Florida A&M football is inching closer and closer to gameday.
The Rattlers had their 17th training camp practice on Wednesday, 10 days before they kick off the 2024 season in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge against Norfolk State in Atlanta.
Here’s what you need to know about the Rattlers’ practice.
FAMU football slowly preparing for first game of 2024 season
FAMU is taking baby steps to prepare for its season opener.
The Rattlers have moved from morning practices full-time to evening starts to adapt to their upcoming 7:30 kickoff time against Norfolk State.
“They probably like them a little better than that six o’clock in the morning. I know I do,” said FAMU head coach James Colzie III.
“It gives our guys a chance to take care of themselves throughout the day. And it gets us ready for a 7:30 game time next week.”
FAMU players are embracing the occasional time changes.
It makes things interesting for them as the training camp grind adds wear and tear to the mind and body.
“Everybody’s showing up and going to work,” said FAMU running back Kelvin Dean Jr. “Mentally, everyone is here and locked in. Nobody is tapping out or quitting.”
What keeps the Rattlers going is the fun of contending against their teammates.
Iron sharpens iron at FAMU.
“Competition is very high. We’re going at it every day,” said FAMU defensive back Kendall Bohler. “It’s very enjoyable out there.”
FAMU football has saw improvements through three weeks of training camp
Colzie has welcomed nearly 50 new players to his inaugural FAMU football team.
What he’s noticed is the development of newcomers and returners alike ascending as locker room and on-field leaders during the Rattlers’ training camp.
“We got some leaders that’s starting to emerge,” Colzie said. “Our young and new guys are doing a good job. And our veterans are leading the charge as far as making sure our guys are doing what they need to do.”
Instead of bragging about his position group, Dean took a moment to give props to the FAMU offensive line.
He said he’s enjoyed watching the big guys battle against the defensive line daily at training camp.
“The way the O-Line is working together, bringing in the new guys, and having that chemistry no matter who’s at each position,” Dean said.
“The trench work, the O-line, and the D-line have impressed me all fall camp. I’m excited to see what they do against other opponents.”
‘Let’s play tonight!’ FAMU football looking ahead to the new season
FAMU football is ready to be under the bright lights.
Yeah, the Rattlers are getting physical with each other at practices.
But now, FAMU has to preserve its bodies to inflict big hits against Norfolk State in less than two weeks.
“They’re tired of hitting each other. The guys are ready to hit somebody else,” Colzie said. “We got to get ready for Norfolk. So, that means we got to learn how to practice better against each other.”
It’s safe to say the Rattlers are ready to line it up and play football to start their quest for another Black College National Championship.
Just ask Dean.
“Let’s do it,” Dean said.
“We brought all these people in ready to go repeat. We’re ready to ball, man. We’re ready for camp to be over. Let’s get on the football field Saturday at 7:30 in Atlanta.
“We’re ready to go right now. Let’s play tonight.”
FAMU football will have its 18th training camp practice on Thursday.
Florida A&M Rattlers 2024 Football Schedule
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Aug. 24 vs. Norfolk State in MEAC/SWAC Challenge, Atlanta* at 7:30 p.m., ABC
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Aug. 31 vs. South Carolina State, 6 p.m., ESPN+
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Sept. 7 at Miami, 6 p.m., ACC Network
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Sept. 21 at Troy, 7 p.m. Eastern Time, ESPN+
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Sept. 28 vs. Alabama A&M, 6 p.m., ESPN+
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Oct. 5 at Alabama State, 3 p.m. Eastern Time, ESPN+
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Oct. 19 at Jackson State, 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, ESPN Network
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Oct. 26 vs. Southern, 7 p.m., ESPN Network
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Nov. 2 vs. Texas Southern (HOMECOMING), 4 p.m., ESPN+
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Nov. 9 at Prairie View A&M, 3 p.m. Eastern Time, ESPN+
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Nov. 16 vs. Mississippi Valley State, 1 p.m., HBCU GO
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Nov. 23 vs. Bethune-Cookman in Florida Classic, Orlando*, 3:30 p.m., ESPN Network
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Nov. 30: FCS Playoffs Begin
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Dec. 7: SWAC Championship, LOCATION/TEAMS TBA, ESPN2
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Dec. 14: Celebration Bowl, Atlanta*, TEAMS TBA, 12 p.m., ABC
BOLD = SWAC
* = Neutral Site
Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football has 17th preseason practice, slowly preparing for 1st game
