FAMU releases depth chart for Orange Blossom Classic season opener against Jackson State
The official Florida A&M depth chart is out.
Head football coach Willie Simmons (54-23 overall, 33-12 at FAMU) released his team's two-deep lineup prior to the Rattlers' season opener against Jackson State at Sunday's 2023 Orange Blossom Classic.
The Rattlers plan to utilize 19 returning players for starting roles between offense, defense, and special teams.
FAMU's offense is headlined by starting quarterback, Jeremy Moussa, who was named the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Preseason All-SWAC selections Jah'Marae Sheread (Y-receiver), Kamari Young (tight end), Jalen Goss (left tackle), and Cameron Covin (right tackle) are all starting, as expected.
At Monday's press conference, Simmons said that Goss (ankle) is a game-time decision for Sunday. Morgan Moore will start in case Goss is unable to compete.
Veteran receiver Nick Dixon will start at the X-receiver Sunday, Simmons said. Fellow veteran receiver David Manigo is a game-time decision for Sunday with a hand injury.
FAMU's Dark Cloud Defense is led by Preseason All-SWAC selections Gentle Hunt (nose guard), Isaiah Major (middle linebacker), Kendall Bohler (field cornerback), Javan Morgan (rover).
FAMU has a transfer class of 34.
Offensively, the Rattlers will have four transfers get the initial snap against JSU.
Kelvin Dean Jr., a Rickards alum who transferred from Florida Atlantic (FAU), is set as the first-string running back ahead of Jaquez Yant and Terrell Jennings, who Simmons said will still get playing time. Fellow Rickards alum Marcus Riley, who transferred from Bethune Cookman, will start at FAMU's Z-receiver position.
In the trenches will be former five-star prospect, LSU transfer Kardell Thomas at left guard and Jacksonville State transfer Ashton Grable at right guard.
FAMU has a new-look special teams unit to match new coordinator Doc Gamble.
Former Maclay player Michael Smith or Stetson transfer Cameron Gillis will be the placekicker. Former Chiles player Trey Wilhoit, an Eastern Illinois transfer, will start at punter and holder. The long snapper spot is occupied by Utah Tech transfer Baylor Payan.
The kick return duo will be Buffalo transfer receiver Jamari Gassett and Riley.
Sheread and Gassett will field punts.
Florida A&M (0-0) vs. Jackson State (1-0) Orange Blossom Classic Information
When: Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023 at 3 p.m. ― Eastern Time
Where: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida
How to watch: ESPN, Rattler Sports Network
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 the Rattlers depth chart for the 2023 opener
