Florida A&M is getting closer to its opening game of the 2024 football season, and the Rattlers have begun preparing for their first game against Norfolk State in 10 days.
Florida A&M football game day is fast approaching.
The Rattlers had their 17th training camp on Wednesday, 10 days before they open the 2024 season with the MEAC/SWAC Challenge against Norfolk State in Atlanta.
Here’s what you need to know about the Rattlers’ practice.
FAMU football is slowly preparing for the first game of the 2024 season
FAMU is preparing for the start of the season in small steps.
The Rattlers have switched from full-time morning practices to evening workouts to adjust for the upcoming 7:30 a.m. kickoff time against Norfolk State.
“They probably like them a little bit better than those 6 a.m. ones. I do, anyway,” said FAMU head coach James Colzie III.
“This gives our guys the opportunity to take care of themselves all day. And we’re ready for a 7:30 p.m. game next week.”
FAMU players welcome the change.
This makes the whole thing more interesting for them, as the rigors of the training camp are a strain on their body and mind.
“Everyone is there and working hard,” said FAMU running back Kelvin Dean Jr. “Mentally, everyone is there and focused. No one is giving up or quitting.”
What keeps the Rattlers going is the fun of competing against their teammates.
At FAMU, iron sharpens iron.
“The competition is tough. We fight it every day,” FAMU defender Kendall Bohler said. “It’s a lot of fun out there.”
FAMU football has made progress through three-week training camp
Colzie welcomed nearly 50 new players to his first FAMU football team.
What he has noticed is the development of both rookies and returning players, who have become leaders in the locker room and on the field during the Rattlers’ training camp.
“We have some leaders that are starting to emerge,” Colzie said. “Our young guys and new guys are doing a good job. And our veterans are leading the charge and making sure our guys do what they need to do.”
Instead of bragging about his position group, Dean took a moment to give credit to FAMU’s offensive line.
He said he enjoyed watching the big guys battle the defensive line every day in training camp.
“The way the O-line works together, brings in the new guys and has that chemistry no matter who’s at what 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 looks ahead to the new season
FAMU football is ready for its big appearance in the spotlight.
Yes, the Rattlers are physical with each other during training.
But now FAMU must conserve its bodies to land heavy blows on Norfolk State in less than two weeks.
“They’re tired of beating each other. The guys are ready to beat someone else,” Colzie said. “We have to get ready for Norfolk. That means we have to learn to train better against each other.”
It’s safe to say the Rattlers are ready to line up and play football to begin their quest for another Black College National Championship.
Just ask Dean.
“Let’s do it,” Dean said.
“We brought all these guys that are ready to do it again. We’re ready to go, man. We’re ready for camp to be over. Let’s get on the football field in Atlanta on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
“We’re ready to go. Let’s play tonight.”
The 18th FAMU football team training camp will take place on Thursday.
Florida A&M Rattlers 2024 Football Schedule
- August 24 against Norfolk State in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, Atlanta*, 7:30 p.m., ABC
- August 31 vs. South Carolina State, 6 p.m., ESPN+
- September 7 in Miami, 6 p.m., ACC Network
- September 21 in Troy, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, ESPN+
- September 28 against Alabama A&M, 6 p.m., ESPN+
- Oct. 5 at Alabama State, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, ESPN+
- Oct. 19 at Jackson State, 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, ESPN Network
- Oct. 26 vs. Southern, 7 p.m., ESPN Network
- Nov. 2 vs. Texas Southern (HOMECOMING), 4:00 p.m., ESPN+
- November 9 at Prairie View A&M, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, ESPN+
- November 16 vs. Mississippi Valley State, 1 p.m., HBCU GO
- November 23 against Bethune-Cookman in the Florida Classic, Orlando*, 3:30 p.m., ESPN Network
- November 30: FCS playoffs begin
- Dec. 7: SWAC Championship, LOCATION/TEAMS to be announced, ESPN2
- December 14: Celebration Bowl, Atlanta*, TEAMS TBA, 12pm, ABC
BOLD = SWAC
* = Neutral location
Gerald Thomas III covers Florida A&M University athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Reach him via email at [email protected] or through the app formerly known as Twitter. @3peatgee.
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