FAMU HARD KNOCKS: After a week of practice, it’s time to scrimmage. Three things to watch

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.'

Florida A&M has had a week-long of preseason preparation.

The Rattlers completed their seventh practice of fall football training camp Friday.

They only wore helmets and shorts for a walkthrough after practicing in full pads Thursday.

"I thought it was productive week," FAMU head coach Willie Simmons said following Friday's practice. "It's really been a lot of good teaching and we're trying to get the guys dialed in to the little things to make corrections.

"I think they've handled things really well."

The Rattlers are transitioning to their first scrimmage Saturday.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Corry Field in Quincy. It's the first time the Rattlers are returning to Quincy for their preseason scrimmage since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Simmons is excited to evaluate his team in his hometown where he was an All-American quarterback at Shanks High School.

"It means the world," Simmons said of his team playing in his hometown. "That's the field I played little league and high school football on. It's nostalgic to be able to smell the grass and see the stands. It's so many memories that were made on that field.

"For our local fans to see one of their favorite sons and the Rattlers come scrimmage on the field is something that we're very excited about. This is something we started in 2018. It's a way for our guys to get away from home because we have to get used to traveling.

"We're really trying to prepare them for the game before the game."

Simmons is excited to see how the Rattlers perform on Saturday.

He knows it's going to be the typical first game mishaps, but he just wants to see a complete performance of execution and effort from his guys.

"This will be the first time we're really able to put it all together," Simmons said. "We're going to have a normal, game-like simulation. So, we want to make sure we're really able to evaluate who's really learned what we've been teaching them for the last seven practice.

"We want to see them have fun, compete at a high level, and execute as much as we can. We know it's not going to be perfect. There's going to be some mistakes, miscommunication, and some things that we have to fix once we come back and watch the film on Sunday.

"Luckily for us, we have a bunch of guys that have great attitudes and a great work ethic."

How far has the offense progressed throughout the first week of FAMU practicing

Simmons walked away from Thursday's practice happy with how the offense performed on the first day of full pads, noting that they bested the defense.

But consistency is key, Simmons says.

Saturday will be a chance for starting quarterback and the Southwestern Athletic Conferecence (SWAC) Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Jeremy Moussa to throw to his new targets in a game situation.

Moussa already has chemistry with veteran receiver Jah'Marae Sheread. But the grad student signal caller is also equipped with speedy newcomers such as transfers Jamari Gassett and Marcus Riley.

"We're coming along really good," Sheread said on Friday. "Jeremy and I already have chemistry, so I feel like it's going to be a nice show.

"As long as I get open and get in his vision, I know it's going to be good."

The Rattlers are also building a running back committee.

Graduate student Terrell Jennings has been joined by transfers Kelvin Dean Jr. and Jaquez Yant as the trio shares first-team snaps.

And for their protectors, offensive guard Kardell Thomas has shined in the first few practices as a transfer from LSU. 2022 All-SWAC First Team selection Jalen Goss is still nursing an ankle sprain. Fellow all-conference performer Cam Covin was back activated at Friday's practice.

"I want to see guys get lined up fast, move fast, be consistent, and not beat ourselves" Sheread said. "I want to see blocking down field as far as lineman and receivers.

"I know we can throw it, we just have to get the running down pat.

How will coaches disperse playing time for FAMU's Dark Cloud Defense

No one envies the decision that FAMU defensive coordinator Ryan Smith has to make in regards to providing playing time.

The Dark Cloud Defense is star-studded.

Of course, names like Kendall Bohler (defensive back), Gentle Hunt (defensive lineman), Isaiah Major (linebacker), Javan Morgan (defensive back) jump off the screen as Preseason All-SWAC Selections.

But don't get caught snoozing on Dre Jones (defensive lineman), Johnny Chaney Jr. (linebacker), Aric Horne (linebacker), Allen Smith Jr. (linebacker), Jordan Moore (linebacker), Lovie Jenkins (defensive back), Kym'Mani King (defensive back), Eric Smith (defensive back).

And there are others.

"This is probably the best defense we've had since I've been here," Bohler, who joined FAMU in 2021 said Friday. "I'm looking forward of being a leader this upcoming season.

"Javan Morgan and I have been trying to push the guys on and off the field to do what they're supposed to do."

The physical skill and capabilities are there.

The Rattlers must know how to be mentally fit to be liaisons for signals along with not giving away extra yards due to penalties.

"I want us to be more disciplined and be way better with talking and communicating," Bohler said. "At first, we weren't talking, but we're starting to getting in the groove and being together."

How is FAMU's new-look kicking game and specialists coming along thus far

The Rattlers special teams room looks a lot different this year.

Transfer punter, Trey Wilhoit, a preseason All-American selection and Chiles High School alumnus will be in a game setting for FAMU. He practiced with the team during the spring and is likely the frontrunner for the starting spot.

The Rattlers also have a few new transfer kickers like Cameron Gillis, Marko Dubak, and Logan Fuller. Maclay kicker Michael Smith is the only true freshman kicker on the roster.

As far as long snappers, be on the look out for transfer Baylor Payan and true freshman Emmet Rhoades.

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: Here's three things to watch at the Rattlers' first scrimmage