile at least 1,000 yards on both punt returns and kickoff returns and he holds the career mark for combined kick returns for touchdown, 11 in the past two years (eight punts, three kickoffs). Vann has been named to four (4) All-American teams in the past two years as a kick returner.

It's hard to believe that Vann actually arrived at FAMU as a preferred walk-on player. While at Blake, he had dreams of earning a scholarship to a large school. But college coaches didn't share that vision. "They thought I was too small," Vann said. "I wasn't the average size they were looking for. But I think it's more than size. You've got to have no fear. You've got to play with heart."

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Winter Haven Students Rally to Support Ken Riley

NFL greats Doug Williams (L) and Ken Riley(R). Riley's NFL career: Bengals cornerback, 1969-83; fourth on NFL all-time interception list with 65.

Students want him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.




WINTER HAVEN, FL - What started out as a class assignment has turned into a movement. Winter Haven High School classmates Nick Harper and Jordan Powell hope the movement turns into a tidal wave of support that sweeps Winter Haven High dean Ken Riley into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "We researched it and found out he was pretty good," Harper, an 18-year-old senior, said of Riley, who played for 15 years with the Cincinnati Bengals. "He's had the most interceptions without being in the hall. He went to a Super Bowl. Why isn't he in?"

So, the duo went to work. They have collected more than 1,000 signatures and have contacted some of the Hall of Fame voters, including local voter Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune. They're trying to get everyone to remember the achievements of the Bartow native Riley, who last played in 1983. It may be working. Kaufman said last month that he has received some of the letters and talked with some committee members while at the owners' meeting in California in March.

"He's legitimate," Kaufman said of the Union Academy graduate Riley. "I brought up his name to some of the voters and got a very positive response. It's a wonder why someone with the numbers he has hasn't really seriously been considered."

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Former FAMU Rattlers, Ken Riley displays a game ball and three AFC Interception Leader awards he won during his 15 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. Riley, 61, a dean at Winter Haven High School, resides in Bartow.

LIFE OF RILEY

• High School: Union Academy, Bartow, FL; College: Star QB, Florida A&M University; 6th Round Draft Choice 1969, Cincinnati Bengals-- Played 15 seasons as cornerback.


• Riley also excelled academically and earned his team's scholastic award and a Rhodes Scholar Candidacy.


• NFL career: Bengals cornerback, 1969-83. Fourth on NFL all-time interception list with 65.


• Post NFL-career: 1984-85: Green Bay Packers assistant coach; 1986-93: Head coach, Florida A&M University, compiling a 48-39-2 record with two Mid-Eastern Athletic conference titles and 2 MEAC coach of the year awards; 1994-2003: Athletic director, Florida A&M.


• Personal: Age 61, hometown is Bartow, Fla. Married, three grown children, one grandchild. Resides in Bartow, Fla.


• Riley is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans.


• In 2007 Riley was named to the Florida High School Association All-Century Team which selected the Top 33 players in the 100 year history of high school football in the state of Florida's history.
  
• Riley is in other halls of fame, including the Florida Sports Hall of Fame, Polk County Sports Hall of Fame and the Florida A&M Hall of Fame.

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FAMU Rattlers inconsistent in last spring football practice

Taylor does a simulation of Delaware State

Running back Philip Sylvester made his usual big runs. Quarterback Curtis Pulley found a few gaps and his backup Eddie Battle connected with receivers in spots. There were even some big hits by the FAMU's defense, but coach Joe Taylor didn't see the consistency he'd hoped for during Thursday's final spring football practice.

"We've got to finish; every play, every quarter, every half," Taylor said. "It's been a great spring, but I don't know if today was a good finish. "I don't know if the intensity was where it should have been today. I don't think we saw the kind of intensity that we needed to see." Cornerback Curtis Holcomb said he would have especially liked the defense to go out with a little more momentum.

Photo Gallery: Last Spring Practice

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Several FAMU players stand out in spring game

The Green team of mostly starters from last year did what it was expected to do at Bragg Stadium, handily beating the Orange squad with plenty of help from a defensive unit that scored three touchdowns. But on a balmy Saturday afternoon, a handful of Florida A&M players whose Orange squad fell 48-0 performed well enough to cause an argument that they have no intentions of being overlooked. "There are about four or five guys that really showed today that they in some kind of way need to be in that 90," coach Joe Taylor said, referring to the players who will be invited to preseason two-a-days in August.

Taylor was especially impressed with Andre Jacob who led the Orange team with 40 yards rushing on 12 carries. Red-shirt freshman receiver Jeremy Tillman also showed that he could be a candidate to bring depth to the receiving corps. Last season, the Rattlers had the league's leading scoring offense with 55 touchdowns, but just two weeks into spring practice the defense is clearly a step ahead of the unit that amassed 4,299 yards last year. "Overall I was satisfied," Taylor said. "I thought we competed as a team. I was a little concerned that we were a little bit sluggish with our punts and special teams but offensively I thought we competed."



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2009 PHOTO GALLERIES:
FAMU Orange & Green Game
FAN CAM - Green vs. Orange spring game
FAMU football practice

2008--Florida Classic FAMU 58, B-CU 35
FAMU vs. Hampton fan cam
FAMU 45 Hampton 24
ESPN visits FAMU
FAMU 45, N.C. A&T 7
Fan Cam: FAMU vs. N.C. A&T
Coach Steven Jerry
FAMU Homecoming game

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Florida A&M Rattlers Lend a Hand

FAMU, church helps kids with school supplies

Excerpt:

FAMU strength and conditioning coach Antonio Wallace, who initiated the players' involvement, said he could relate to Maxwell's need. "I grew up in a poor area in Mississippi myself, but there was always somebody there helping along the way," he said. "I just wanted to support these kids by encouraging them and giving them some hope. It's awesome when it comes full circle. I just can't put it into words."

The opportunity to get involved in community service is just another phase of new head coach Joe Taylor's blueprint for building character, Taylor said. "This is more about trying to create the well-rounded man, to get involved with community service," he said. "We always say that the good Lord didn't put you here just to be a uniform rat.

A group of young kids that just received their free backpacks pose with several members of the Florida A & M University Football Team at the “Wham! Bam! School Jam!” on Saturday, August 2nd, 2008, from 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon, at Clifford Brown Memorial Park in Monticello, FL.

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Next up for FAMU football: the preseason

The rah-rah had subsided. So did the grunts and groans of FAMU football players going through strength and conditioning test. The weight room inside Galimore Fieldhouse was so quiet that running back Greg Arline could be heard breathing hard between his sets of testing. He completed 16 reps on the bench press, tying his previous high when the team was tested at the end of spring practice.

"I don't even know how I did it," Arline said. "Everything is the same."

FAMU's offensive lineman DeWayne Lanier, 6-7/315.

He completed another round of lifting from a standing position called the power clean, then went to sit-ups. Every other player did the same routine for strength and conditioning coach Antonio Wallace, who documented their scores on his computer.

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For FAMU football's Taylors, no separating father-son

Joe Taylor planted the seeds early. He didn’t get to every one of his sons’ pee-wee games, but they talked a lot of football at home. He was at more of their youth baseball games and occasionally he’d get to a basketball game. Taylor’s wife, Beverly, always made sure the boys got there. As they got older with their own issues, Taylor was never too busy to get involved, Aaron said.

He didn’t coach his sons in football. His job conflicted with their season, but dad was there when Aaron made a play that’s still vivid almost 20 years later.


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