Godby High School star Michael Ethridge was the first letter of intent received by the FAMU coaching staff this morning.

Ethridge a 6'3" - 245 lb tight end is regarded as an excellent run blocker with great hands.  In his time at Godby, Ethridge had 25 receptions for 225 yards and 4 touchdowns.  Ethridge is also a fierce and tenacious run blocker who recorded over 100 pnacakes as a tight end.  A 2-star recruit on Scout.com, he was also rectuited by FAU and FIU.

(Pittsburgh, PA – January 14, 2010) – Florida A&M University’s  scintillating return specialist LeRoy Vann and offensive tackle Robert  Okeafor have been named to the 2009 Sheridan Broadcasting Network Sports Black College  All-American (BCAA) Team, presented by the American Urban Radio  Networks.

The 25 member team is comprised of student-athletes from the nation's  Historically Black Colleges and Universities and they will be honored  during the 36th Annual BCAA Awards Weekend February 12-14, 2010, at the  DoubleTree Resort Orlando in Orlando, Florida.

• Vann, a Tampa, Florida native who is a two-time NCAA Division I FCS  All-American, makes his first appearance on the SBN All-Star team. He  finished his career as the fifth player ever in NCAA FCS to compile  over 1,000 yards in kickoff and punt returns. He finished the season  with five (5) TD punt returns and had an NCAA record 11 combined  returns for TDs in his career.

• Okeafor, a Jacksonville, Florida native, is making his second  straight appearance on the SBN All-American team as an offensive  tackle, having been named to the all-star squad in 2008.

The SBN Sports 2009 National Champion South Carolina State Bulldogs led  the way with five players selected while runner-up Prairie View A&M had  four players selected.

Prairie View A&M University quarterback K. J. Black was named “SBN  Sports/Doug Williams Offensive Player of the Year,” Grambling State  University defensive lineman Christian Anthony was named “SBN  Sports/Mel Blount Defensive Player of the Year” and for the second  consecutive year Prairie View A&M University Head Coach Henry Frazier,  III was named “SBN Sports/ Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year.”

The 2009 SBN Sports Black College All-American Team and the 2009  National Champion South Carolina State Bulldogs will be honored at the  36th annual BCAA Awards Luncheon on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at the  Doubletree Resort Orlando in Orlando, Florida.

The event will be hosted by SBN Director of Sports, Ty Miller and will  be keynoted by Chris Carter, 2010 NFL Hall of Fame finalist and ESPN  analyst.

Other featured speakers, presenters and special invited guests include  NFL Hall of Famer Mel Blount, NFL Hall of Famer Larry Little, Tampa Bay  Buccaneers Head Coach Raheem Morris, Arizona Cardinals defensive back  Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Houston Texans wide receiver Jacoby Jones,  former Denver Broncos wide receiver Rick Upchurch, former Houston  Oilers kick-return specialist Billy 'White Shoes” Johnson and former  Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker  Eddie Robinson Jr.

The Black College All American Awards Weekend (BCAA) recognizes and  celebrates the academic and athletic achievements of student athletes  who play football at America’s Historically Black Colleges and  Universities. Weekend activities include a welcoming reception and  awards luncheon.

It is attended by past and present NFL players, the members of the 2009  SBN All-American Team, their families, event sponsors and special  invited guests.

FAMU's Vann named to 2009 TSN All-America team
 
PHILLADELPHIA, PA. (Ded. 23) - FAMU's record-setting kick return specialist LeRoy Vann was named to the 2009 Sports Network Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) All-America team on Wednesday.

It was the second straight year that the 5-9, 185-pound fireball from Tampa, Florida was named to the first team, thanks to a memorable senior season which witnessed him take a school record five punts back for touchdowns; tie a single-season NCAA record for TD punt returns, while setting a new single-season return yardage mark for the school and the MEAC.

Vann also finished his career as just the fifth player in NCAA FCS history to compile at least 1,000 yards on both punt returns and kickoff returns and he holds the career mark for combined kick returns for touchdown, 11 in the past two years (eight punts, three kickoffs).

Walter Payton Award winner Armanti Edwards of Appalachian State and Buck Buchanan Award recipient Arthur Moats of James Madison head up the All-America team released on Wednesday.
 
Edwards, the record-setting senior quarterback from Appalachian State, was one
of six Mountaineers players selected on the three teams, joining teammates
Cortez Gilbert (cornerback), Mark LeGree (free safety) and D.J. Smith
(linebacker) on the first team, while Mario Acitelli (guard) was named to the
second team and Jacque Roman was a third-team selection.
 
Moats, the senior defensive end from James Madison who led the nation in
tackles for loss, was one of four James Madison players on the squad. He was
honored along with teammates Dorian Brooks (guard), Sam Daniels (defensive
tackle) and Scotty McGee (kickoff returner).
 
Four other teams placed four players on this year's squad - Eastern Washington,
Montana, Villanova and Weber State - while Southern Illinois and Massachusetts
earned three spots each.
 
The Colonial Athletic Association led all conferences with 20 selections,
followed closely by the Big Sky with 17, the Missouri Valley with 12 and the
Southern Conference with 11. All 14 FCS conferences were represented by at
least one player.
 
Edwards was one of six players named to the All-America squad for the third
straight year, joining Elon receiver Terrell Hudgins, Richmond guard Matthew
McCracken, Citadel punt returner Andre Roberts, New Hampshire tight end Scott
Sicko and Norfolk State free safety Terrell Whitehead.
 
Edwards, LeGree and McCracken were the only three players to repeat as first-
team picks.
 
There were 11 other players returning from the 2008 All-America team and
making their second appearance on the squad, Gilbert, LeGree, Southern
Illinois cornerback Korey Lindsey, Montana receiver Marc Mariani, McGee, UMass
strong safety Jeromy Miles, Roman, Northern Iowa defensive end James Ruffin,
Weber State receiver Tim Toone and Florida A&M punt returner Leroy Vann.
 
Youngstown State defensive tackle Mychal Savage returned to the All-America
unit after making the squad in 2007. Savage missed all but one quarter of the
2008 season with an arm injury.
 
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE:
QB - Armanti Edwards, Appalachian State, Sr;
RB - Deji Karim, Southern Illinois, Sr;
RB - Pat Paschall, North Dakota State, Sr;
FB - Tommy Fraser, Coastal Carolina, Sr;
WR - Terrell Hudgins, Elon, Sr;
WR - Marc Mariani, Montana, Sr;
WR - Tim Toone, Weber State, Sr;
TE - Clay Harbor, Missouri State, Sr;
C - Kyle Mutcher, Weber State, Sr;
G - Jeff Hansen, Montana State, Sr;
G - Matthew McCrackern, Richmond, Sr;
T - Vladimir Ducasse, Massachusetts, Sr;
T - Ben Ijalana, Villanova, Jr;
AP - Matt Szczur, Villanova, Jr.
 
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE:
DE - Arthur Moats, James Madison, Sr;
DE - Danny Batten, South Dakota State, Sr;
DL - Christian Anthony, Grambling, Jr;
DT - Sean Lissemore, William & Mary, Sr;
DT - Mychal Savage, Youngstown State, Sr;
LB - Matt Coen, Lehigh, So;
LB - Brandin Jordan, Southern Illinois, Sr;
LB - J.C. Sherritt, Eastern Washington, Jr;
LB - D.J. Smith, Appalachian State, Jr;
CB - Cortez Gilbert, Appalachian State, Sr;
CB - Josh Morris, Weber State, Sr;
SS - Jeromy Miles, Massachusetts, Sr;
FS - Mark LeGree, Appalachian State, Fs;
S - Terrell Whitehead, Norfolk State, S.
 
FIRST TEAM SPECIAL TEAMS:
PK - Matt Bevins, Liberty, So;
P - Trevor Ward, Southern Utah, Sr;
KR - Mareo Howard, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, So;
PR - Leroy Vann, Florida A&M, Sr.

The inaugural HBCU Bowl pit the East All Stars from the MEAC and CIAA against the West All Stars from the SWAC and SIAC.  For FAMU, it had even more meaning as head coach Joe Taylor and his staff was invited to guide the East squad.  They did so bringing  home a 26-21 victory over the West squad.

 

FAMU had nine seniors invited to the game.  Mykel Benson, Steve Brazzle, Anthony Collins, Cameron Houston, Demetris Lane, Robert Okeafor, Bryan Parker, Curtis Pulley and LeRoy Vann all made the trip to Montgomery, Ala. for the week of festivities.

 

The week began with a dedicated NFL combine.   Over 50 scouts, including at least one from every NFL team, the Canadian League and European League, took the players through the standard workout. 

 

LeRoy Vann impressed the scouts with his agility by running the shuttle run in just 4.1 seconds.  Cameron Houston showed his strength by pressing the standard 225 lbs. an impressive 26 times in a minute.  The biggest eye opener came when 6’3, 300lb., Robert Okeafor ran the 40-yard dash in just 5.1 seconds…scorching speed for an offensive lineman.

 

Coach Taylor and his staff took over the team after Tuesday’s activities.  They held two-a-day practices to bond together players who had played against each other during the regular season, into a unified team.

 

Friday, the players went on a community service trek.  They visited Davis Elementary School, Houston Hill Jr. High School, Sidney Lanier High School and Rosa Parks Senior Center.  At the schools, the players talked to students about the importance of staying in school and making the right decisions.  At the Rosa Parks Senior Center, they played BINGO with the residents and had talks with them.

 

Saturday, it was showtime.  The East and West teams put on their game faces in front of a crowd of thousands at the Cramton Bowl.  The game had a ‘real’ atmosphere as an All-Star high school band played in the stands.

 

Game MVP LeRoy Vann electrified the crowd, much like he has done over the last two years at FAMU.  He took a first quarter punt and scampered 81-yards for a touchdown.  He high-stepped the last 20-yards and then tossed the ball into the stands for the fans.  It was the second punt of the day that Vann had returned. 

 

On a kickoff, the West team was booed, even by their fans, for kicking away from Vann.  “What a level of respect,” East coach Taylor said.  “To even kick away from him in an All Star game, that shows the level of attention that has been paid to his accomplishments this season,” Taylor added.

 

Cameron Houston and Bryan Parker were impressive on defense for the East squad.  Houston was unstoppable in the middle, carding three tackles for loss. 

 

On offense, many were disappointed that Taylor was forced to sit popular quarterback Curtis Pulley.  Taylor did not want to risk further hampering Pulley’s strained groin.  Another casualty of the injury bug was tight end/running back Mykel Benson who pulled a quad muscle during the NFL combine session and missed the week of activities.

 

The offense was not without its stars, as Brazzle, Collins and Okeafor held down the offensive line.  The former Rattlers played side-by-side for most of the game.  Brazzle was constant at center, while at times Collins was the left guard and Okeafor was the left tackle.  Showing his versatility, at times Okeafor went to guard, meaning  there were three Rattlers in the center of the offensive line.

 

A bus load of FAMU fans traveled from Tallahassee for the game.  They shouted out for the Rattlers, much to the content of Taylor.  “For them to follow us like that is what makes it possible for us to do what we do,” Taylor said.  “This was a great start to what we hope will grow to be even better next year,” Taylor added.

 

FAMU head coach Joe Taylor and his assistants were chosen to head the East squad in the inaugural HBCU Bowl in Montgomery, Ala.  The players have been here for a week in preparation for the game.  On Monday the players and coaches checked-in and were greeted by NFL scouts.  An estimated 60 scouts were here to take the players through a dedicated combine.

FAMU's Robert Okeafor made one of the biggest impressions on scouts as he ran the 40-yard dash in 5.1 seconds.  Considering that Okeafor is 6'4" and 300lbs., it was quite impressive.  Cameron Houston stole the show with strength as he pressed the standard 225 lbs., for 26 reps.  LeRoy Vann also impressed scouts with his agility by finishing the shuttle run in just 4.1 seconds.  That is quite impressive and shows his agility, which resulted in success in punt returns.

Friday was community service day.  All the senior all-star players and coaches from the MEAC, SWAC, CIAA and SIAC visited key spots around Montgomery, Ala.  They went to Davis Elementary School, Houston Hill Jr. High School, a high school and the Rosa Parks Senior Citizen Center.  They talked to students about life and staying on the right path.  At the Rosa Parks Center, they played BINGO with the guests and talked with them as well.

The players also had media day following the practice, followed by a dinner by the Montgomery Boosters, headed by Dr. Pompey.

The inaugural Russell Athletics HBCU Senior Bowl will be webcast by local television station WSFA from Montgomery, Ala. 

The station did a prelimenary report, which includes comments from FAMU head coach Joe Taylor, who is coaching the East team.


http://www.wsfa.com/global/Category.asp?C=151146&clipId=&topVideoCatNo=93080&topVideoCatNoB=97608&topVideoCatNoC=153813&topVideoCatNoD=92106&topVideoCatNoE=95084&clipId=4388366&topVideoCatNo=92106&autoStart=true

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (Dec. 15) –  Florida A&M University kick return ace LeRoy Vann was named to the Walter Camp Football Foundation 2009 Football Championship Subdivision All-America team, announced on Tuesday.

It was a repeat selection for the scintillating senior from Tampa, Florida, who ran back a school record five (5) punts for touchdowns this season, finishing his career with NCAA records for punt returns for touchdowns (8) and combined returns for touchdowns (11/ eight punts, three kickoffs). He also wrapped up his career as the fifth player in NCAA  history to finish with over 1,000 yards in kickoff returns and 1,000 yards in punt returns.

The 2009 All-America team was selected by the head coaches and sports
information directors of the Football Championship Subdivision schools and
certified by UHY Advisors, a New Haven-based accounting firm.

Three-time selection Terrell Hudgins (Elon)Hudgins and quarterback Armanti Edwards (Appalachian State) are the lone repeat Walter Camp FCS All-Americans on offense.

The nation’s leading receiver, Hudgins caught 123 passes for 1,633 yards and 16 touchdowns this season.  Edwards, who led Appalachian State to the FCS semifinals, passed for 3,644 yards while rushing for 733 more.

Joining Hudgins at wide receiver are Marc Mariani (Montana) and Matt Szczur
(Villanova), two players who have led their respective teams to this
Friday’s FCS Championship Game.   Mariani has 71 receptions for 1,301 yards
and 12 touchdowns, while Szczur has totaled 1,969 all-purpose yards and 13
touchdowns this season.

The running backs are Deji Karim (Southern Illinois) and Pat Paschall
(North Dakota State). Karim has rushed for 1,694 yards and 18 touchdowns,
while Paschall has totaled 1,397 yards and 16 scores on the ground.

The 2009 Walter Camp All-America defensive squad includes 11 players who
are candidates for the Buck Buchanan Award, presently annually to the top
defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision.  Among the
standouts include defensive end Arthur Moats (James Madison), the Colonial
Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year.

At linebacker, J.C. Sherritt (Eastern Washington) leads the FCS with 170
tackles, while defensive back Mark LeGree (Appalachian State), who has 70
tackles and seven interceptions, is a repeat selection along with kick
returner LeRoy Vann (Florida A&M).

In all, players from eight different conferences and 22 institutions were
represented on the 2009 Walter Camp FCS All-America team.   The Colonial
Athletic Association (7) has the most selections, followed by the Big Sky
(6) and Missouri Valley Conference (5).   Four schools had multiple players
selected, led by Appalachian State with three. Villanova, Weber State and
Southern Illinois each placed two players on the 2009 Walter Camp
All-America team.

Walter Camp, “The Father of American Football,” first selected an
All-America team in 1889. Camp – a former Yale University athlete and
football coach – is also credited with developing play from scrimmage, set
plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries and the restriction of
play to eleven men per side. The Walter Camp Football Foundation – a New
Haven based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the
ideals of Camp and to continue the tradition of selecting All-America teams
for the Football Bowl and Championship subdivisions.

FAMU return specialist LeRoy Vann was honored today at the Leon County Commission meeting.  Commissioner Bill Proctor presented a resolution to Vann in honor of his FAMU and NCAA record-setting career.  Vann holds numerous school, career and NCAA records accumulated in 2008 and 2009.

Vann will be a participant in the inaugural Black College Senior Bowl game in Montgomery, Ala. on Dec. 19.

