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HEAD COACH ALEX WOOD
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY |
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The Rattler football team went through morning practice under the lights of Bragg Stadium. The spirited practice was marked with rainfall about 20 minutes into practice, but as it cleared, apparently the team’s focus did as well. “We had better execution today for sure. For whatever reason the enthusiasm was good. I think the players are learning what to do and gaining more confidence, and I think that contributed to this morning,” head coach Alex Wood said.
One position that Wood has mentioned will be critical to the success of the FAMU defense is the defensive front. Changing philosophies from last year’s 3-4 defense to a 4-3 defense will change players’ assignments. Central to that change is Michael Lovejoy. Lovejoy, a 6’4” 300 lb., senior defensive lineman from Pensacola, Fla., will be relied heavily upon to control the line of scrimmage.
“I’m looking forward to everyone learning the new defense and assignments and it all falling together. I think the coaches have come in with a good mindset to improve from last year. We have confidence that if we follow their lead, things will be better,” Lovejoy said.
In full team scrimmage, Lovejoy broke through the line and nailed a running back, drawing a roar from the team. That’s about as much noise as Lovejoy would make, as he is not a vocal leader, but one who leads by his actions.
“Mike has been a good leader for us, as he leads by example more than anything. He’s a solid player…a dominant player for us in the middle. With our change in defense he has a little less responsibility, as he won’t be responsible for two gaps anymore. Now he’s a single gap player getting help from the linebacker and the extra down lineman we’ve put at the line of scrimmage. I think this defense will fit him well and he has experience playing outside as well,” Wood said.
Last season, Lovejoy had 40 total tackles, with 22 of them being solos. He had seven tackles for loss, accumulating 28 yards for loss. He also had three and a half sacks for a total of 23 yards for loss. He also broke up one pass and defended another. With streamlined responsibility of the 4-3 defense, Lovejoy is poised to have a breakthrough season. Coupled with his physique, Lovejoy could be poised to make it to the next level with a solid 2015 football season.
Wood sees Lovejoy as a model student athlete. “He’s solid in everything he does. He’s a great guy in the classroom, he’s a great guy in the community and he also leads by his work ethic on the field,” Wood said.
The Rattlers will hold their second scrimmage, tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Bragg Stadium. Wood, has solicited the help of some referees to give the team a more accurate look at where they really are. “We’re going to get the referees involved to make sure we’re fundamentally sound in our alignments and we’ll implement some special teams to see how we transition on and off the field in situational football,” Wood said.
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