FAMU HARD KNOCKS: Rattlers posses gift of adaptation, display high energy in modified schedule

In correspondence with the Florida A&M Rattlers' Fall Football Training Camp (Aug. 4-Aug. 26), Tallahassee Democrat reporter Gerald Thomas, III will chronicle the team as it prepares for the 2023 season by providing practice reports, player and coach spotlights, and inside looks at the program as they become available. Thomas presents, 'FAMU HARD KNOCKS.'

Thursdays are always an odd day for the Florida A&M Rattlers.

It's the rare occasion that the team hits the practice fields in the latter part of the day ― opposed to the normal morning start time.

FAMU had its 12th practice of fall football training camp Thursday afternoon.

Sixth-year head coach Willie Simmons (54-23 overall, 33-12 at FAMU) has been pleased with the Rattlers' adaptation during the afternoon practices.

"The guys are responding really well to coming out later in the afternoon to break the routine really well," a proud Simmons said following Thursday's practice. "It's a lot of intensity, a lot of enthusiasm, and we got a lot of teamwork in.

"I'm anxious to see the film and make the corrections to come out tomorrow with more of a run through before our second major scrimmage on Saturday."

This wasn't the first Thursday practice that possessed high energy and earned a good review.

The Rattlers had their first day of full pads last Thursday, practice six, which automatically gave the team a jolt.

But Simmons wasn't making any declarations on if Thursdays are the most hyped day of training camp until he sees how the final one goes a week from today.

"We'll see," Simmons said. "Guys are enthusiastic and that's what you want to see. This game is hard and the dog days of summer are tough.

"You must have a positive attitude and I thought the guys came out and got better today."

FAMU passing attack has a good day, quarterback Jeremy Moussa utilizing entire wide receiver depth chart

Every quarterback's dream is to have an abundance of weapons at his disposal.

FAMU starter Jeremy Moussa is living that reality this spring as he continues to build chemistry with his receiving targets. He did a good job of spreading the ball around during Thursday's head-to-head team drills.

"Jeremy's doing a great job of seeing everything that defenses is throwing at him. They're literally throwing the kitchen sink," Simmons said of the offense versus defense battles.

"Overall, I think Jeremy's doing a great job with his eyes and his decision making.

"That's why he's the SWAC Preseason Player of the Year."

The Rattlers currently have 19 receivers. Six of those are newcomers through the NCAA Transfer Portal or traditional high school signees.

"When you lose a player of Xavier Smith's caliber, you may not replace that production with one player," Simmons said. "So, we're just trying to get some athletic guys to add to that 'RACBOY' moniker that we have. And I think they're building a lot of cohesion between the quarterbacks and the receiver corps.

"There's some healthy competition right now and a lot of guys vying for that spot. [David] Manigo is out right now with a hand injury. So, who's going to step in?

"Everyday, Coach [Antonio] Carter has done a great job of mixing up the lineup to see who's consistent. It's a great problem to have trying to get reps for a lot of talented guys."

FAMU offensive players aiming to secure important roles with training camp performances

Of those receivers aiming for a spot on the field is Day-Day Oxendine.

Oxendine, a redshirt senior from St. Augustine, had his share of grabs on Thursday as he lined up with the starters and the second team. His production translated with both.

After playing in ten games last year and being in the 'RACBOYZ 2.0' rotation, Oxendine is hoping to display steadiness in order to accrue a more concrete role this season.

"Everybody eats," Oxendine said. "No one is selfish in our room. Everyone's going to touch that rock and do their thing.

"Everybody knows that I can play. I've been doing this. I just have to stay consistent, keep being me, and listen to Coach Simmons' game plan.

"Shoutout to Coach AC ― the best wide receivers coach in the nation."

FAMU offensive lineman Ashton Grable had such a good spring practice period that he was the second overall pick of the Orange and Green Spring Game Draft last April

Months later, the redshirt sophomore transfer from Jacksonville State is continuing to make an impression as he enters his first season with the team.

Though he's primarily a tackle, Grable is showing that ability to play the guard spot too. Grable says he prefers to play tackle, but will line up wherever for the sake of the team and his development.

"I do it for my team. I trust everything Coach [Joseph] Henry is saying and what he teaches 100 percent," Grable said of the switch. "My coach is doing a good job of breaking plays down to us, so I can go from right guard to left guard and know everything to do.

"I love it and look forward to it everyday. Everyday is a challenge, so I have to bring it. We're trying to stack days, execute single play, make every pocket clean for 'Moose,' and hit every hole."

Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@gannett.com or on Twitter @3peatgee.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU Football: Rattlers display energy and adaptability in practice 12