The Rattler Football Team moved up a notch in the latest Sheridan Broadcasting Network (SBN) Black College Football Poll.

FAMU (8-3) moved from fifth (5th) up to fourth (4th) in this week’s voting, garnering 179 points.

MEAC champion South Carolina State (10-2) remained in first place with 257 points while receiving 18 first place votes.

Resurgent Prairie (Tex.) A&M (8-1) remained a solid second with 235 points and 12 first place votes, followed by Tuskegee (Ala.) University (9-2), who received 196 points.

Ranked in order behind FAMU in the SBN Top Ten are: 5-Grambling (7-4), 6-Southern 6-4), 7-Shaw (N.C.) University (8-2), 8-Alabama A&M (7-4), 9-Norfolk (Va.) State (7-4) and 10-Albany (Ga.) State (8-3).

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Nov. 25) - Florida A&M University senior quarterback Curtis Pulley was announced Wednesday as the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Offensive Player of the Year as voted on by the MEAC head football coaches and sports information directors.

Pulley headed an eight-man contingent of Rattlers named to the 2009 MEAC All-Star Football squad, a contingent which featured four first-team selections and four-second team picks.

The Rattler quarterback led the MEAC in total offense with 2,705 yards and ranked third in rushing and passing.  He completed 60-percent of his passes (137-of-226) with 1,824 yards and 12 touchdowns.
 
He led the Rattlers (8-3, 6-2 in MEAC) to its’ first NCAA FCS Top 25 national ranking since 2001, while leading the teanm in rushing with 881 yards on 122 carries with six touchdowns.

The Hopkinsville, Kentucky native earned five conference Offensive Player of the Week honors and is a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, which goes to the top offensive player in NCAA FCS.

The other FAMU first-team selections included senior All-America kick return specialist LeRoy Vann (Tampa, Fla.), who returned five punts for touchdowns in 2009 and finished his career as the fifth player in NCAA FCS history to record over 1,000 yards on both kickoff and punt returns; senior All-America tackle Robert Okeafor (Jacksonville, Fla.), a repeat first-team selection, who played also played guard this season; and sophomore placekicker Trevor Scott (Jacksonville, Fla.), who scored a team-high 74 points (38 of 39 PATs, 12 of 22 field goals).

Rattlers receiving second-team notices included sophomore wide receiver Kevin Elliott (Orlando, Fla.), who finished the season with 44 receptions for 554 yards and 7 TDs; senior guard Anthony Collins (Miami, Fla.), a repeat All-MEAC selection; senior center Steven Brazzle (Coatesville, Pa.), and senior linebacker Bryan Parker (Randlestown, Md.), who had 45 tackles and 6.0 tackles for loss in a injury-plagued season.

From left: FAMU coach Joe Taylor, ESPN's Charlie Neal and B-CU coach Alvin Wyatt

Orlando, Fla. - The FAMU Rattlers football team faced off against the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats in front of a sellout crowd at the Rosen Centre ballroom today.  While the football game isn't until tomorrow, they faced off at the annual coaches' luncheon.

FAMU head coach Joe Taylor spoke of the history of the contest between FAMU and B-CU and talked about the success of players and coaches after their football careers are over.  ESPN commentator Charlie Neal, who was presiding at the event, talked of the three current coaches who developed under Taylor's tutelage.  Taylor credited it with people "buying in" to the systems he put in place.  "Over the years we've put things in place that have been solid and when we get everyone buying in to it, the result is a successful program," Taylor said.

FAMU defensive lineman Cameron Houston was awarded a leadership award from the U.S. Army, which was presented by Command sergeant major Dennis king.

Much anticipation was awaiting the comments of always-animated B-CU coach Alvin Wyatt.  While Wyatt joked for a moment, he credited the miraculous turnaround of the Wildcats' season to prayer.  "The Friday of the Delaware State game, I asked God what was the plan for our team," he said.  After starting the season with three paltry performances, the Wildcats fought back to a 5-5 record.

FAMU president Dr. James H. Ammons got the Rattler faithful excited with a spirited speech, capped by the Strike, Strike and Strike again charge. B-CU president Dr. Trudy Kibbie Reed got the B-CU fans excited with her touching stories of  Mary McCloud Bethune overcoming odds.  Ammons concluded by introducing FAMU SGA president and board of trustees member Gallop Franklin.  Reed concluded by introducing B-CU student body president Chandra Fleet.

The luncheon was opened with selections from both the FAMU Marching 100 and the Bethune-Cookman Marching Wildcats.

Saturday’s 30th Florida Classic Football Game between FAMU (7-3) and Bethune-Cookman (5-5) will be televised live nationally by ESPN Classic, beginning at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

• Veteran broadcaster Charlie Neal will provide play-by-play and former Howard University All-America quarterback Jay “Sky” Walker will by the color analyst.

• As part of the Classic broadcast, the complete halftime show featuring both university bands will be aired in its’ entirety.

HAMPTON, Va. (Nov. 14) – The Florida A&M University Football team suffered their first shutout in conference play in 11 years here Saturday, as they dropped a 25-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference decision to Hampton University at Armstrong Stadium.

It was the first shutout overall for FAMU since a 62-0 setback at the hands of Virginia Tech in 2004, and it was the first conference shutout since an identical 25-0 decision was dealt to them by Bethune-Cookman in 1988 in Tampa.

Saturday’s setback virtually ended the Rattlers NCAA playoff hopes, but a bigger question for FAMU (7-3, 5-2 in MEAC) is the health of the squad.

Senior quarterback Curtis Pulley exited the game in the first half after re-aggravating a groin injury, then backup Eddie Battle injured his shoulder late in the game. Plus all three starting Rattler receivers – Kevin Elliott, Adrian Smith and Isaac West all left the game with injuries.

David Legree and Herbert Bynes split time at quarterback, leading the Pirates (5-5, 3-4 in MEAC) to 464 total yards Saturday, while the Rattlers managed just 184 total – their lowest of the season.

Legree scored on a 15-yard run with 25 seconds left in the half to give the Pirates a 6-0 halftime lead.

Running back Steve Robinson capped an 82-yard, 12-play drive with a two-yard run, extending the Pirates’ lead to 12-0, then Isiah Thomas caught a 50-yard bomb from Bynes (14:03) early in the final stanza to push Hampton further out front, 19-0.

Robinson, who rushed for a game-high 150 yards on 17 carries, capped the game’s scoring with a one-yard burst at the end of an 81-yard march for the final 25-0 with 4:25 left in the game.

Third string quarterback Martin Ukpai led all FAMU runners with 48 yards on five carries in the final two series of the game, followed by Philip Sylvester, who ran for 45 yards on 10 carries.

Battle finished the game Saturday with 32 yards passing on eight completions (16 attempts), with two interceptions, while Pulley was five of seven for 22 yards in the first period.

Adrian Smith led FAMU with four receptions for 34 yards, while Javares Knight (26 yards), Isaac West (18 yards) and Sylvester (-8 yards) each had two catches.

Defensively, linebacker Alvis Grahm topped the charts with 10 tackles, followed by freshman Jerrod Brisbon with nine stops.

GAME NOTES: Saturday’s loss, coupled with South Carolina State’s win over Morgan State, assured the Bulldogs the 2009 MEAC title. SCSU (9-1, 7-0) will claim the league’s automatic NCAA playoff berth for the postseason which begins November 28.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers will close out the regular season next Saturday in Orlando against Bethune-Cookman University in the 30th Florida Classic. Kickoff will be 2:30 p.m. for the nationally-televised contest (ESPN Classic) at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Nov. 10) - The Florida A&M University Football Team moved up in this week's trio of Top 25 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Polls folliwng last Saturday's 31-27 home victory over North Carolina A&T.

• The Rattlers (7-2, 5-1 in MEAC) are #21 in the FCS Coaches' Poll and rank #22 in both The Sports Network (TSN) and Any Given Saturday (AGS) Top 25 polls, after being in the #24 spot heading into last week's home finale at Bragg.

• FAMU remains #3 in the Sheridan Broadcasting Network (SBN) Black College Football Top 10 as well as the Heritage Sports Radio Network (HSRN) Black College Division One Top Ten, behind South Carolina State (8-1) and resurgent Prairie View (Tex.) A&M (7-1).

WHAT'S NEXT: The Rattlers will begin a two-game regular season wrap on their regular season Saturday at Hampton (Va.) University (4-5, 2-4 in MEAC). Kickoff will be 1:00 p.m. at Armstrong Stadium.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Nov. 9) - Florida A&M University’s LeRoy Vann heads into this weekend’s clash against Hampton ranked #1 in NCAA FCS and #1
in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in punt returns, averaging 20.9 yards per runback.

This past Saturday against North Carolina A&T, Vann dashed 51 yards with an Aggie punt for a touchdown - his fifth TD return
of the season, setting a pair of school records, while breaking one NCAA standard and tying another:

• His five (5) TD returns surpasses the FAMU season high of four (4) set by Howard Huckaby in 1988, and his 540 punt
return yards shattered Huckaby’s 478-yard performance in 1988.

• Vann tied the NCAA and MEAC single season TD punt return mark of five (5) set by North Carolina A&T’s Curtis Deloatch in
2001, while setting a new NCAA FCS career mark (8) for TD returns, vaulting past Northern Iowa’s Kenny Shedd (1989-92),
who had seven (7).

@ He has now become the fifth (5th) player in NCAA FCS history to have 1,000 yards in punt returns (1,004) and kickoff
returns (1,872) in a career...

On Sept. 17,  football fans were treated to a spectacular performance from the senior All-America return specialist in the
Rattlers’ 48-10 romp over Howard University before a national television audience on ESPNU on a rainy night in Bragg Memo-
rial Stadium.

The 5-8, 185-pound cornerback from Tampa (Fla.) Blake High School, ran back two punts for touchdowns - a 40-yarder late in
the first quarter and a scintillating 66-yarder in the third period which capped the game’s scoring.

He also set up the Rattlers’ first score of the game - a 10-yard run by Philip Sylvester - with a 66-yard return of the opening
kickoff.

Vann finished the night with 197 all-purpose yards (117 on punts and 80 on kickoffs), further writing his name in school
and NCAA record books.

The two returns against Howard, followed a similar effort the week before (Sept. 10) against Winston-Salem State in a 34-10
victory on the road.

In the WSSU game, Vann broke a 95-yard punt return for a touchdown in the second period (9:11) to give the Rattlers some
breathing room before the half at 14-3, then he raced 80 yards with a third quarter kick (7:47) for six, extending FAMU’s
advantage to 21-3.

Vann now has 11 total kick returns for touchdowns (eight punts, three kickoffs) in his career, and has now surpassed Northern Iowa’s
Kenny Shedd (1989-92) for the NCAA Division I FCS (Football  Championships Subdivision) career TD punt return lead (8).

Vann’s eight surpassed (8) punt returns for touchdowns is a new FAMU career record, and the back-to-back games with two punt
returns for scores is a school and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference record.

Vann now has 540 yards on 26 punt returns and 717 yards on 35 kickoff returns, plus 67 rushing yards for 1,324 all purpose
yards in the nine games of 2009.

• Vann’s 95-yard punt return for a touchdown against WSSU also tied the school record for longest punt return, set by Leroy
Hardee, versus South Carolina State in 1958.

• Careerwise, Vann has 1,872 yards on 76 kickoff returns, with three (3) touchdowns, while recording 1,004 yards on 55 punt
returns with eight (8) TDs, giving him 2,876 combined return yards and 11 touchdowns.

 • In 2008, Vann finished the 2008 season with 1,121 kickoff return yards on 38 returns with three TDS and had 464 punt
return yards (29 attempts) with three TDs.

 • He also finished the 2008 campaign as the NCAA FCS all-time single-season leader in combined kick returns with 1,585 yards,
shattering the old mark of 1,469 set by Samford’s David Primus in 1989.

 • In 2008, Vann ended the season with 67 (29 punts, 38 kickoffs) combined returns, surpassing the old mark of 64 by
Connecticut’s Joe Markus in 1981.

 • Vann also finished the 2008 season as the overall NCAA Division I leader in combined kick return yards and tied the
Division I BCS (formerly I-A) mark for combined kick returns for TDs with six (6).

@ Kentucky’s Derek Abney held the previous BCS single-season combined kick return yardage mark of 1,348 yards in
2003...... Abney (2002) and Asland Davis of Tulsa (2004) both had six combined kick returns for TDs in a season.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Nov. 7) – All-America Leroy Vann’s 51-yard punt return for a touchdown sparked a 14-point third quarter blitz, helping FAMU to hold off a determined North Carolina A&T squad, 31-27 in the Rattlers’ 2009 home finale in Bragg Memorial Stadium Saturday afternoon.

Vann’s runback capped the Rattlers’ third quarter rally that allowed them to overcome a 21-17 halftime deficit, setting and tying several school and national records in the process.

• The touchdown return shattered the single-season school record for TD punt returns set in 1988 by Howard Huckaby (4), and his 81 punt return yards Saturday, boosted his 2009 season total to 540 yards, surpassing Huckaby’s season high 478 yards, also established in 1988.

• The TD return for Vann tied an NCAA Division I FCS and MEAC single season high for returns of five (5), set by North Carolina A&T’s Curtis Deloach in 2001.

That third period flurry helped the Rattlers (7-2, 5-1 in MEAC) overhaul the Aggies (5-5, 3-4 in MEAC), after the visitors had used a similar 14-point surge midway through the second quarter to grab a 21-17 halftime advantage.

Saturday’s win allowed the Rattlers to remain mathematically alive in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title chase, and keep their at-large NCAA playoff hopes alive as well should they win their final two games.

The Rattlers scored on their first possession of the game, as quarterback Curtis Pulley found wideout Kevin Elliott for a 16-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead with 7:08 left in the first quarter.

The Aggies took advantage of a Rattler fumble by LeRoy Vann, to eventually tie the score 7-7, on a seven-yard run by Lewis Kindle with 17 seconds left in the period.

FAMU then regained the lead at 14-7, on a 22-yard run by Pulley with 14:14 left in the half, followed by a 31-yard field goal by Trevor Scott at the 8:23 mark, which extended the Rattlers’ edge to 17-7.

But the Aggies wouldn’t fold, scoring 14 points in a lightning fast 24 seconds to take their only lead of the game, 21-17.

Brett Fisher caught a 22-yard scoring toss from Kindle to close to 17-14 with 6:19 left in the half, then Terrence Whitaker snared a 23-yard aerial from Kindle to push the Aggies in front, 21-17 with 5:55 left in the second stanza.

Curtis Pulley, who had been the leading man for the Rattlers the past several weeks, left the game midway through the third period with a groin injury, but instead of putting a damper on FAMU, the intensity level seemed to soar, as they retook the lead in a four-minute span.

Junior halfback Philip Sylvester bolted untouched 40 yards for a touchdown with 6:44 left, lifting the Rattlers ahead for good, 24-21, then Vann brought the crowd at Bragg to its’ feet with his 51-yard minefield dash to pushed the FAMU bulge to 31-21 with 2:51 to play in the quarter.

But Vann’s next punt return try resulted in a lost fumble – his second of the game – giving the Aggies a chance to stay alive.

A&T cashed in the opportunity with an eight-yard run by Tallahassee DRS grad Dontavious Payne with 12:55 left in the game, slicing the FAMU lead to 31-27. But Wallace Miles’ PAT kick try was wide.

The Rattler Defense, which came up big with a stand in last week’s overtime win at Morgan, stuffed the Aggies on fourth and short in the final minute, prompting a furious reaction from the A&T bench, whose demands for a measurement by the officials fell on deaf ears.

