Florida A&M was picked to finished third in the 2019 MEAC preseason football poll, Friday, behind NC A&T and Bethune-Cookman. The Rattlers received two first place votes in the poll of the league’s head coaches and sports information directors. This was the highest preseason ranking for FAMU in nine years.
FAMU finished 2018 tied for 2ndin conference play with a 6-5 record. Last fall, the Rattlers ticked off five straight victories in the middle of the season -- including over eventual MEAC champion and Celebration Bowl winner North Carolina A&T in Greensboro.
This year's team looks to improve on last year’s campaign. The Rattlers return15 players who started as underclassmen in the Florida Classic are back on the roster.
FAMU returns the best punter in the nation in Chris Faddoul. He averaged 46.8 yards per punt, hit 16 for more than 50 yards and hit a long of 67 yards.
Rounding out the MEAC predicted order of finish were:
4. Howard
5. North Carolina Central
6. South Carolina State
7. Norfolk State
8. Morgan State
9. Delaware State
5. North Carolina Central
6. South Carolina State
7. Norfolk State
8. Morgan State
9. Delaware State
The Rattlers begin the season on August 29that UCF in Orlando.