FAMU preview: Rattlers enter the first season of SWAC with high expectations
It’s a season of new beginnings for Florida A&M.
After multiple runs of nearly four decades in the MEAC, the Rattlers are making a new home starting this fall in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
FAMU returns to the gridiron after opting out of both fall and spring football due to COVID concerns, but that hasn’t lessened any of the expectations. In the preseason coaches poll, the Rattlers earned the second spot in the East Division behind defending SWAC champion Alabama A&M.
Perhaps the biggest offseason question facing coach Willie Simmons is finding a replacement for Ryan Stanley at quarterback.
Redshirt junior Rasean McKay spent the past two seasons as Stanley’s backup, making him the front-runner for the job heading into fall camp.
“Rasean showed really good command of the offense,” Simmons said on the team’s website. “He takes charge, but that’s what you would expect from a guy that’s been in the program for four years, who played in games and won them at quarterback. He learned a lot from Ryan over the last three years.”
Redshirt junior LeJohn Howard and sophomore Cameron Sapp plus freshmen Junior Muratovic and Ja’Cory Jordan are also vying for the job.
“I’m pleased with all those guys. We have a really good, healthy quarterback competition,” Simmons added.
The Rattlers return their top two receivers from 2019, led by redshirt senior Xavier Smith, who paced the MEAC in receiving yards (1,159) and receptions (77) in 2019, and redshirt junior David Manigo (575 yards, 5 TDs). The offense also returns its leading rusher in tailback Bishop Bonnett (372 yards, 2 TDs).
The defense comes under new leadership with the promotions of Ryan Smith and Brandon Sharp to co-defensive coordinators. The pair replace former FAMU defensive coordinator Ralph Street, who left to become the defensive line coach at Marshall.
Smith and Sharp inherit a group that features defensive lineman Renaldo Flowers and defensive back Markquese Bell. The pair were second-team All-SWAC preseason selections after strong showings in 2019.
Bell led the Rattlers in interceptions (5) and was third in tackles (61) in 2019 while Flowers led the team in sacks (4.5) and tackles for loss (9).
FAMU opens the season on the road against Jackson State on Sept. 5.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Matt Murschel at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @osmattmurschel.
