Backup quarterback Carson Royal, who stepped in to lead the
Rattler offense last Saturday after an injury sidelined Damien Fleming, will
start in today’s matchup against conference rival Delaware State.
Royal, a red-shirt freshman, received his call to duty after
a right foot injury forced Fleming to the ground during the late second quarter.
The 6’2 Jacksonville native, in his first TD pass of the season, connected with
Casey Glines from eight-yards out with 5:06 to go in the half, giving the
Rattlers a 21-19 lead going into the break. But despite a valiant effort by
Royal and his fellow gridders, the Bulldogs slipped away to claim a 25-21
victory.
On Wednesday, Royal said that he knows he has a lot to prove
to his coaches and teammates.
“My focus this week is on getting the trust and confidence
from everyone on the team that we can lead the team to a victory,” he told the
Tallahassee Democrat. “That’s my main focus and being consistent.”