Payne’s try for first down on fourth and two yards from the FAMU 23-yard line came up a yard short thanks to a stop from safety Fabian Wilson.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: The two schools combined for nine (9) turnovers Saturday, with FAMU suffering six (6) giveaways (five fumbles, one interception), to three (3) for A&T (one interception, two fumbles)..... The Rattlers rushed for 191 yards Saturday, led by Pulley (seven for 79), Sylvester (13 for 71) and Vann (two for 27)…. Former Baby Rattler Dontavious Payne led the Aggies with 59 yards on 22 carries…. Pulley had 145 yards through the air on 9 of 17 passing, while Eddie Battle was 3 of 12 through the air for 31 yards, rushing twice for 18 yards…. Isaac West had six receptions Saturday for 111 yards, followed by Kevin Elliott with three grabs for 30 yards…. A&T’s Lewis Kindle was 16 of 30 passing for 206 yards and 2 TDs in his first collegiate start, rushing for 54 yards on 11 carries and another score…

GAME NOTES: Saturday’s win completed the first perfect home season for the Rattlers (4-0)  – a year in which FAMU played in four Classics… North Carolina A&T featured four Tallahassee area players including Payne and eight Florida players all told….. Vann’s TD return was his first since the September 17 game against Howard….

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers will finish the 2009 regular season on the road starting next week at Hampton University (1:00 p.m.), and against Bethune-Cookman (2:30 p.m. – ESPN Classic) in Orlando.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Oct. 24) – Senior quarterback Curtis Pulley turned in another star performance Saturday, leading the Florida A&M University Rattler Football team to a 34-20 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference victory over Norfolk State University in the 2009 Homecoming Game in Bragg Memorial Stadium.

FAMU (5-2, 3-1 in MEAC) piled up 402 yards of offense, highlighted by Pulley’s 358 total yards, which featured 185 yards rushing (on 17 carries) and one TD, plus 173 passing yards (13 of 22) and two TDs

The talented youngster from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, tossed a one-yard scoring pass to Mykel Benson capping the game’s opening drive with 10:47 in the first quarter, then later extended the Rattler lead to 31-13 with 4:16 left in the second period on his scintillating 51-yard TD run, the longest run of his FAMU career.

Norfolk State (3-4, 2-3 in MEAC) hung tough against the Rattlers, tying the score at 7-7 on their first possession of the game on a one-yard plunge by halfback Josh Alford with 8:10 left.

Pulley led another FAMU drive in the opening stanza, a 55-yard march, that ended with a 22-yard field goal by Trevor Scott with 2:59 to play, putting the Rattlers ahead for good at 10-7.

Junior tailback Philip Sylvester, who has been slowly recovering from an ankle injury, raced into the end zone from 22 yards out with 14:51 left in the second quarter, boosting the Rattler edge to 17-7, before fullback Mykel Benson snared a Pulley pass and rumbled 30 yards for a score with 6:56 left to extend the FAMU lead to 24-7.

Pulley’s 51-yard TD gallop right before the half closed the Rattlers’ scoring for the first half at 31-13.

The action slowed down considerably in the second half, with the Spartans breaking the ice as P.J. Hayden caught a 17-yard pass from Dennis Brown to slice the Rattler lead to 31-20 with 14:50 left in the game, before Trevor Scott’s 30-yard field goal with 9:33 to play added the game’s final points for a 34-20 count.

BY THE NUMBERS: The Rattlers outgained Norfolk, 402-225 in total yards…. Sylvester also rushed for nearly 100 yards Saturday, netting 92 yards on 18 carries, while All-America LeRoy Vann finished with 24 yards on five carries in FAMU’s version of the “Wildcat” offense…. Benson led the Rattler receivers with five receptions for 71 yards, followed by Jarvis Funderburk (2 for 29) and Isaac West (2 for 27)…. NSU quarterback Dennis Brown led the Spartans on the ground with 78 yards on 14 carries, while passing for 188 yards on 16 completions (of 29 attempts) and one TD, with two interceptions….. Qier Hall and Anthony Shutt had interceptions for FAMU this Saturday, the first of the year for both….. Sylvester and Pulley made some big jumps on the Rattler Career Rushing Charts Saturday…. Pulley’s 185 yards rushing, 11 yards shy of his 196-yard effort against Delaware State in Week One, pushed him to 16th on the FAMU charts at 1,453 yards, while Sylvester moved up to 11th all-time with 1,771 yards rushing in his career…. Sylvester needs 229 yards to reach 2,000 career yards, while Pulley 547 yards to reach the 2,000-yard plateau, a feat only six other Rattler runners have managed in school history….

HOMECOMING NOTES: This year’s Homecoming theme was “Blood, Sweat and Tears,” Great Moments In Rattler Football History, with a Special Tribute to NFL Pro Football Hall of Famer Robert “Bullet Bob” Hayes…. In pregame ceremonies, a special commemorative flag honoring Bob Hayes was raised on the north side of the stadium with a replica of Hayes’ Orange Blossom Classic jersey…. Then the 1959, 1969, 1977, 1978 and 1979 teams were recognized for their achievements, along with other former FAMU players who returned to Tallahassee for the annual football reunion…. The five teams plus Hayes were honored at a Homecoming Eve Gala in the new Al Lawson Multipurpose Center Friday night.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers will continue their NCAA Division I FCS playoff drive next Saturday in Baltimore, Maryland, as they square off against the Morgan State University Bears (5-2, 3-1) at Earl Banks Stadium. Kickoff will be 4:00 p.m…. The Rattlers and Bears trail league-leading South Carolina State by one-half game in the MEAC standings, so Saturday’s Halloween encounter will likely clinch the league’s number two spot for the winner, keeping the victor mathematically alive for the 2009 conference title..... Incidentally, Morgan State has won the last two games aganst FAMU, 12-10 in Baltimore in 2007 and 13-10 at the Rattlers' Homecoming in 2008.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE BESTS FAMU GRIDDERS, 35-20
Bulldogs use 28-point second quarter blitz to bounce Rattlers Saturday

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (Oct. 17) – Homestanding South Carolina State used a 28-point second quarter to surge past the Florida A&M Rattlers, 35-20, in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football game here at Oliver C. Dawson Bulldog Stadium Saturday afternoon.

SCSU took advantage of four FAMU turnovers and deployed a stingy run defense that kept the Rattlers out of the end zone for most of the first half while the Bulldogs built a 35-13 advantage at the break.

Saturday’s win put the Bulldogs (5-1, 3-0 in MEAC) in a first place tie with Morgan State (5-1, 3-0), who comes to Orangeburg on November 14.

Meanwhile, the visiting Rattlers (4-2, 3-1 in MEAC) must win the remainder of their games and will need S.C. State to lose twice to claim the MEAC title, as they did in 2000 and 2001.

The First Half: SCSU 35, FAMU 13
The Bulldogs held FAMU to just eight rushing yards in the first half and 153 total yards in the first two quarters, while S.C. State, a traditional running team, went to the air for 155 of their 227 total yards.

FAMU took the opening kickoff and took a 3-0 lead on a 24-yard field goal by Trevor Scott with 9:17 left. SCSU took the lead for good three minutes later on William Ford’s five-yard burst for a 7-3 lead at the 6:23 mark.

The Rattlers closed to within one point, 7-6 on Scott’s 39-yard field goal with 3:05 left in the stanza, but SCSU began a 66-yard drive which ended four seconds into the second quarter on Travil Jamison’s two-yard run for a 14-6 Bulldog lead.

TreOliver Johnson snared a 17-yard pass from Malcolm Long with 9:30 left in the half to extend SCSU’s edge to 21-6, before Mykel Benson’s one-yard burst capped a 56-yard FAMU drive, pulling FAMU within eight points, 21-13 with 4:15 to play.

William Ford scored his second TD of the half on an 11-yard run with 1:37 left for a 28-13 bulge, then Joe Council picked off a Curtis Pulley pass that deflected off the hands of Kevin Elliott, racing in from 47 yards out with 41 seconds to play in the half for a 35-13 SCSU lead at the break.

The Second Half: Rattlers score late in 3rd Quarter.
FAMU did not score on their first two possessions of the third period, while SCSU used their ground game to run time off the clock.

However on their third possession, the Rattlers marched 66 yards in four plays, capped by a 14-yard pass from Curtis Pulley to Kevin Elliott with 4:24 left in the period to cut the ‘Dogs lead to 35-20.

On the first possession of the fourth quarter, the Rattlers were in the midst of a promising drive, when Curtis Pulley, after a nifty scramble, was hit from behind and forced to fumble, a fumble which was recovered by Devonne Quattlebaum at the SCSU 33 yard line – the Rattlers’ third turnover of the game, which all but ended FAMU’s flickering hopes.

Statistically, the game was nearly even in first downs (20-19, SCSU), time of possession (30:58 to 29:02, SCSU), and total yards (370-355), but the edge for the ‘Dogs came thanks to forcing four Rattler turnovers (three interceptions, one fumble) and a huge edge on the ground, 193 to 35.

SCSU’s William Ford, the reigning MEAC Player of the Year, rushed for 141 yards and two TDs, while quarterback Malcolm Long was sharp through the air, hitting 14 of 19 aerials for 164 yards and 1 TD.

The Rattlers were paced by quarterback Curtis Pulley, who finished with 342 total yards (22 rushing and 320 passing). Pulley hit on 23 of 37 passes, tossing one TD pass, while suffering three interceptions.

Kevin Elliott led the Rattlers with nine catches for 111 yards and one TD, which Isaac West, who had no catches last week against Miami, rebounded with five receptions for 113 yards Saturday.

Defensive backs Curtis Holcomb (7) and LeRoy Vann (6) led the Rattlers defensively in tackles on Saturday.

GAME NOTES: Saturday’s loss was the fourth straight in for the Rattlers in Orangeburg, which had not won on the Bulldogs’ home field since 1997…. Overall, SCSU has won seven (7) straight off the Rattlers since FAMU’s 33-27 win in Jacksonville in 2001…… Saturday’s crowd at O.C. Dawson Bulldog Stadium was 24,496 – the second-largest crowd ever at the expanded facility….

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers will return to Bragg Memorial Stadium for the 2009 Homecoming Game against the Spartans of Norfolk State. Kickoff will be 3 p.m.

QB Curtis Pulley accounts for over 200 total yards in Saturday night bout against UM

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (Oct. 10) – The Florida A&M University Rattlers held their own here Saturday evening, going toe-to-toe with the #11-ranked University of Miami Hurricanes (4-1) before yielding a 48-16 decision on a warm and steamy evening at Land Shark Stadium.

A crowd of over 47,000 fans watched as the Rattlers (4-1) took the opening kickoff and drove close enough for a Trevor Scott 32-yard field goal to give them an early 3-0 lead.

Despite the final margin, there were a number of bright spots for FAMU, led by senior quarterback Curtis Pulley, who rushed for a team-high 81 yards and the Rattlers’ only touchdown, tallying on a 26-yard run late in the third period.

Pulley finished the night with 225 total yards, passing for 144 yards on 10 completions (25 attempts, 1 INT), to go with the 81 yards rushing yards on 17 carries. Junior Philip Sylvester finished with 24 yards rushing on 12 carries, with a 29-yard run that set up a Scott field goal.

Kevin Elliott (3 for 57 yards) and Adrian Smith (3 for 55 yards) led FAMU in receiving, while team co-leader Isaac West was held without a catch for the first time this season.

Here is a quarter-by-quarter recap of Saturday’s game:

First Quarter: The Rattlers drew first blood with a 32-yard field goal off the foot of Trevor Scott, which capped a nine-play, 59-yard game-opening drive by FAMU.
   QB Curtis Pulley completed his first pass, a seven-yarder to Adrian Smith, then used his running ability to move FAMU downfield.
   Pulley finished the first quarter with a team-high 32 yards rushing on five carries, including a 15-yard jaunt on the Rattlers’ opening march that led to a field goal.
  Miami got near midfield on the ensuing kickoff, plus a personal foul penalty on FAMU, before using a series of short passes to move inside the FAMU 10-yard line.
  The ‘Canes scored on a five-yard pass from Jacory Harris to Leonard Hankerson to take a 7-3 lead with 8:13 left in the period.
  FAMU was forced to punt after three plays on their next possession, a kick which UM to the FAMU 33 yard line.
   From there, the Hurricanes drove 23 yards to add a 20-yard field goal by Matt Bosher with 5:34 left in the quarter, extending the UM lead to 10-3.
   After the Rattlers gained one first down, then was forced to punt, Miami returned the punt 33 yards to the FAMU 37-yard line.
   From there, it took UM four plays to cover the distance, with Harris tossing a  seven-yard pass to Jimmy Graham, extending the ‘Canes lead to 17-3 with 1:19 left in the quarter.
    On the next FAMU possession, FAMU found it tough going on the ground against UM, instead going to air. After a first down completion from Pulley to Demitric Henry, Pulley’s next pass was picked off, giving UM the ball back in the final seconds of the quarter.

Second Quarter: On the first play of the quarter, Jacory Harris’ pass with tipped by FAMU’s Michael Creary and picked off by Curtis Holcomb. However, the Rattlers punted back to UM after three plays.
    The ‘Canes quickly moved the 75 yards, in six plays, with Javarris James capping the drive with a five-yard run with 11:56 in the half, to push the UM lead to 24-3.
    FAMU had another three-and-out possession, punting back to Miami with 10:42 left in the half.
    Miami then drove 78 yards in nine plays, with halfback Lee Chambers scoring on a two-yard run with 6:03 left in the half to cap the march, pushing the ‘Canes further ahead, 31-3.
    The Hurricanes regained possession after another Rattler punt with 2:32 to go in the half, but senior safety Fabian Wilson picked off Jacory Harris in the end zone, denying UM points on the last of six first half possessions.
     The half ended with FAMU trailing, 31-3.

Third Quarter: UM took the opening kickoff but with backup quarterback A.J. Highsmith at the controls, they punted to FAMU after three plays.
   FAMU moved 47 yards on seven plays, with Trevor Scott booting a 34-yard field goal for a 31-6 score with 9:58 left in the third period.
   Miami extended their lead to 38-6 when Tharon Collier dashed 61 yards with a Rattler punt for a touchdown with 5:12 left in the third quarter.
   After a nifty kickoff return by Leroy Vann, Philip Sylvester ripped off a 29-yard run taking the ball down to the UM 26-yard line. Two plays later, Curtis Pulley raced 26 yards for a touchdown with 3:40 left, slicing the UM lead to 38-13.
    Two minutes later, Matt Bosher booted a 33-yard field goal to push the ‘Canes ahead, 41-13 with 1:27 left.
   
Fourth Quarter: Trevor Scott capped a 66-yard FAMU drive with a 21-yard field goal with 10:33 left in the game, making the count, 41-16.
    But UM’s Damien Berry had two runs on the ‘Canes next possession, capping a two-play, 89-yard drive with a 35-yard touchdown gallop with 9:20 left in the game extending his team’s lead to 48-16.

Post Game Notes: Return specialist Leroy Vann had nine kickoff returns for 191 yards, while running back one punt return for 15 yards…. Vann is 71 yards shy of Howard Huckaby’s single-season punt return yardage record of 478 set in 1988….. Trevor Scott booted three field goals Saturday, tying his career high for a single game, set last season against both Howard and Bethune-Cookman…. The interceptions by Curtis Holcomb and Fabian Wilson were the first of the year by the Rattler defense…. The 16 points scored by FAMU tied for the second-most points by the Rattlers in the series against UM (1979)….. UM’s backup quarterback A.J. Highsmith is the grandson of FAMU Sports Hall of Famer Walter Highsmith and the son of UM All-America halfback Alonzo Highsmith…. FAMU will open the 2010 season against UM….. Two Rattlers moved up the FAMU career rushing charts Saturday: Pulley (1,257 yards) surpassed Chuck Duffey (1,197 from 1984-88), moving into 23rd place, while Sylvester (1,683 yards) is two yards behind Hubert Ginn (1,685 yards from 1967-70), who is in 13th place.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers return to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title chase in earnest next week as they travel to Orangeburg, South Carolina for an afternoon (2:00) matinee against defending league champ South Carolina State… That game will be televised live on ESPN360.com at 2:00 p.m. and air nationally via taped delay at 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPNU…..

THE MATCHUP: The Florida A&M University Rattlers (4-0) will face the #11 University of Miami Hurricanes (3-1) in LandShark Stadium in Miami Gardens, Saturday, October 10 at 7 p.m. It will be televised nationally by ESPN360.com, on Sunday, October 11 at 10 a.m. ET.

