The FAMU Rattlers Football Team opened camp for spring practice yesterday in "the pit." Coach Joe Taylor and his staff took the first step in their goal toward claiming an outright MEAC football championship inth fall.The Rattlers, who finished 8-3, and just missed the NCAA FCS playoff, won a share of the MEAC football championship, along with South Carolina State University and Bethune-Cookman University.
The Rattlers look to have an experienced team on the field this season, as only nine players exhausted their eligibility on last season.
Austin Trainor comes in at No.1 on the depth chart at quarterback. Trainor took over the helm for the Rattlers' last three games of 2010 and guided them to three straight victories. With the departure of Martin Ukpai, who started the season as the No.1 quarterback, the Rattlers look to a group of individuals who could vie for that position.
Memphis University transfer quarterback Tyler Bass, could push Trainor for that top spot. Taylor has expressed his need to have quality backups in order to achieve championship level success. Bass could provide that quality.
The Rattlers look to fill the shoes of Philip Sylvester on the offensive side of the ball. Sylvester ended his career as the third leading rusher in FAMU history. Eddie Rocker assumes the top spot on the Rattler depth chart.
On the defensive side, the Rattlers look to replace defensive linemen Marquiste Ramos and Kendrick Washington. Padric Scott had a stellar offseason and looks to step up for the Rattlers in 2011.
Practice was in shorts and shoulder pads. The team went through several cycles of drills ans special teams segments.