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Florida A&M football got another simulated look at its 2025 team.
On Thursday, the Rattlers had their second scrimmage of spring camp on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
“I always like to see us run around and be physical. At times, we did that today. At times, we did not. Overall, we had some highs and lows,” FAMU head coach James Colzie III told the Tallahassee Democrat after the scrimmage.
“Defensively, we did some things early. Offensively, we had some success late. From what I saw, we did some good things but need to improve on others,” the second-year head coach added.
Thursday’s scrimmage emphasized situational football.
For example, at some points, FAMU would place the ball on certain parts of the field or dial up plays for scenarios on specific downs.
“It’s always a work in progress when you’re working in situations because you got plays you want to run,” Colzie explained. “But there are also situations that you have to make sure you take care of at important moments in the football game. We really stress down and distance, situations, and having the best 11 on the field regardless of the situation.”
The opening portion of Thursday’s scrimamge belonged to the FAMU defense.
The FAMU defense broke down offensive plays by raiding the backfield or tight coverage in the secondary.
“That’s what we want to be. We want to fly around and pressure the quarterback,” Colzie said.
FAMU starting linebacker Nay’Ron Jenkins credited the preparation for the defensive performance on Thursday.
Jenkins, a rising senior, said he and his teammates relayed messages and defensive cues to each other on the field well.
“We were just trusting our training. We got out there and flew around because we were comfortable in what we were doing,” Jenkins said. “Communication is key on defense. Good things happen when you communicate.”
Now, the Rattlers defense wants steadiness.
Newly hired FAMU defensive coordinator Kenwick Thompson said he wants his unit to be well-run regardless of whether players start or serve as backups.
“We’re looking for guys who can execute and be consistent. And I saw guys straining to get that done,” Thompson said.
“Of course, there are things to work on, such as attention to detail or whatnot. But we saw some flashes of that. Now, we’re trying to work for a little consistency. Whoever goes in there, we’re looking for them to do the job and do it well. I thought today was good.”
FAMU’s offense woke up as the scrimmage progressed.
The Rattlers’ offense started to show signs of life when placed in a situation that put them on its goal line.
First, FAMU quarterback Junior Muratovic found transfer wide receiver Kenari Wilcher for a big pickup to move the Rattlers to midfield. Muratovic immediately followed that play by finding All-Southwestern Athletic Conference tight end Koby Gross, who hurdled over a FAMU defensive player to pick up another significant gain.
“Basically about taking adversity and fighting back,” Muratovic said. “It starts up front with our O-Line. When them boys get riled up, then we got to go.”
FAMU’s offense scored once on Thursday, on a pass from transfer quarterback Roman Purcell to receiver Goldie Lawrence.
“Offense got back up and responded with a shot or another big play,” Jenkins said. “That’s important for us to keep being competitive back and forth.”
Colzie walked away from Thursday’s ninth practice and second scrimmage of spring content but not satisfied just yet.
“Now, we just want to make sure we iron out the details, whether it’s technique, alignment, or where our eyes need to be,” Colzie said. “I thought we did a good job as far as our discipline. Overall, it was a good day, but I definitely could have had a better day.”
Colzie says FAMU football is further along than last spring when it practiced and scrimmaged with an undermanned roster.
The Rattlers will have their 10th spring practice on Friday. The Orange and Green Spring Game is set for Saturday, April 12, at 4 p.m. at Bragg Stadium.
“We’re talented,” Colzie said. “Individually, we’re doing some good things. Now, we’re just trying to put it together as a team. I think we’re far ahead of where we were last year.”
Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.
Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at [email protected] or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football's situational awareness tested in second spring scrimmage
Continue reading...
On Thursday, the Rattlers had their second scrimmage of spring camp on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
“I always like to see us run around and be physical. At times, we did that today. At times, we did not. Overall, we had some highs and lows,” FAMU head coach James Colzie III told the Tallahassee Democrat after the scrimmage.
“Defensively, we did some things early. Offensively, we had some success late. From what I saw, we did some good things but need to improve on others,” the second-year head coach added.
Thursday’s scrimmage emphasized situational football.
For example, at some points, FAMU would place the ball on certain parts of the field or dial up plays for scenarios on specific downs.
“It’s always a work in progress when you’re working in situations because you got plays you want to run,” Colzie explained. “But there are also situations that you have to make sure you take care of at important moments in the football game. We really stress down and distance, situations, and having the best 11 on the field regardless of the situation.”
FAMU football's defense on fire at start of second scrimmage
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The opening portion of Thursday’s scrimamge belonged to the FAMU defense.
The FAMU defense broke down offensive plays by raiding the backfield or tight coverage in the secondary.
“That’s what we want to be. We want to fly around and pressure the quarterback,” Colzie said.
FAMU starting linebacker Nay’Ron Jenkins credited the preparation for the defensive performance on Thursday.
Jenkins, a rising senior, said he and his teammates relayed messages and defensive cues to each other on the field well.
“We were just trusting our training. We got out there and flew around because we were comfortable in what we were doing,” Jenkins said. “Communication is key on defense. Good things happen when you communicate.”
Now, the Rattlers defense wants steadiness.
Newly hired FAMU defensive coordinator Kenwick Thompson said he wants his unit to be well-run regardless of whether players start or serve as backups.
You must be registered for see images
“We’re looking for guys who can execute and be consistent. And I saw guys straining to get that done,” Thompson said.
“Of course, there are things to work on, such as attention to detail or whatnot. But we saw some flashes of that. Now, we’re trying to work for a little consistency. Whoever goes in there, we’re looking for them to do the job and do it well. I thought today was good.”
FAMU football's offense turns corner late in scrimmage
FAMU’s offense woke up as the scrimmage progressed.
The Rattlers’ offense started to show signs of life when placed in a situation that put them on its goal line.
You must be registered for see images attach
First, FAMU quarterback Junior Muratovic found transfer wide receiver Kenari Wilcher for a big pickup to move the Rattlers to midfield. Muratovic immediately followed that play by finding All-Southwestern Athletic Conference tight end Koby Gross, who hurdled over a FAMU defensive player to pick up another significant gain.
“Basically about taking adversity and fighting back,” Muratovic said. “It starts up front with our O-Line. When them boys get riled up, then we got to go.”
FAMU’s offense scored once on Thursday, on a pass from transfer quarterback Roman Purcell to receiver Goldie Lawrence.
“Offense got back up and responded with a shot or another big play,” Jenkins said. “That’s important for us to keep being competitive back and forth.”
FAMU football is 'far ahead' of where it was last spring
You must be registered for see images
Colzie walked away from Thursday’s ninth practice and second scrimmage of spring content but not satisfied just yet.
“Now, we just want to make sure we iron out the details, whether it’s technique, alignment, or where our eyes need to be,” Colzie said. “I thought we did a good job as far as our discipline. Overall, it was a good day, but I definitely could have had a better day.”
Colzie says FAMU football is further along than last spring when it practiced and scrimmaged with an undermanned roster.
The Rattlers will have their 10th spring practice on Friday. The Orange and Green Spring Game is set for Saturday, April 12, at 4 p.m. at Bragg Stadium.
“We’re talented,” Colzie said. “Individually, we’re doing some good things. Now, we’re just trying to put it together as a team. I think we’re far ahead of where we were last year.”
Florida A&M Football Remaining Spring Practice Schedule
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- Friday, April 4
- Tuesday, April 8
- Thursday, April 10
- Saturday, April 12 ― Orange and Green Spring Game
- Monday, April 14
- Wednesday, April 16
Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.
Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at [email protected] or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football's situational awareness tested in second spring scrimmage
Continue reading...