GAME TIME WEATHER: Saturday’s weather forecast is for clear skies with high’s in the 80s and lows in the mid 70s, with just a slight chance (20%) of showers.

ON THE AIR: FAMU will air the game via the Rattler Sports Network for the 26th year, with Network founder and FAMU Sports Hall of Famer, Keith Miles anchoring the broadcast…. Mike Thomas will be the color analyst, with Victor Duncan providing timely sideline updates and Jerome Swaine providing the engineering…. The FAMU EIT Web Team will also webcast the game via www.FAMU.edu…. Highlights of the game will be seen on The Joe Taylor Show on Sun Sports (Cable 28 in Tallahassee) statewide on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. and in Tallahassee on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. on Fox 49 (Cable 10)…..FAMU TV 20 will also replay full game replays several times each week following every game…

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS: Last week, FAMU was idle following a 31-12 win over Tennessee State in Atlanta on Sept. 26,  while UM eked out a 21-20 win over nationally-ranked Oklahoma on Saturday.

THE SERIES HISTORICAL: FAMU trails in the all-time series with Miami, 1-6, having dropped six straight games to the ‘Canes after a stunning 16-13 upset by the Rattlers in the series opener at Tallahassee’s Doak Campbell Stadium in 1979…..

THE COACHING MATCHUP: Florida A&M’s Joe Taylor (Western Illinois ’72), is in his 27th season as a collegiate head coach, bringing a 210-79-4 record into the fifth week of the 2009 campaign, his second at FAMU… He is 13-3 in two years at FAMU……  University of Miami’s Randy Shannon (Miami ’89), is 15-14-0 in three years as head coach of his alma mater…..

RATTLERS AT A GLANCE: Walter Payton Award candidate QB Curtis Pulley remains the club leader in rushing with 291 yards on 47 carries with one (1) TD, while having passed for 846 yards on seven (7) TDs,  completing 64 of 96 aerials with just one (1) interception….. Diminutive freshman tailback Eddie Rocker has run for 185 yards on 35 carries in four games, ranking as the club’s number two rusher, while junior speedster Philip Sylvester has run for 84 yards on on 24 carries and two (2) TDs the past two games…. A pitched battle is in progress for the club receiving lead between Isaac West (18 catches, 342 yards, 2 TDs) and Kevin Elliott (18 receptions, 254 yards and 3 TDs), while Adrian Smith is in the mix too (10 grabs, 71 yards)….. Defensively, LB Bryan Parker holds the club takedown lead with 31 tackles and 4.5 stops for loss, followed by FS Greg Harvey (26 tackles) and LBs Alvis Graham and John Williams with 19 tackles each….. All-America return ace LeRoy Vann, who now holds the school career record for TD punt returns (7), and is tied for the NCAA FCS career standard (7), is …. Vann now has 392 yards and 4 TDs on 16 punt returns this season – leaving him 86 yards shy of the single-season school record for punt return yards (478, by Howard Huckaby in 1988) …. He also has 254 yards on 10 kickoff runbacks…..

UM AT A GLANCE: Unflappable sophomore QB Jacory Harris heads the ‘Canes offense, having passed for 1,008 yards and eight (8) TDs, completing 69 of 112 passes with five (5) INTs…. RBs Javarris James (293 yards on 54 carries, 3 TDs) and Graig Cooper (200 yards on 43 carries, 1 TD) lead the ground game, while LaRon Byrd (11 catches for 153 yards, 1 TD), along with Travis Benjamin (10 for 218, 2 TDs) and Dedrick Epps (10 for 134, 2 TDs) tops.... LB Colin McCarthy tops the ‘Canes defense with 32 tackles, plus 3.0 for loss, followed by Daryl Sharpton and Sean Spence with 23 tackles each….

TALKIN’ TO THE RATTLERS: There will be several chances for the media to talk with the FAMU Football team during the week…. Interviews with Head Football Coach Joe Taylor can be arranged through Sports Information, as can interviews with key20players by calling (850) 561-2701 or 599-3200…. The MEAC Coaches’ Teleconference is on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, with Coach Taylor set to appear at 11:24 a.m….. Call the MEAC Media Relations Office at (757) 416-7100 to get access information…. Later on Tuesday, FAMU will holds its’ weekly press conference in the interview room of the New University Multipurpose Center at 12 noon, featuring select players and Coach Joe Taylor….
Light refreshments will be served.

WHO YA GON’ CALL: For the latest information on Rattler Sports, contact Vaughn Wilson (850) 599-3413 or Ronnie Johnson (850) 561-2701…. For the latest on the University of Miami Hurricanes, contact Kerwin Lonzo (305) 284-3244…

WHAT’S NEXT FOR FAMU: The Rattlers will travel to Orangeburg, S.C. next Saturday for a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference showdown against defending champion South Carolina State at 2:00 p.m. Eastern…..

TICKET INFORMATION: Call the FAMU Athletic Ticket Office in the New FAMU Multipurpose Center at (850) 599-3141. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on game weeks, and 8:30 to 5:00 p.m. regularly.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 28) – The Florida A&M University Rattlers are back among the NCAA Division I FCS elite programs surfacing in The Sports Network’s Top 25 FCS Poll.

Florida A&M (4-0), which was a eyelash away from the Top 25 a week ago, slithered in this week at #24 after beating Tennessee State, 31-12, in the Atlanta Classic to complete their first perfect September since 1997.

Monday’s announcement marked the end of an eight-year drought for FAMU, which made their first appearace the poll since the 2001 season, when the they were ranked as high as ninth.

FAMU will have the week off Saturday, October 3 to prepare for the “Seven Samurai” – the last seven games of the 2009 schedule which opens with back-to-back road bout at the University of Miami (Oct. 10) and South Carolina State (Oct. 17).

Meanwhile, FAMU remained a solid number two in the Sheridan Broadcasting Network Poll behind South Carolina State, setting the stage for their highly anticipated October 17 heavyweight battle in Orangeburg, S.C. which will be televised nationally by ESPNU.

FAMU extends Classic win string to eight games over Tennessee State Saturday afternoon
ATLANTA, Ga. (Sept. 26) – Senior quarterback Curtis Pulley grabbed the spotlight here Saturday afternoon, using his arm to move the Florida A&M University Rattlers to a 31-12 victory over Tennessee State in the 21st Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic at the Georgia Dome.

The Rattlers (4-0) finished the month of September perfect for the first time in 12 years, giving them positive momentum heading into the October 3 bye week before their October 10 duel with the University of Miami.

Coming into Saturday’s game, all the buzz surrounding the Rattlers had to do with All-America return man LeRoy Vann, who had become a national media darling with appearances on ESPN and in Sports Illustrated for his four TD punt returns the past two weeks.

However the outcome of Saturday’s contest fell on the shoulders of Pulley, a 2009 Walter Payton Award candidate, who earned Classic MVP honors for the second straight year after passing for 315 yards and 2 TDs.

The Hopkinsville, Kentucky native went 24 for 34 through the air, suffering an interception – his first of the year in the third period, while rushing for 23 yards on nine carries, giving him 338 total yards on Saturday.

Trevor Scott put FAMU on the board first with a 47-yard field goal at the 11:45 mark of the opening stanza for a 3-0 lead, but Tennessee State (1-3), answered right at the start of the second period with a nine-yard TD run by Preston Brown with 14:54 left in the half to take a 6-3 lead after the PAT try was blocked.

Junior halfback Philip Sylvester burst into the end zone from eight yards out with 9:23 left to vault ahead, 10-6, but TSU quarterback Calvin McNairl scored on a one-yard plunge with 59 seconds left in the half, pushing the Tigers ahead for the last time, 12-10 at the break.

In the second half, the Rattler defense stiffened, limiting TSU to 30 total yards in the third period, while the offense slowly assumed command of the game behind Pulley’s arm and the sometimes spectacular play of the FAMU receivers.

Pulley hit tight end Max Purcell with a two-yard scoring strike to cap a 75-yard march, putting the Rattlers in front for good at 17-12 with 5:11 left in the third period.

In the final stanza, the Rattlers really began to separate themselves from the Tigers, as Pulley hit Isaac West with a 26-yard scoring strike just 44 seconds into the final frame (14:16) for a 24-12 cushion.

Fullback Mykel Benson capped the game’s scoring with 6:09 left with a one-yard plunge up the middle for a 31-12 lead.

The Rattlers outgained TSU, 402 to 274 in total yards, passing for 315 yards and rushing for a season-low 87 yards.

Junior split end Isaac West finished the day with 134 yards on six catches and one TD, while Kevin Elliott also finished with six catches for 64 yards.

Freshman Eddie Rocker led all Rattler rushers with 32 yards on six carries, followed by Sylvester with 29 yards on 13 carries and one TD.

Greg Harvey led the Rattler defenders Saturday with 11 tackles and one pass breakup, followed by safety Fabian Wilson with seven tackles and a blocked PAT, along with linebacker Alvis Graham with six tackles and a tackle for loss.

Leroy Vann still had an impact on Saturday’s game with five tackles, two for loss with 90 combined yards on six kick returns.

QB Calvin McNairl led all rushers with 82 yards and a TD for TSU, while halfback Preston Brown ran for 75 yards on 12 carries and one score.

The Tigers used three different quarterbacks Saturday, but could never get anything consistently going despite being more effective on the ground, rushing for 167 yards.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers are off next Saturday, but will open the second half of the season with two of the meanest hombres on the 2009 schedule – the University of Miami (October 10 – Land Shark Stadium – Miami Gardnes, Florida - 7:00 p.m.) and South Carolina State (October 17 – Orangeburg, S.C. – 2:00 p.m.).

ATLANTA GAME NOTES
• Saturday's announced crowd was 51,950, the third lowest crowd in the Classic since the game moved to the Dome in 1998.

•FAMU’s win Saturday gave the Rattlers’ their first 4-0 start since 1997…. Ironically, it was a Joe Taylor-led Hampton team that slowed their roll with an 18-15 road win the following week….

• Prior to 1997, one has to flip back 30 years in the Rattler record books to 1979 for FAMU’s last perfect September….. The Rattlers actually went 5-0, knocking off the University of Miami in that now-fabled upset at Doak Campbell Stadium 16-13, in Week Four, before pounding Morris Brown, 55-14 in Week Five.

• A win Saturday also extended the Rattlers win streak over Tennessee State to eight (8) games (2002-09)….

• A Saturday victory also prevented Tennessee State from playing Rattler win streak spoiler as they have twice previously in history…. TSU’s 24-21 win in 1978 snapped a 17-game FAMU win streak – the second longest in school history…. The next year, the Tigers snapped a 12-game run by FAMU with a 20-3 win at Nashville….  This year’s Rattler team came into Atlanta riding a six-game win streak….

• A win Saturday gave FAMU coach Joe Taylor career victory number 210 in 27 seasons as a collegiate head coach…. Taylor captured his milestone 200th career win last year in Atlanta thanks to a 28-21 win over Tennessee State…. The win also keeps him second on the career victories among active NCAA Division I FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) coaches….. Appalachian State’s Jerry Moore (205) and Al Bagnoli of Penn (200) were giving chase to start the season, while Taylor trails only Albany (N.Y.) University’s Bob Ford (235) on the active list FCS career list… He is also second on the active HBCU career coaching wins list, behind former FAMU coach and current Miles College mentor Billy Joe (240)….

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 26) - The FAMU-Miami Football game, set for Saturday, October 10 at Miami's Land Shark Stadium, will kickoff at 7:00 p.m.

The game was originally set to be the season opener, but a Florida Marlins major league baseball home series and the ACC moving of the Florida State game to the opening weekend prompted the move of the FAMU game to later in the season.

The two schools are working from a two-year contract, which has the two slated to meet on the first Saturday in September in 2010.

THE MATCHUP: The Florida A&M University Rattlers (3-0) will face the Tennessee State University Tigers (1-2) in the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Saturday, September 26 at 3:30 p.m. It will be televised live nationally by the Versus Network.

ON THE AIR: This week’s game will be the final of three straight televised appearances for the Rattlers…... Versus Network, which broadcast the game a year ago, will do the honors once again…. FAMU will air the game via the Rattler Sports Network for the 26th year, with Network founder and FAMU Sports Hall of Famer, Keith Miles anchoring the broadcast…. Mike Thomas will be the color analyst, with Victor Duncan providing timely sideline updates and Jerome Swaine providing the engineering…. The FAMU EIT Web Team will also webcast the game via www.FAMU.edu…. Highlights of the game will be seen on The Joe Taylor Show on Sun Sports (Cable 28 in Tallahassee) statewide on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. and in Tallahassee on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. on Fox 49 (Cable 10)…..FAMU TV 20 will also replay full game replays several times each week following every game…

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS: Last week, FAMU remained unbeaten with a 48-10 win against Howard University last Thursday night, while Tennessee State suffered a heartbreaking 21-17 road loss to Southern University at Baton Rouge…..

WHAT’S AT STAKE: For both clubs, this week’s  game is crucial for different reasons:

• For the Rattlers, a win gives them positive momentum going into a bye week (Oct. 3) and their first 4-0 start since 1997… Plus they would extend their current winning streak to seven games….

• For the TSU Tigers, a win would ease the pain of what has been a rugged September and end their seven-game slide against their longtime rival, FAMU….

THE SERIES HISTORICAL: FAMU trails in the all-time series with Tennessee State, 23-25-0, despite winning the last seven games…. The series opened in 1944 with a rare two-step, as the Tigers swept the double dip, 19-6 and 12-0… FAMU scored its’ first series win in the debut season of Coach Jake Gaither, nipping the Tigs, 20-18 in 1945….

THE ATLANTA FOOTBALL CLASSIC AT A GLANCE: Florida A&M holds a 12-3 lead in the Atlanta Football Classic duels with Tennessee State, dating back to the game’s inaugural year in 1989, when the Rattlers won, 21-9….. The Tigers edged FAMU, 20-16 the following year, then the two teams moved from Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium to old Atlanta Fulton County Stadium (1991, 1992), where the Rattlers won both games, 43-7 and 20-12…. The Atlanta part of the annual rivalry went into hiatus for five years, before resuming in 1998, with a 31-23 Rattler win…. TSU would win two of the next three games, in 1999 and 2001, before FAMU grabbed their current stranglehold, which has included six straight wins coming in the fourth quarter or overtime.... The last six (6) games have been decided by a total of 25 points…

THE COACHING MATCHUP: Florida A&M’s Joe Taylor (Western Illinois ’72), is in his 27th season as a collegiate head coach, bringing a 209-79-4 record into the fourth week of the 2009 campaign, his second at FAMU… He is 12-3 in two years at FAMU……  Tennessee State’s James Webster (UNC Chapel Hill ’72), is 22-26-0 in five years in Nashville…..

RATTLERS AT A GLANCE: Walter Payton Award candidate QB Curtis Pulley earned MEAC Offensive Player of the Week notices for the first two weeks of the season, and he now leads the MEAC in total offense (266.3 ypg) and pass efficiency (163.1), while ranking second in rushing (89.3 ypg) and passing (177.0 yps)….. Nationally, the Kentucky-born Pulley is #10 in the FCS in pass efficiency and #14 in total offense…… He leads the team with 268 yards rushing (38 attempts, 7.1 average) and one TD, while having thrown for 531 yards and 5 TDs on 40 completions (62 attempts) with zero interceptions…. Freshman RB Eddie Rocker is the club’s #2 rusher with 153 yards on 29 carries and a TD, but look for junior Philip Sylvester (55 yards on 11 carries, 1 TD) to see more time after missing the first two games with ankle problems….. WRs Isaac West (12 for 208 yards, 1 TD) and Kevin Elliott (12 for 190 yards, 3 TDs) are in a deadlocked for the club receiving lead after three games…. LB Bryan Parker tops the defense with 28 tackles (3.5 for loss), followed by safety Greg Harvey (15 tackles, 3 pass breakups, 1.0 TFL) and LB John Williams (17 tackles, 13 solos)…. All-America return ace LeRoy Vann continued his torrid punt return pace last week against Howard, running back puts of 40 and 66 yards for scores, adding to his school career record for TD punt returns (7), while tying the NCAA FCS career standard…. Vann now has 363 yards and 4 TDs on 13 punt returns – 112 yards shy of the single-season school record for punt return yards (478, by Howard Huckaby in 1988) -  and 193 yards on seven (7) kickoff runbacks…..
 
TSU  AT A GLANCE: The Tigers are led by QB Calvin McNairl, who has thrown for 129 yards and one score in two games, completing 13 of 36 passes, while leading the club in rushing with 187 and one TD on 25 carries…. RB Preston Brown is the #2 man in the Tiger ground game with 131 yards on 44 carries…. WR Joseph Hills holds the TSU receiving lead with eight (8) catches for 103 yards and one TD, followed by WR Travis James with seven catches for 57 yards….. Defensively, the Big Blue Tigers are sparked by LB John Jones (23 tackles, 3.0 TFL) and SS Eugene Clifford (21 tackles, one fumble recovered), and DE Kellen Woodard (17 tackles, three sacks, four tackles for loss)… Punter Taylor Cisneros has had a lot of work so far with 23 punts in the first three games for a 42.1 average….

TALKIN’ TO THE RATTLERS: There will be several chances for the media to talk with the FAMU Football team during the week…. Interviews with Head Football Coach Joe Taylor can be arranged through Sports Information, as can interviews with key players by calling (850) 561-2701 or 599-3200…. The MEAC Coaches’ Teleconference is on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, with Coach Taylor set to appear at 11:24 a.m….. Call the MEAC Media Relations Office at (757) 416-7100 to get access information…. Later on Tuesday, FAMU will holds its’ weekly press conference in the interview room of the New University Multipurpose Center at 12 noon, featuring select players and Coach Joe Taylor…. Light refreshments will be served.

WHO YA GON’ CALL: For the latest information on Rattler Sports, contact Ronnie Johnson, SID (850) 561-2701) or Alvin Hollins, Assistant AD/Media Relations (850) 599-3200…. For the latest on the Tennessee State Tigers, contact Wallace Dooley (615) 963-5894…
WHAT’S NEXT FOR FAMU: The Rattlers will be off next week before their Oct. 10 showdown with the resurgent University of Miami Hurricanes (Land Shark Stadium – 7:00 p.m.)

TICKET INFORMATION: Call the FAMU Athletic Ticket Office in the New FAMU Multipurpose Center at (850) 599-3141. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on game weeks, and 8:30 to 5:00 p.m. regularly.

GAME NOTES
Fantastic finishes making Atlanta game "Classic"
The past six games in the Atlanta Classic have been nail-biters, all won by FAMU, but nonetheless leaving fans of both teams breathless... Last year's game saw the Rattlers vault to a 21-0 halftime lead, before holding off the Tigers with an end zone interception to preserve a 28-21 win.... FAMU nipped the Tigers, 18-17 in 2007, then got an overtime field goal to squeeze past TSU, 25-22 in 2006.... FAMU won, 12-7 in 2005, using a goal line stand and a fourth down interception to preserve the win... In 2004, FAMU used a late interception following a touchdown with two minutes left to eke out a 21-15 win.... The 2003 game started this run of fantastic finishes when the Rattlers returned a blocked field goal for a 10-7 win....

Vann creating buzz with return exploits
The nation's top punt return ace, FAMU's LeRoy Vann, has created quite a buzz thanks to his nationally-televised daredevil exploits the past two weeks.... Vann, who has runback four punts for touchdowns in the last two games, has become a favorite flavor at ESPN, where he has been featured on SportsCenter's "Top 10 Plays" the past two Thursday nights; was a topic of discussion on ESPN's "Around The Horn" last Friday and was the subject of a live interview on ESPN's "College Football Live" on Friday.... Vann will also be featured this week's issues of Sports Illustrated in their College Football Section....

2008 Classic MVP Pulley putting up all-star numbers
Quarterback Curtis Pulley, last year's Atlanta Classic MVP, is a leading candidate for the 2009 Walter Payton Award, which goes to the top offensive player in NCAA Division I FCS (Football Championship Subdivision, formerly I-AA), is on pace capture plenty of all-star hardware this season.... He leads the MEAC in pass efficiency (163.1) and total offense (266.3 ypg), while ranking second in passing yards (177.0 ypg) and rushing (89.3 ypg).... Pulley, who was tabbed MEAC Offensive Player of the Week in each of the first two weeks of the season, has rushed for 268 yards on 38 carries (7.1 average), while passing for 531 yards and 5 TDs, with a 163.1 pass efficiency rating..... Nationally, Pulley ranks 10th in pass efficiency and 14th in total offense....

FAMU TV slate continues this week
The Rattlers, who have made 85 appearances on television since 1975, will make the second of five scheduled appearances this week against Howard.... FAMU, which owns a 49-34-2 record all-time on the tube, have appeared in back-to-back Thursday night games on ESPNU (WSSU and Howard); will also appear on the Versus Network on Sept. 26 against Tennessee State; ESPNU again on Oct. 17 against South Carolina State (10 p.m. ET taped delay), and ESPN Classic on Nov. 7 against Bethune-Cookman (2:00).... The Oct. 10 game against the University of Miami may also air on television

2009 FAMU TV NETWORK APPEARANCES
• Sept. 10 @Winston-Salem State • ESPNU
• Sept. 17 vs. Howard • ESPNU
• Sept. 26 vs. Tennessee State/Atlanta • Versus Network
• Oct. 17 vs. South Carolina State • ESPNU (Taped Delay)
• Nov. 21 vs. Bethune-Cookman • ESPN Classic

Rattlers hope to extend streak, build momentum
Last Thursday's win over Howard extended FAMU's winning streak to six games since a heartbreaking 13-10 homecoming loss last year to Morgan State.... FAMU has since topped North Carolina A&T (45-10), Hampton (45-24) and Bethune-Cookman (58-35), Delaware State (21-12), Winston-Salem State (34-10) and Howard (48-10).... FAMU is aiming for the MEAC title and the NCAA playoffs and to reach those goals, the Rattlers will need to build every bit of momentum early in the season (September) to propel them into a rugged October and November....

FAMU ranked high statistically too....
The Rattlers are not only off to a 3-0 start, their rankings in the NCAA and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference statistics are reflective of their early season pace:

• In NCAA Division I FCS statistics, the Rattlers as a team rank:
#1 in Punt Returns (27.92 avg.)
#11 in Rushing Offense (204.33 ypg)
#12 in Total Defense (236.67 ypg)
#14 in Pass Efficiency (157.53)
#18 in Scoring Offense (34.33 pts per game)
#19 in Pass Defense (139.67 ypg)

• Top Individuals In the NCAA FCS rankings include:
#1 in Punt Returns (LeRoy Vann, 27.92 avg.)
#9 in All Purpose Running (Vann, 185.33 ypg)
#10 in Pass Efficiency (Curtis Pulley, 163.07)
#14 in Total Offense (Pulley, 266.33 ypg)

• Team Rankings in MEAC Statistics:
#1 in Scoring Offense (34.3 ppg)
#1 in Scoring Defense (10.7 ppg)
#1 in Total Offense (391.7 ypg)
#1 in Total Defense (236.7 ypg)
#1 in Rushing Offense (204.3 ypg)
#1 in Pass Efficiency (157.5 ypg)
#1 in Punt Returns (27.9 average)
#1 in First Downs (59)
#1 in Third Down Conversions (54.1%, 20 of 37)
#1 in Red Zone Defense (50% • 2 TDs, 1 FG)
#2 in Time of Possession (31:44 avg.)
#2 in Rushing Defense (97.0 ypg)
#2 in Pass Offense (187.3 ypg)
#2 in Kickoff Returns (24.6 average)
#2 in PAT Percentage (92.9, 13 of 14).
#3 in Sacks Allowed (4 sacks in 3 games)
#3 in Pass Efficiency Defense (103.4)
#3 in Red Zone Offense (77.8% • 7 of 9 / 6 TDs, 1 FG)

• Individual Leaders in MEAC Statistics:
@Curtis Pulley
#1 in Total Offense (266.3 ypg)
#1 in Pass Efficiency (163.1)
#2 in Rushing (89.3 ypg)
#2 in Passing (177.0 ypg)

@Leroy Vann
#1 in Punt Returns (27.9)
#2 in Kickoff Returns (27.6 ypg)
#2 in All Purpose Running (185.3 ypg)
#2 in Scoring (8.0 ppg)
#2 in Touchdowns (4)

@Trevor Scott
#1 in Kick Scoring (19 points, 6.3 ppg)
#1 in PAT Kicks (92.9%, 13 of 14)
#3 in FGs (0.67 per game, 2 of 5)
#4 in Scoring (6.3 ppg)

@Isaac West
#3 in Receiving Yards per Game (69.3 ypg)
#4 in Receptions Per Game (4.0 pg)

@Kevin Elliott
#4 in Receptions per Game (4.0 pg)
#4 in Touchdowns (3 TDs)
#5 in Receiving Yards Per Game (63.3)
#5 in Scoring (6.0 ppg)

@Bryan Parker
#3 in Tackles (9.3 pg / 28 tackles)
#9 in Tackles For Loss (1.17 pg / 3.5)

@Greg Boler
#5 in QB Sacks (0.67 pg / 2 sacks)

Offensive Line playing major role
A veteran group of ironmen front the league's top-rated offense and have done a great job of protecting arguably the league's offensive MVP, QB Curtis Pulley... Center Steve Brazzle, guards Anthony Collins and Javier Wallace, plus tackles Robert Okeafor, Chris Sands and Kwame Akkebala are a seasoned group which has allowed just four (4) sacks, while pile-driving opposing defenders for a unit which is averaging 34.3 points and 391.7 yards per game... In addition to the great pass protection, the front five has helped engineer a resurgence in the Rattler running game, which is rolling for over 200 yards per game (204.3) for the first time in many years, a great ace to have on hand late in crucial games....

Rockin' Rocker emerges from pack
One of the surprises of the win over Delaware State was the sizzling play of freshman halfback Eddie Rocker, who alternated with Lonvontae Page at the halfback spot.... The diminutive 5-8, 170-pounder from Ocala (Fla.) North Marion High, scooted for 64 yards on eight carries, showing explosive bursts between the tackles and shifty moves in the open field.... He has 153 yards on 29 carries, good for a 5.3 average and should split time with returning vets Phil Sylvester and Demitric Henry, as he has proven to be a nifty change of pace back....


Sylvester, returns fold vs. Howard
Junior halfback Phil Sylvester, who came into the season ranked 14th on the all-time FAMU rushing charts, returned to action after missing the first two games last Thursday against Howard... has rushed for over 1,500 yards in his first two years, ranking 14th on the Rattler rushing charts, could be out a bit longer, but Henry did see action last week against WSSU, behind the diminutive freshman Rocker....

Page out for season, should get redshirt
Sophomore halfback Lonvontae Page, who rushed for 61 yards on 20 carries, and gained 32 yards on three pass receptions in his first collegiate start Sept. 5 against Delaware State, will miss the remainder of the season, after being the unintended victim of an on-campus shooting following the DSU game.... Page, a native of Douglasville, Georgia, was walking with his mother and cousin on campus, when bullets from a nearby shooting ricocheted, hitting him in the right forearm and striking his cousin in the face.... Page had surgery to repair broken bones in the right arm, and the school is expected to pursue a medical redshirt for him to preserve a year's eligibility, which would make the talented performer a redshirt sophomore next season....

FAMU facing challenging 2009 slate
The Rattlers as always will have its' share of tough guys and mean hombres on the 2009 slate.... After ending its' four-game slide against Delaware State two weeks ago, and bowling past Winston-Salem State and Howard, the Rattlers still have eight games left - all potential landmines as they seek the 2009 MEAC title and a return to the NCAA playoffs for the first time since 2001.... This week, FAMU heads to Atlanta to duel longtime rival Tennessee State on Sept. 26.... After a bye week on Oct. 3, FAMU will begin their final seven-game regular season stretch with the Miami Hurricanes on Oct. 10, followed by what could be the MEAC's version of "Duel In The Sun" at South Carolina State on Oct. 17.... Homecoming will feature Norfolk State on Oct. 24, then the Morgan State Bears will host FAMU in a Halloween Classic in Baltimore on Oct. 31.... FAMU closes its' home schedule Nov. 7 against seemingly resurgent North Carolina A&T, then heads to Coach Joe Taylor's old stomping grounds for a Nov. 14 showdown with Hampton.... The regular season ends in Orlando, with the Rattlers squaring off against Sunshine State rival Bethune-Cookman in the 30th Florida Classic, Nov. 21....

FAMU features 12 preseason all-stars
The 2009 Rattler Football team features a league-high 12 preseason All-MEAC selections, including nine (9) first-team picks.... First-team picks include QB Curtis Pulley, WR Kevin Elliott, C Steve Brazzle, OG Anthony Collins, OT Robert Okeafor, LB Bryan Parker, DT Cameron Houston, KR LeRoy Vann and CB Curtis Holcomb... WR Isaac West, RB Phil Sylvester and PK Trevor Scott were second team picks....

2009 MEAC Football Roundup • Standings
Florida A&M        2-0        3-0
South Carolina State    1-0    2-0
Hampton    1-0    2-1
North Carolina A&T    1-1        2-1
Morgan State 0-0    1-1
Norfolk State    0-1    1-2
Delaware State    0-1    0-2
Howard    0-1    0-2
Bethune-Cookman    0-1    0-2

Last Week's Scores
Thursday
FAMU 48, Howard 10
Saturday
Hampton 24, North Carolina A&T 14
William & Mary 27, Norfolk State 15
Morgan State 16, Winston-Salem State 10, OT, E. Rutherford, N.J.

This Week's Schedule/Saturday
Tennessee State vs. FAMU, Atlanta, 3:30 p.m.
Howard at Georgetown, 1 p.m.
Morgan State at Towson State, 4 p.m.
*Bethune-Cookman at Norfolk State, 4 p.m.
*Delaware State at Hampton, 6 p.m.
Winston-Salem State at South Carolina State, 6 p.m.
North Carolina A&T at Coastal Carolina, 7 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 21) - The hits just keep on coming for FAMU All-America kick returner LeRoy Vann, who will be the subject of a feature segment on this Saturday's ESPN COLLEGE GAME DAY, Built By Home Depot, which airs at 10 a.m. Eastern Time on ESPN.

Vann will be interviewed by former Michigan Heisman Trophy winner, NFL All-Pro and GAME DAY panelist Desmond Howard on campus Tuesday as part of the production for the segment.

The Tampa native was named NCAA FCS Special Teams Player of the Week by The Sports Network and MEAC, and will be higlighted in this week's editions of Sports Illustrated.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 20) - FAMU's All-America return specialist Leroy Vann will be featured in the College Football section of this week's Sports Illustrated.

Vann, who leads the nation in punt returns, averaging 27.9 yards per runback with four touchdowns in the last two games, has set a new FAMU career record for TD punt returns with seven (7), which ties the NCAA career record.

His four punt returns thus far in 2009, have tied the school's single-season mark set by Howard Huckaby in 1988, and the mercurial Tampa native is 115 yards shy of tying the single season school punt return yards mark of 478, set by Huckaby in 1988.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 17) – The Florida A&M Rattler football team rode a strong running game and the spectacular exploits of All-America kick returner LeRoy Vann to cruise to a 48-10 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference victory over the Howard University Bison before a national television audience on a rainy Thursday night in Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Heavy showers and thunderstorms throughout the day during the first half, kept attendance down to 7,668 here Thursday, but those who braved the weather saw history in the making as FAMU senior LeRoy Vann ran back two punts for touchdowns for the second straight week.

The Tampa, Florida native raced 40 yards on the slick field with a first quarter punt with 3:49 left to score the Rattlers third touchdown of period, extending their lead to 21-0.

Leading 41-10 late in the third period, FAMU got another Vann special, as he bobbled a Howard punt, then wheeled to his left where a lane had cleared down the far sideline allowing clear passage for a 66-yard runback for the 48-10 final.

Vann’s two TD returns tied an NCAA Division I FCS career mark for punt returns for touchdowns of seven, set by Northern Iowa’s Kenny Shedd from 1989-92, and tied the FAMU single-season record for punt returns for TDs of four, with Howard Huckaby (1985-88).

He needs one more TD punt return to tie the NCAA FCS single season mark of five set by North Carolina A&T’s Curtis Deloach in 2001.

Vann finished the night with 197 all purpose yards (117 on punts, 80 on kickoff returns).

Florida A&M (3-0, 2-0 in MEAC) outgained the Bison, 399 to 218 in total yards, employing a running attack which netted 203 yards Thursday, featuring six backs.

Freshman Eddie Rocker led FAMU with 59 yards on nine carries with one touchdown, while junior tailback Phil Sylvester, who missed the first two games with an ankle injury, ran for 55 yards on 11 carries and one TD, and QB Curtis Pulley gained 38 yards on 13 carries.

Pulley passed for 182 yards and 2 TDs on 11 of 22 passing, tossing scoring strikes of 35  and 46 yards to Kevin Elliott, who finished the night with three catches for 95 yards, jut behind Isaac West, who had a team-high four receptions for 30 yards.

Defensively, LB Bryan Parker led FAMU with 11 tackles, followed by LBs Gregory Boler (7) and John Williams (6).

Sylvester’s 10-yard blast with 13:46 left in the first period put FAMU on the board first at 7-0, then Pulley’s 46-yard strike to Elliott at the 5:54 mark extended their edge to 14-0.
After Vann’s first TD return made it 21-0, Trevor Scott connected on the first of two long field goals, a 47-yarder with 10:43 left in the half to push the Rattler lead to 24-0.

Howard’s Casey Council put the Bison on the board moments later by scooping up a blocked punt and rambling 30 yards to score for a 24-7 count with 7:22 left in the half.

Elliott’s second TD reception from Pulley, of 35 yards with 5:01 left, extended FAMU’s advantage to 31-7.

The two schools traded fields goals in the final minute of the half, as Howard’s Dennis Wiehberg connected on a 38-yarder with 33 seconds left, before Trevor Scott of FAMU nailed the second-longest field goal in school history – a 51-yarder at the gun – to leave the count 34-10 at the break.

Eddie Rocker scored from 10 yards out with 3:22 left in the third period for a 41-10 FAMU lead, then Vann’s scintillating 66-yard runback closed the game’s scoring with 2:16 left in the quarter.

Howard (0-2, 0-1 in MEAC) was led by QB Floyd Haigler, who passed for 87 yards on 10 completions (24 attempts), while Jared Dorsey led the Bison ground game with 38 yards on six carries, followed by Andra Williams with 30 yards on five tires.

WR Willie Carter led the Bison receivers with five catches for 45 yards, while on defense, Keith Pough and Arando Jamison each had 11 tackles.

WHAT’S NEXT: FAMU travels to Atlanta to tangle with Tennessee State in the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic next week (3:30 p.m. Versus Network), while Howard will face crosstown Georgetown in the Battle of D.C. next Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 17) – Florida A&M University football fans were treated to a spectacular performance from senior All-America return specialist LeRoy Vann in the Rattlers’ 48-10 romp over Howard University before a national television audience on ESPNU on a rainy night in Bragg Memorial Stadium Thursday.

The 5-8, 185-pound cornerback from Tampa (Fla.) Blake High School, ran back two punts for touchdowns – a 40-yarder late in the first quarter and a scintillating 66-yarder in the third period which capped the game’s scoring.

He also set up the Rattlers’ first score of the game – a 10-yard run by Philip Sylvester – with a 66-yard return of the opening kickoff.

Thursday’s win moved the Rattlers to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, extending their current winning streak to six games.

Vann finished the night with 197 all-purpose yards (117 on punts and 80 on kickoffs), further writing his name in school and NCAA record books.

The two returns Thursday marked the second straight game that the mercurial youngster had taken two kicks back for touchdowns in the same game, pulling off that feat a week earlier against Winston-Salem State in a 34-10 victory on the road.

In the WSSU game, Vann broke a 95-yard punt return for a touchdown in the second period (9:11) to give the Rattlers some breathing room before the half at 14-3, then he raced 80 yards with a third quarter kick (7:47) for six, extending FAMU’s advantage to 21-3.

Vann now has 10 total kick returns for touchdowns (seven punts, three kickoffs) in his career, and has now tied Northern Iowa’s Kenny Shedd (1989-92) for the NCAA Division I FCS (Football Championships Subdivision) career TD punt return mark with seven (7).

Vann’s seven (7) punt returns for touchdowns is a new FAMU career record, and the back-to-back games with two punt returns for scores is a school and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference record.

He needs one more TD punt return to tie the NCAA FCS single-season mark of five (5) set by North Carolina A&T’s Curtis Deloach in 2001.

• Thursday’s scores against Howard tied the FAMU single-season record for TD punt returns, set by Howard Huckaby – four (4) – in 1988, and he needs 116 more punt return yards to surpass Huckaby’s all-time single-season yardage record of 478, also set in 1988.

Vann now has 363 yards on 12 punt returns and 193 yards on seven kickoff returns, for 556 all purpose yards in the first three games of 2009.

• Vann’s 95-yard punt return for a touchdown against WSSU also tied the school record for longest punt return, set by Leroy Hardee, versus South Carolina State in 1958.

• Careerwise, Vann has 1,348 yards on 48 kickoff returns, with three (3) touchdowns, while recording 827 yards on 41 punt returns with seven (7) TDs, giving him 2,175 combined return yards and 10 touchdowns.

• In 2008, Vann finished the 2008 season with 1,121 kickoff return yards on 38 returns with three TDS and had 464 punt return yards (29 attempts) with three TDs.

• He also finished the 2008 campaign as the NCAA FCS all-time single-season leader in combined kick returns with 1,585 yards, shattering the old mark of 1,469 set by Samford's David Primus in 1989.

• Vann ended the season with 67 (29 punts, 38 kickoffs) combined
returns, surpassing the old mark of 64 by Connecticut's Joe Markus in 1981.

Vann finished the 2008 season as the overall NCAA Division I leader in combined kick return yards and tied the Division I BCS (formerly I-A) mark for combined kick returns for TDs with six (6).

@ Kentucky's Derek Abney held the previous BCS single-season combined kick return yardage mark of 1,348 yards in 2003.

@ Abney (2002) and Asland Davis of Tulsa (2004) both had six combined kick returns for TDs in a season.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 18) - Florida A&M's Leroy Vann has gone Broadway, at least sort of, as ESPN featured the Rattler All-America on two Friday afternoon programs.

"ESPN's College Football Live" featured a five-minute live interview with the Tampa, Florida senior at midafternoon, then the network's 30-minute sports talk show, "Around The Horn,"
had Vann's recent performances as a feature topic for there four-person panel of sports journalists.

Vann has runback four punts for touchdowns this season, all in the last two games, and has tied the NCAA career mark for TD punt returns (7), held previously by Northern Iowa's Kenny Shedd (1989-92).

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Sept. 10) – Senior LeRoy Vann’s two punt returns for touchdowns highlighted a record-setting kick return performance which helped lift the Florida A&M University Rattlers to a 34-10 win over the Winston-Salem State University Rams in a nationally-televised football game here at Bowman Gray Stadium Thursday night.

Florida A&M (2-0) extended their current winning streak to five games with Thursday’s win, a game which turned on the spectacular performance of Vann, who ran a second quarter punt back 95 yards for a score, then dashed 80 to paydirt with another kick in the third period.

Vann’s first return was perhaps the most pivotal as the heavily-favored Rattlers led just 7-3 after the first quarter and seemed to struggle a bit on offense, before the 95-yard return staked FAMU to a 14-3 lead with 9:11 left in the second period.

His 80-yard runback of a punt with 7:47 left in the third extended the FAMU cushion to 21-3 and the Rattlers were in command.

Vann finished the night with a school-record 189 yards on three punt returns, setting a school record for most punt returns for a TD in a game (2) and surpassing Howard Huckaby (1986-89) for most career punt returns for TDs – four (4).

In fact, his 95-yard runback in the second period tied a 51-year-old Rattler mark for longest punt return set in 1958 by Leroy Hardee against South Carolina State.

On the night, the 5-8, 185-pound senior from Tampa, Florida, finished with five combined kick returns for 228 yards, putting him on pace to surpass Huckaby's single season school punt return yardage mark of 478 yards set in 1988.

Quarterback Curtis Pulley, who was coming off a 336-yard offensive performance in last week’s opener against Delaware State, was 17 of 21 passing Thursday for 209 yards and 3 TDs, while leading the team in rushing with 34 yards on 10 carries.

Pulley tossed a four-yard scoring pass to Curtis Pulley with 8:22 left in the first period for a 7-0 FAMU lead. In the third period, he connected with Isaac West on a 22-yard scoring play with five seconds left in the third to extend the Rattlers to a 28-10 advantage, then he hit tight end Max Purcell with a three-yard strike with 1:04 to play in the game.

FAMU outgained the Rams, 291-218 in total yards, but Vann’s 228 return yards on five attempts turned the game in the Rattlers favor.

Kevin Elliott led the Rattlers with six receptions for 86 yards and one score, followed by West with six grabs for 80 yards.

Safety Greg Harvey led FAMU defensively with eight tackles (six solos) and one tackle for loss, followed by linebackers John Williams and Bryan Parker with six tackles apiece.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers return home for a second straight Thursday night game next week, when they host the Howard University Bison in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game in Bragg Memorial Stadium. The Church and Community Night contest will be nationally-televised by ESPNU live, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.

FAMU FOOTBALL NOTES
From Thursday’s Road Game At WSSU
• LeRoy Vann’s two punt returns for a touchdown Thursday marked the first time a Rattler player had managed that feat in school history.

• Vann now holds the FAMU career mark for punt returns for touchdowns of five (5), surpassing All-American Howard Huckaby (1986-89), who had four returns for scores – all in 1988.

• Vann’s second quarter punt return for a touchdown also tied the school record for longest punt return of 95 yards, set by Leroy Hardee, versus South Carolina State in 1958.

• The Tar Heel State has been kind to Rattler return specialists. In 1991, speedster David Lucas ran back two kickoff returns for touchdowns against North Carolina A&T…. Three (3) of Vann’s eight career kick returns for scores have come in North Carolina – two Thursday and one last year against A&T in Greensboro.

• Bowman Gray Stadium, site of FAMU’s game Thursday, is also a certified quarter mile NASCAR facility, where Saturday evening races still take place in the summer.

• Thursday’s ESPNU crew of play-by-play announcer Charlie Neal and former Howard University All-American quarterback Jay “Sky” Walker, as analyst, will also work next week’s Thursday night game at FAMU.

• North Carolina Central University was officially welcomed as the 13th member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Thursday morning. NCCU was a charter member of the MEAC in 1970, but left the league in 1980, choosing to remain NCAA Division Two.

• This is the third straight year that the Rattlers have played a Thursday night game and it will be the second straight season with two Thursday night contests on the FAMU schedule.

• Winston-Salem State has connections with two FAMU personalities – Athletic Director Bill Hayes and quarterback Curtis Pulley. Hayes was the head football coach at WSSU from 1976 to 1987, with a 89-40-2 record. During Hayes’ 12-year tenure, he coached Pulley’s uncle at WSSU.

• Thursday’s game was the third straight year that FAMU and WSSU played on national television and the second straight year the two clubs have played on Thursday night.

• FAMU extended its’ current win streak to five games, and have won 11 of their last 14 games since finishing the 2007 campaign 0-2.

LORIDA A&M STINGS DELAWARE STATE, 21-12
Curtis Pulley piles up 336 total yards to lead Rattlers to opening win

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 5) – Walter Payton Award candidate Curtis Pulley piled up 336 total yards of offense here Saturday evening to lead the Florida A&M Rattlers to a 21-12 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football victory over the visiting Delaware State Hornets at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Pulley, a senior quarterback from Hopkinsville, Ky., rushed for 196 yards on just 15 carries, scoring once on a scintillating 47-yard gallop in the third period, while hitting on 12 of 19 passes for 140 yards.

The win for FAMU (1-0, 1-0 in MEAC) was their first against Delaware State (0-1, 0-1 in MEAC) in the last five games, snapping a four-game losing streak in the series.

Saturday’s victory was also their first in a conference opener since 2002, when they defeated Morgan State, 34-16.

After a scoreless first quarter, FAMU broke the ice on a hot, sticky evening when fullback Mykel Benson capped a nine-play, 69-yard drive with one-yard plunge with 10:08 left in the second period. Trevor Scott’s PAT kick staked the Rattlers to a 7-0 lead.

Delaware State pulled with one point, 7-6, when quarterback Anthony Glaud fired a 30-yard scoring strike to Zacharri Charles with 6:39 left in the half. The PAT kick failed leaving the Hornets down one.

FAMU’s Lonvontae Page, a sophomore tailback starting in place of an injured Philip Sylvester, extended the Rattlers’ lead to 14-6, when he blasted into the end zone from six yards out with 3:19 left.

In the third period, Pulley, who had rushed for 110 yards in the first half, caped a four-play, 65-yard march with his 47-yard tally – the longest run of his FAMU career, staking the Rattlers to a 21-6 lead with 10:36 left.

DSU’s Jason Randall gave the Hornets a bit of hope with 12:52 left in the game, when he ran in from four yards out for a 21-12 count, but the two-point pass try failed.

The Rattlers outgained DelState, 485 to 274 in total yards, finishing with 328 rushing yards and 157 through the air.

FAMU’s Defense limited the Hornets to 86 yards on the ground, while allowing 188 yards passing on Saturday.

Behind Pulley in the ground attack for FAMU was newcomer Eddie Rocker, who rushed for 64 yards on eight carries, and Page, who finished with 61 yards on 20 carries and one TD.

Isaac West led FAMU in receiving with four catches for 83 yards, followed by Page with three grabs for 32 yards.

Linebacker Bryan Parker led the FAMU Defense with 11 tackles (seven solos) and a key fumble recovery late in the game, which ended any hope for DelState, followed by defensive back Qier Hall and linebacker Alvis Graham with five tackles apiece.
 
Delaware State was led by QB Anthony Glaud, who in his first collegiate start, passed for 188 yards on 17 completions (32 attempts), tossing one TD pass. Jason Randall led the Hornets’ ground game with 54 yards on 16 carries and one TD, while Darius Jackson led DSU with seven catches for 67 yards.

Defensively, the Hornets were sparked by linebacker Mike Gable, who finished with a team-high 11 tackles (six solos), plus one sack, followed by Ahmad Harris with eight tackles and Fabian Dunn with seven stops.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers head to Winston-Salem, North Carolina for an ESPNU televised night game next Thursday against the Winston-Salem State Rams. Kickoff will be 7:30 p.m.

FOOTNOTE: Sophomore FAMU running back Lonvontae Page from Douglasville, Georgia, was hit by a ricochet bullet from a random shooting on campus following the game Saturday evening. He was hit in the right forearm while walking with family members from the stadium following his first collegiate start.

He remained hospitalized at press time.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 6) – FAMU’s 2009 Walter Payton Award candidate Curtis Pulley vaulted into some elite company Saturday evening with his 196-yard rushing performance in the Rattlers’ 21-12 win over Delaware State.

Pulley, a 6-4, 200-pound quarterback from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, tied Amir Rasul for the ninth (9^th) best single-game rushing performance in school history Saturday with 196 yards on 15 carries, scoring on a 47-yard gallop in the third period.

That rushing total pushed him into the 1,000-yard rushing club at FAMU with 1,081 career yards in the Orange and Green, ranking him 28^th all-time behind Pat Reddick (1,113 from 1989-92)  and the great Bob Hayes (1,123 from 1961-64).

His rushing total from Saturday was also a school record for quarterbacks, surpassing the 100-yard rushing effort by Sammy Knight in the 1979 upset of the University of Miami.

Pulley also passed for 140 yards on 12 of 19 passing, giving him 1,522 yards through the air and 17 touchdowns for his career at FAMU.

Overall, he has 2,613 yards of total offense in 12 career games at FAMU, good for a 217.75-yards per game average.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (July 31) – The Florida A&M University Football team placed 11 players on the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Preseason All-League squad announced here Friday afternoon at the league’s annual Football Kickoff Press Luncheon.

Nine Rattlers were tabbed as first-team performers including quarterback Curtis Pulley, receiver Kevin Elliott and three offensive linemen, center Steve Brazzle, guard Anthony Collins and returning All-American Robert Okeafor at tackle on the offense, while tackle Cameron Houston, linebacker Bryan Parker and cornerback Curtis Holcomb were defensive selectees, with All-American return ace LeRoy Vann rounding out the group.

Second team FAMU picks were halfback Philip Sylvester and kicker Trevor Scott.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (July 31) – The FAMU Rattler Football team was picked to finish second in the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Preseason Football Poll of league coaches and sports information directors announced Friday.

Defending champion South Carolina State, led by running back William Ford, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year from 2008, was picked to defend their title.

Forecast to finish in order behind SCSU and FAMU were Hampton, Bethune-Cookman, Norfolk State, Morgan State, Delaware State, North Carolina A&T and Howard University.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (July 17) – Phil Steele’s 2009 College Football Preview Magazine tabbed return specialist LeRoy Vann and defensive back Curtis Holcomb of Florida A&M University to its’ 2009 Preseason NCAA Division I FCS All-American Team.

Vann, who scored six touchdowns and compiled over 1,500 return yards on kickoffs and punts a year ago, was a first-team selection, while Holcomb, an All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) cornerback for the FAMU Defense, was a second team pick.

The publication selected 10 Rattlers to its’ preseason All-MEAC squad, including eight to its’ first team: QB Curtis Pulley, RB Philip Sylvester, WR, Kevin Elliott, OT Robert Okeafor, OG Anthony Collins, DT Cameron Houston, DB Curtis Holcomb and RS LeRoy Vann.

Second-team selectees were LB Bryan Parker and DB Qier Hall.

FAMU, which finished 9-3 overall and tied for second in the MEAC a year ago, was picked to finish second by the Magazine behind defending champion South Carolina State in the 2009 conference race.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (JULY 1) – The Florida A&M University Sports Hall of Fame will enshrine its’ 34th induction class during ceremonies on Friday, September 4, 2009 at the new Florida A&M University Teaching Gymnasium.

The ceremony will begin at 7:00 p.m., with a reception set for the honorees and their guests immediately following the event.

The 2009 class will be comprised of seven persons – five athletes and two supporters of athletics.

• This year’s group of five athletes feature three football players, one basketball performer and one two-sport star.

Headlining the quintet of athletes is four-time All-America receiver Jacquay Nunnally (1997-2000), who still reigns as the NCAA Division I FCS career pass receiving leader with 318 regular season receptions.

Joining Nunnally is two-time All-America left tackle Terry Beauford (1989, 1990), who played several seasons in the National Football League (Green Bay, San Diego) and his FAMU teammate, quarterback Antoine “Tony” Ezell (1988-91), who was the first Rattler quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards, finishing his career with 6,620 yards – the third highest total in school history.

Also slated for induction is basketball performer Aldwin Ware (1984-88), a Black College All-American in 1988, who led NCAA Division One in steals with 142, helping lead the Rattlers to a 22-8 finish and a berth in the finals of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament.

The fifth athlete to be honored will be Leon “Tex’ Collier (1956-59), a strapping 6-9 two-way tackle for the FAMU Football team, who also played forward for the Rattler Basketball team. Collier played on the 1957 and 1958 basketball conference title winners, three football conference championship teams (1956, 1957, 1958) and the 1957 national championship football team.

• The supporters of athletics are persons who made a significant contribution in a service-related role and/or financially to the program.

This year’s duo of supporters include Keith Miles, the “Voice of The Rattlers,” as the anchor of the FAMU Football Radio broadcasts since 1984 and former Director of FAMU’s Office of Alumni Affairs, and the Rev. Dr. Edward Scott, area dentist and pastor, who has been a staunch supporter of the university and athletics through the Rattler Boosters and the National Alumni Association.

Tickets for the event are $35 and can be purchased from the FAMU Athletic Ticket Office at the front entrance to the FAMU Teaching Gymnasium, beginning mid-July, or from members of the Sports Hall of Fame Steering Committee. Contact Dr. Joseph P. Ramsey, Chairperson at (850) 906-9150.

2009 FAMU SPORTS HALL OF FAME ENSHIREMENT CLASS
Beauford, Terry            Football (1986-90)
Collier, Leon                 Basketball & Football (1956-59)
Ezell, Tony                   Football (1988-91)
Miles, Keith                  Supporter
Nunnally, Jacquay       Football (1997-2000)
Scott, Dr. Edward        Supporter
Ware, Aldwin               Basketball (1984-88)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (July 1) - Florida A&M University rising senior football student-athletes Curis Pulley and LeRoy Vann have received preseason all-star recognition in advance of the coming 2009 campaign.

@ Pulley, a 6-4, 200-pound senior quarterback from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, was named to The Sports Network's "Walter Payton Award Watch List," as of of the 20 leading offensive players in NCAA Division I FCS (Football Championship Subdivision, formerly I-AA).

He played the final 10 games of the season a year ago, leading the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in total offense (2,267 yards), accounting for 24 touchdowns (17 passing, seven rushing). He led FAMU in rushing (885 yards, 7 TDs), while completing 98 of 178 passes for 1,382 yards, capturing first team All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference honors.

"The Talented Mr. Pulley," helped shift the Rattler Offense into virtual high gear by midyear, as FAMU finished the year averaging 35.2 points per game, scorinf 40 or more points in their final three games and five of their last seven contests, cracking the 50-point plateau three times.

The transfer from the University of Kentucky was named MVP of the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic and the Florida Classic, presented by State Farm, after leading the Rattlers to decisive victories against Tennessee State (28-21) and Bethune-Cookman (58-35).

@ Returning FCS All-America return specialist LeRoy Vann, a 5-9, 185-pound defensive back from Tampa (Blake High School) has been named to The Sporting News College Football Preview FCS Preseason All-America team.

The scintillating performer shattered school, conference and NCAA records for Division One football in kick returns in 2008, piling up 1,583 combined yards (462 on punts, 1,121 on kickoffs), which ranks him #1 all-time in that category among BCS or FCS players for a single season.

He also ran back six (6) kicks for touchdowns, tying and NCAA record for combined kick returns for scores. Many of his returns came at clutch moments in games, sparking the Rattlers to a sizzling 9-3 finish.

Vann, who also ranked among the team's top tacklers (53 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 1 Interception) a year ago, captured All-American honors from The Walter Camp Foundation and the Associated Press for his efforts.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (June 29) - The 2009 Florida A&M University Football Schedule is now set with the announcement last week of the starting time for the 30th Florida Classic between FAMU and Bethune-Cookman University in Orlando on November 21.

The 11-game schedule will feature four home games in venerable Bragg Memorial Stadium, kicking off with the 2009 season opener against Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rival Delaware State University at 6:00 p.m.

FAMU will then have two straight Thursday night games televised live nationally by ESPNU - the September 10 road clash at Winston-Salem State University and the September 17 home bout against Howard University. Both games will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

The Rattlers will then embark on a three-game, four-week road tour, starting off in Atlanta for the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic, September 26 against Tennessee State University in the Georgia Dome, with kickoff slated for 3:30 p.m. Eastern.

The midseason road tour continues after an open date on October 3, as the Rattlers travel to Miami to take on the University of Miami at Pro Player Stadium (formerly Joe Robbie Stadium) on October 10. The start time has not be set for that battle which will mark the 30th anniversary of the Rattlers' 16-13 upset of UM in 1979 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.

Defending MEAC champion South Carolina State University will draw the Rattlers next in what is sure to be a "Showcase Showdown" between arguably the top two title contenders in 2009, on October 17 at Oliver Dawson/Bulldog Stadium. Kickoff will be 2:00 p.m.

Homecoming 2009 will see the Rattlers back in Bragg after four weeks away on October 24, when they host Norfolk State University at 3:00 p.m., then FAMU heads north to Baltimore for a 4:00 p.m. showdown with Morgan State University at Earl Banks Stadium on October 31.

The month of November will have three games to close out the 2009 campaign, starting off with the final home game for FAMU November 7, as North Carolina A&T State University invades Bragg for a 3:00 p.m. tilt, followed by back-to-back road games, November 14 at Hampton (Va.) University at 1 p.m., ending with the season-ending Showdown In O-Town, November 21, between FAMU and B-CU, starting at 2:30 p.m.

Please note that game times and dates may be subject to change.

2009 FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY RATTLER FOOTBALL SCHEDULE   

Sept. 5            DELAWARE STATE  (6:00)*            HOME
Sept. 10            at Winston-Salem State (7:30) TV            Winston-Salem, NC
Sept. 17        HOWARD (7:30)* TV                    HOME       
Sept. 26            Tennessee State (3:30)@                    Atlanta, GA
Oct. 10            at University of Miami (TBA)                Miami, FL
Oct. 17            at South Carolina State (2:00)*            Orangeburg, SC   
Oct. 24            NORFOLK STATE (3:00)*                HOMECOMING       
Oct. 31            at Morgan State (4:00)*                    Baltimore, MD       
Nov. 7            NORTH CAROLINA A&T (3:00)*        HOME       
Nov. 14            at Hampton University (1:00)*            Hampton, VA   
Nov. 21            Bethune-Cookman  (2:30)$*                Orlando, FL
-----------------------------------------------------------------
(*)-Conference Games; @-Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic 21 – Georgia Dome
($)-Florida Classic 30 – Florida Citrus Bowl; TV-TELEVISED GAMES

   

The Green Team proved to be the Mean Green here Saturday evening, as they overwhelmed the Orange Team, 48-0 during Florida A&M University’s annual Spring Football Game at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

A crowd estimated at better than 2,000, watched the veteran-led Green Team pile up 266 total yards, while limiting the Orange men to 134 total yards, including just five (5) net rushing yards on 31 carries.

Senior tailback Demitric Henry scored two touchdowns, opening the game’s scoring by taking a swing pass from quarterback Curtis Pulley, then dashing 16 yards to the end zone for a 7-0 lead with 7:02 left in the first period.

Henry would bolt into the end zone from seven yards out with 8:02 left in the game to end the Green lead to 41-0.

The Green Defense scored three touchdowns, the first coming when Sean Rush scooped up an Orange team fumble on a punt try, waling in from three yards out for a 14-0 Green lead with 5:15 left in the opening quarter.

Junior tailback Philip Sylvester scored the next two Green tallies, plunging in from three yards out with 4:08 left in the first half to give his squad a 20-0 lead at halftime.

Then after a turnover, Sylvester raced in from 14 yards away with 5:41 to go in the third, extending the Green edge to 27-0, before Fabian Wilson picked off an Orange pass and ran it back 59 yards for a score 15 seconds later (5:26) for a 34-0 lead by the end of the quarter.

Henry’s seven-yard run in the fourth quarter, was followed by a 48-yard pick-six by linebacker Gregory Boler, who reached the end zone with just 15 seconds left in the game.

Sylvester led all rushers with 91 yards on eight carries for the Green, opening the game with a 41-yard gallop. He was followed by sophomore Lonvontae Page with 27 yards on seven carries, while Henry had 23 yards on five tries.

Senior quarterback Curtis Pulley ran for 14 yards on three carries, while passing for 96 yards and one score on nine of 13 passing, suffering one interception. Junior quarterback Eddie Battle went 3-of-11 passing for 43 yards.

Sophomore Kevin Elliott led the Green with five receptions for 48 yards, while Adrian Smith added three catches for 38 yards.

For the Orange, Andre Jacobs rushed for a team-high 40 yards on 12 carries. Quarterbacks Brian Gilmore (5 of 13, 63 yards, 1 INT) and Martin Ukpai (3 of 8 for 66 yards, 2 INTs) split time running the Orange offense.

Edmond Baker led the Orange men with three catches for 53 yards, while Jonathan Sanders (2 for 23) and Brandon Hepburn (2 for 15) also saw receiving action Saturday.

Defensively, senior end Joseph Wims finished with five tackles, one sack and 3.5 tackles for loss to lead the crew which finished with 12 tackles for loss, with four sacks and four turnovers forced (three interceptions, one fumble).

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Masrch 30) - The Florida A&M Football team is in the midst of spring training in preparation for the 2009 season, and is set to cap off the second week of drills this Saturday, April 4 with the annual Orange and Green Football Game at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Kickoff will be 5:00 p.m.
The Rattlers, under second-year head coach Joe Taylor, will hold four workouts this week - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (all at 3:30 p.m.) in preparation for Saturday's game.

FAMU will have two additional weeks, or six (6) more practice sessions before training ends for the spring.

The Rattlers will open the 2009 regular season at home on Saturday, September 5 against Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rival Delaware State in the Sports Hall of Fame Game, which will kickoff at 6:00 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 22) – The Florida A&M University Football team will opne spring training, or their annual “15 Days of Spring” practice sessions beginning Monday, March 23 at 3:30 p.m..

The 15 practice sessions will be split in half, with the annual “Orange and Green Spring Football Game” set for the middle of the practice schedule on Saturday, April 4 at 5:00 p.m. in Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Spring workouts will be held each week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, except for Week Two, when a Friday session will be held prior to the Spring Game, and Week Four, when the final two workouts (Tuesday and Thursday) will close out the 15-day regimen.

All weekday sessions will start at 3:30 p.m. and the Saturday drills will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

FAMU FOOTBALL’S “15 DAYS OF SPRING” PRACTICE SLATE
Week One                                             Week Three
• Monday, March 23 (3:30p)                  • Monday, April 6 (3:30p)
• Tuesday March 24 (3:30p)                  • Tuesday, April 7 (3:30p)
• Thursday, March 26 (3:30p)                • Thursday, April 9 (3:30p)
• Saturday, March 28 (9:00a)                 • Saturday, April 11 (9:00a)

Week Two                                            Week Four
• Monday, March 30 (3:30p)                  • Tuesday, April 14 (3:30p)
• Tuesday, March 31 (3:30p)                 • Thursday, April 16 (3:30p)
• Thursday, April 2 (3:30p)
• Friday, April 3 (3:30p)
• Saturday, April 4/Spring Game (4:00p)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University announced that the 2009 Football Homecoming date will be Saturday, October 24 against the Spartans of Norfolk State University.

Kickoff will be 3:00 p.m. for the culminating event of the annual week-long celebration of the university and its’ great traditions, both academic and athletic.

Plans are being made to pay special tribute during that week to former Olympic gold medalist and All-Pro receiver Robert “Bullet Bob” Hayes, who will be enshrined this August into the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In addition to the Hayes salute, the university will also hold its’ traditional Homecoming Gala which will be centered around the school’s great athletic tradition, recognizing many of the outstanding student-athletes, coaches and teams that have worn the Orange and Green with distinction for over 100 years.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 12) – The Florida A&M University Football team will conduct spring training, or their annual “15 Days of Spring” practice sessions beginning on Monday, March 23.

The 15 practice sessions will be split in half, with the annual “Orange and Green Spring Football Game” set for the middle of the practice schedule on Saturday, April 4 at 4:00 p.m. in Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Spring workouts will be held each week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, except for Week Two, when a Friday session will be held prior to the Spring Game, and Week Four, when the final two workouts (Tuesday and Thursday) will close out the 15-day regimen.

All weekday sessions will start at 3:30 p.m. and the Saturday drills will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

FAMU FOOTBALL’S “15 DAYS OF SPRING” PRACTICE SLATE
Week One                                          Week Three
• Monday, March 23 (3:30p)              • Monday, April 6 (3:30p)
• Tuesday March 24 (3:30p)              • Tuesday, April 7 (3:30p)
• Thursday, March 26 (3:30p)            • Thursday, April 9 (3:30p)
• Saturday, March 28 (9:00a)             • Saturday, April 11 (9:00a)

Week Two                                           Week Four
• Monday, March 30 (3:30p)                • Tuesday, April 14 (3:30p)
• Tuesday, March 31 (3:30p)               • Thursday, April 16 (3:30p)
• Thursday, April 2 (3:30p)
• Friday, April 3 (3:30p)
• Saturday, April 4/Spring Game (4:00p)

FAMU ANNOUNCES 2009 FOOTBALL SIGNEES

Incoming class features mix of prep, JUCO and transfer players

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Feb. 4) - Florida A&M University announced its' 2009 class of newcomers during National Football Signing Day on Wednesday.

This year's class features a talented mix of high school and transfer players, along with several red shirt freshmen, who will join the active roster this fall.

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CHRIS ATKINS
Pos. DE/LB, Ht: 6'5", Hometown/Previous School: Quincy, FL/East Carolina
Transfer from East Carolina. Graduate from West Gadsden where he was a 5 year letterman and versatile athlete playing S, LB and DE. HS Career totals: 380 tackles, 43 sacks, 114 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions and two block punts.

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COREY ATKINS
Pos. RB, Ht: 5'11", Wt: 193, Hometown/Previous School: Madison, FL/Madison HS
This Madison HS standout with blazing speed and power clocking 4.4..rated a 3 star recruit bt scout.com Atkins rushed for over 1700 yds, 24 Touchdowns and was 2nd Team all state in Class 2A.

 

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Jerod Brisbom
Pos:  LB,  Ht:  6-1,  Wt:  215,  Hometown:  / Previous School:  Tampa, Fla. / Hillsborough HS 
This Hillsborough HS product was their top LB for 3 consecutive seasons… Recorded over 100 tackles for three straight seasons… career stats 316 tackles, 13 sacks, 7 FF…Recruited by Iowa State, Bethune Cookman University, FIU.

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 Jay Culpeper
Pos:  OL/LS  Ht:  6-5, Wt:  290,  Hometown / Previous School:  Madison, Fla. / Florida State 
This Madison county high school graduate and was on the state championship team. Versatile offensive lineman and Long Snapper with a great upside considering size….Culpepper will compete in Special Teams for snapping duties in 2009… 4 year letterman at Madison HS… played two seasons at FSU, Criminal justice major.

 Brando Curry 
Pos:  OL,  Ht:  6-6, Wt:  305,  Hometown / Previous School:  Lauderdale, Fla. / Marshall University 
Transfer from Marshall University. HS: Sun Sentinel & Miami Herald 1st team All County both Jr and Sr Year. 1st team all state class 6A as a senior. Rated # 14 recruit out of broward county, no sacks allowed for two consecutive years, Army vs Navy all American game, selected for Dade vs broward all star game in 2007.

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Brandon Davis 
Pos:  OL,  Ht:  6-4,  Wt:  285,  Hometown / Previous School:  Jacksonville, Fla. / Illinois
Highly touted offensive lineman from Jacksonville Fl. 4 star recruit, selected to play in Shrine Bowl, All Conference, Captain of Shrine Bowl, Top 5 offensive lineman in Florida. Recruited by FSU, Miami, Illinois, Tennessee, Ole Miss, WVU, FIU and FAU.

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Jonathan Ferrell
Pos:  S,  Ht:  6-0,  Wt:  195,  Hometown / Previous School:  Tallahassee, Fla. / FAMU DRS 
Gray shirt sophomore from FAMU high school. Recorded 112 tackles his sr year along with 3 int, 2 ff and 7 sacks. Versatile player who can also line up at LB, was 2nd team all state in 2007 and also led the baby rattlers to 2007 state championship.

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 Trevon Fleshmon 
Pos:  TE/DE,  Ht:  6-2,  Wt:  235,  Hometown / Previous:  Jacksonville, Fla. / Forrest HS 
1st team TE shrine bowl, 1st team all county selection, nominated for Army vs Navy all star game, 1st team all state selection.4.5 speed TE with Career stats totaling 67 receptions, 17 TDs, 43 pancakes blocks; on defense 63 tackles, 7 sacks…considered one of the top wrestlers in Florida, Fleshman only loss three matches in High School…Recruited by East Carolina, FIU, UCF and Arkansas State…Criminal justice major.

 

 

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Bobby Jackson
Pos:  OLB,  Ht:  6-2,  Wt:  225,  Hometown / Previous School:  Miami, Fla. / Miami Jackson HS
Recorded 103 Tackles, 18 sacks (school record), 4 FF, 2 Ints, Miami Dade All Dade team. Sr season defensive captain, boasts 4.5 speed, honor student with 3.5 gpa….interests by East Carolina , Marshall, FIU and FAU.

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Rodeshawn Joseph
Pos:  CB,  Ht:  6-1,  Wt:  170,  Hometown / Previous School:   Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. / Boyd Anderson
Aggressive player and lockdown corner with great upside. Selected Broward county all star team, and played in Dade vs Broward game. Recorded 73 tackles, 4 int. Defensive captain during senior season….top 100 athlete in state of Florida Business Management major.

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Abraham Muhieze
Pos:  S,  Ht:  6-1,  Wt:  205,  Hometown / Previous School:  San Diego, Calif. / Grossmont College 
Juco transfer from Grossmont college in CA where he was the team captain and recorded 136 tackles, 7 int , I ret for td, 2 FF,3 blocked punts in one game Totaled 5 blocked punts in his career at Grossmont.. In HS, was versatile athlete who played QB/S… career stats Passed for 4,000 yds and 1300 yds rushing (which is a CA record for total yardages) 56 total touchdowns 43 passing and 13 rushing. At Safety, recorded 118 tackles, 10 Ints (3 returned for a TD)…1st Team All American, 1st Team All State, Red Zone Player of the Year…recruited by Idaho State, Montana State, Texas State Major in Kinesiology.

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Jamil Paris 
Pos:  DE/LB,  Wt:  6-5,  Wt:  245,  Hometown / Previous School:  Gifford, Fla. / Kentucky 
Transfer from University of Kentucky where he played as a true freshman where he recorded 4 sacks, 23 tackles…recorded sack versus Chris Leak in Music city Bowl 2006…HS Sabastian River High where he was the #1 Wk DE in Florida, #13 in the Nation and Florida’s top 100 at # 57….career totals 31 sacks, 113 tackles, 23 tkfls in just two seasons.

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Harrison Sweeting 
Pos:  DE /LB,  Ht: 6-4,  Wt:  235   Hometown / Previous School:  Jacksonville, Fla. / Ed White HS 
Recorded 6 sacks, 93 tackles and 1 int…career stats 167 tackles 13 sacks…honorable mention all state

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Daniel "Troy"Walker
Pos:  P,  Ht:  6-0,  Wt:  195,  Hometown / Previous School:  Wakulla, Fla. / Wakulla HS 
Grey shirt sophomore with tremendous leg power…HS 2007 Wakulla High 1ST Team All State, 1st Team All Big Bend as a Punter averaging 42.1 yds per punt… also Rushed for 7 Touchdowns while playing Running Back at Wakulla…Undefeated wrestling title and was 1ST Team all Big Bend in wrestling.

 

 

 

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Jerry Willis
Pos:  DT,  Ht:  6-4,  Wt:  295,  Hometown / Previous School:  Chicago, Ill. / 
Who has tremendous upside at DT. Former all conference at FB/DT…Willis also received interest from Kentucky State, Grambling and Tenn State.




Updated:  2/4/09- 1: 15 p.m.

 

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FLORIDA A&M RELEASES 2009 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Rattlers to have four home games, plus guarantee tilt with Miami

CONTACT: Alvin Hollins/Ronnie Johnson, Sports Information (850) 599-3200/561-2701

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Jan. 7) - Florida A&M University announced its 2009 football schedule on Wednesday, a lineup which features four home contests and a midseason clash with the University of Miami.

Florida A&M, which finished the 2008 season 9-3 and tied for second in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference at 5-3 under first-year head coach Joe Taylor, will open the season at home for the second straight year, September 5 against Delaware State.

The Rattlers will also have home games against Howard University on September 19, Norfolk (Va.) State on October 24 and North Carolina A&T on November 7.

FAMU has yet to designate a Homecoming date, as they await the release of the Florida State home schedule, with hopes of avoiding conflicts for their October and November home weekends.

Highlighting their traditional seven-game road schedule will be an October 10 jaunt to Miami's Pro Player Stadium to take on the University of Miami.

FAMU will open their road schedule on September 12 at Winston-Salem (N.C.) State, then return to the road on September 26 in Atlanta against Tennessee State in the Atlanta Football Classic.

After an open date on October 3, FAMU will take on Miami (October 10) and defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion South Carolina State (October 17) in back-to-back road tilts.

The Rattlers' final three home games will be at Morgan State (Oct. 31) in Baltimore, Maryland; at Hampton (Va.) University (Nov. 14) and against Bethune-Cookman in the 30th Florida Classic in Orlando (Nov. 21).

Game times had not been finalized as of press time.

2009 FLORIDA A&M FOOTBALL SCHEDULE    

Sept. 5          DELAWARE STATE          HOME
Sept. 12     at Winston-Salem State     Winston-Salem, NC
Sept. 19     HOWARD*                    HOME         
Sept. 26     Tennessee State@               Atlanta, GA
Oct. 10          at University of Miami          Miami, FL
Oct. 17          at South Carolina State*     Orangeburg, SC    
Oct. 24     NORFOLK STATE*#          HOME         
Oct. 31          at Morgan State*               Baltimore, MD         
Nov. 7          NORTH CAROLINA A&T*#     HOME         
Nov. 14     at Hampton University*     Hampton, VA    
Nov. 21     Bethune-Cookman*$          Orlando, FL
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(*)-Conference Games; @-Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic 21 - Georgia Dome
(#)-Possible Homecoming dates; ($)-Florida Classic 30 - Florida Citrus Bowl

Gameday Gives FAMU Positive Exposure

Florida A&M administrators agree on one thing about the ESPN "GameDay" show being on campus this weekend — the publicity will be priceless. But given the show focuses on football, coach Joe Taylor could end up with a recruiting plum. The kind of exposure that FAMU will get is exactly what football prospects have been told they won't get if they play at FAMU, Taylor said. Even though Saturday's game against Hampton won't be televised, he expects the impact of "GameDay" being televised from FAMU will carry some weight during the recruiting period, Taylor said. "This kind of erases that myth," Taylor said Tuesday during his weekly meeting with the media. "You can get that exposure here so it might help us to convince a kid that his dream can come true on this size of campus as well as it can on a larger campus." Another upside could come if FAMU manages to end up at least tied for second place in the MEAC final standings. The second-place team in the league has traditionally received an at-large berth to the playoffs and FAMU could be in that position if it wins its next two games and gets some help from South Carolina State and Hampton. The "GameDay" exposure coupled with five appearances that FAMU will have made on television might be considered by the selection committee, especially if the race comes down to head-head comparisons. Taylor credits the league's commissioner, Dennis Thomas, and FAMU president James Ammons for their efforts to bring the show to the FAMU campus. "For this to be going on says that some good things are going on; look at the (recent) inauguration of Dr. Ammons, the school coming off probation, the football fate," he said. "This is on par for the revitalization of FAMU. I don't think these things happened because somebody says well, let's just do it. I think it's an indication that FAMU is righting its ship." "GameDay" host Chris Fowler, will be joined by the usual cast of Lee Corso, former Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit and former Heisman Trophy winner and Michigan standout Desmond Howard. During the show, a video segment will highlight campus landmarks and some of FAMU's achievements in education and athletics. Having the backdrop of a Historically Black College will be a first for "GameDay." It's also one of the few times that the show airs from the campus of a Football Championship Subdivision school. "This is huge. I don't know if some of us realize the magnitude of it," Taylor said. "We're talking about exhibiting who you are on a large, national platform . . . the whole nine yards." The show will air from 10 a.m. to noon. FAMU's Marching 100 and cheerleaders also will appear during the telecast.

PULLEY HELPS RATTLERS SINK PIRATES, 45-24

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Nov. 15) - Junior quarterback Curtis Pulley accounted for 291 total yards, rushing for three second quarter scores and passing for another, to spark Florida A&M to a 45-24 romp over the visiting Hampton Pirates in the Rattlers' 2008 home finale here Saturday afternoon at Bragg Stadium. The win allowed FAMU to reverse its' 2007 record, going from 3-8 a year ago to 8-3, with the Florida Classic looming next week in Orlando. The Rattlers also improved to 4-3 in the MEAC, while slumping Hampton (5-5, 4-3) have dropped four straight games over the last four weeks. Hampton bolted to a 10-0 first quarter lead, as the Rattlers could not take advantage of two excellent kickoff returns by junior phenom LeRoy Vann, who put FAMU inside the Pirates' 50 twice. Both times FAMU had on field goal blocked and another sail wide, while the Pirates got on the board on a seven-yard TD pass from Herbert Bynes to Justin Brown, with 8:44 left, followed by a Carlo Turavani 40-yard field goal with 3:13 left. But the sun came out in the second quarter, wiping away the gloomy clouds and rain showers and with it, the Rattler offense came to life behind the play of Pulley. The transfer from Kentucky showed why he was a heralded prep star in the Bluegrass State a few years ago, as scored on TD runs of 11, 14 and 30 yards to vault the Rattlers ahead at intermission, 21-10. Sophomore Philip Sylvester, who has been up and down this season, scored on a 38-yard run early in the third period (11:19), before Pulley connected with Isaac West for a 49-yard scoring pass play for a 35-10 cushion. The Pirates finally answered when Bynes hit Dennis Mathis with a 15-yard scoring toss for a 35-17 count with 1:17 left in the third period. FAMU kicker Trevor Scott made good on a 43-yard field goal, his longest of the season, to extend the Rattler lead to 38-17 with 12:40 left in the game, before Sylvester added a four-yard scoring burst with 7:50 to left to make the count, 45-17. Hampton managed a late score, as Bynes hit Jeremy Gilchrist with a two-yard strike as time expired for the final 45-24 score. SATURDAY BY THE NUMBERS: Pulley finished the day with 132 yards rushing on 12 carries and 3 TDs… he also hit six of 14 passes for 159 yards and one TD…. Sylvester rushed for 92 yards and a pair of scores on 13 carries, while Kevin Elliott led FAMU with four pass receptions for 89 yards… Isaac West added two receptions for 70 yards and one TD…. Linebacker Alvis Graham led the Rattler defense with seven tackles, including 4.5 stops for loss and 4.0 sacks… Curtis Holcomb and Vic Arboleda each had interceptions….. The defense held Hampton to a minus 14 yards rushing, forcing Herbert Bynes to throw 61 times for 401 yards and 3 TDs, sacking him seven times…. VANN CLOSING ON RECORDS: Junior LeRoy Vann piled up 219 return yards Saturday, picking up 156 yards on three first half kickoff returns and 63 more yards on four punt returns…. The Tampa native became the first player in FAMU history to record over 1,000 yards in kickoff returns with his first half efforts… He now has 1,002 kickoff return yards and 454 on punt returns for 1,456 combined yards this season…. Vann is 13 yards shy of equaling the NCAA Division I FCS single season record for combined return yards of 1,469 yards set by David Primus of Samford (Ala.) in 1989…. He also 24 yards shy of the FAMU single-season punt return yardage of 478, set by Howard Huckaby in 1988…. TAYLOR MOVES PAST GAITHER: FAMU coach Joe Taylor scored his 205th career coaching victory Saturday, moving him past FAMU's Hall of Fame coaching legend A.S. “Jake” Gaither, who had 204 wins in 25 seasons from 1945 to 1969…. Taylor is now in seventh place on the Black College coaches' career wins list…. WHAT'S NEXT: The Rattlers close out the 2008 regular season next weekend in Orlando against archrival Bethune-Cookman in the 29th Florida Classic, presented by State Farm… Kickoff of the nationally-televised bout (ESPN Classic) will be 2:00 p.m. from the Florida Citrus Bowl…. CLASSIC TICKETS STILL REMAIN: Despite two eight-win teams coming to Orlando next week, ticket sales for this year's Classic have lagged behind those of recent years, likely due to the economy…. Tickets in the second tier on the FAMU side are still available at $40, as are discounted sections of the Citrus Bowl for $25 each.

TAYLOR MOVES PAST JAKE GAITHER

FAMU coach Joe Taylor scored his 205th career coaching victory Saturday, moving him past FAMU's Hall of Fame coaching legend A.S. “Jake” Gaither, who had 204 wins in 25 seasons from 1945 to 1969…. Taylor is now in seventh place on the Black College coaches' career wins list