Rattlers Close Training Camp With
Musical Flair Saturday
Scrimmage staged to upbeat tunes; featured a presidential ice bath
CONTACT: Vaughn Wilson (850) 599-3200 or Alvin Hollins (850) 599-3736
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (August 23) – The FAMU Football team ended the 2014 Training Camp Saturday with a lively scrimmage played to upbeat tunes, while being viewed by the university's new president and a number of former NFL players.
At the request of head coach Earl Holmes, sports information director Vaughn Wilson provided music to the delight of the Rattler players and fans in attendance.
It set the tone for a scrimmage which saw both the offense and defense take turns getting in their punches, while the special teams also showed some flashes as well.
Senior quarterback Damien Fleming (Jacksonville, Fla.) took the lion's share of snaps Saturday, directing a number of scoring drives, while the Rattler first line defense was stingy, particularly at the point of attack, playing especially tough on a number of short yardage plays.
The Rattler ground game made some big plays, with a host of backs getting into the fray, including senior Vasty Paul (Tampa), freshman Gerald Hearns (West Palm Beach, Fla.), along with reserves Terrence Nelson (Jacksonville) and Miles Jenkins.
PRESIDENTIAL ICE BATH: In the wake of Friday evening's ALS Ice Bath Challenge which saw athletic director Kellen Winslow and head softball coach Veronica Wiggins get doused with coolers of ice water as part of the Athletic Department's fundraising effort for the charity, FAMU President Elmira Mangum got into the spirit during Saturday's scrimmage.
Dr. Mangum addressed the team, challenging FAMU Board of Trustee member Rufus Montgomery to donate $500 towards Athletics, before junior linebacker Akil Blount poured a cooler of ice water on the president.
CELEBRITIES WATCH: Saturday's scrimmage was witnessed by a nice crowd of fans and families, who braved the building heat on the FAMU practice fields…. Among those in attendance were NFL Hall of Famer Mel Blount, father of FAMU starting linebacker Akil Blount, and former Rattler great Wally Williams, visiting from Baltimore, where he broadcasts Ravens football games.
WHAT'S ON TAP: Now that training camp has ended, the Rattler Football team had more on their weekend schedule…. Saturday afternoon, they were to be feted at the annual Rattler Booster Football Kickoff at The Moon, starting at 2:00… Sunday, they were to attend worship services at Tabernacle Church at 10:00 a.m.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE CHANGES: Because of the NCAA APR (Academic Progress Rate) sanctions levied on the Rattler football team for the 2014 season, a reduction of practice time from 20 hours to 16 hours will be in effect.
That means that the team will practice or meet just four (4) days, getting Mondays off.
Head coach Earl Holmes said earlier in the week that the loss of the one day, will cause the coaching staff to shuffle the preparation schedule for each game.
“Monday is a day we normally present the players with the game plan and discuss assignments for the coming week. But now, we have to give the players that day off to address academics, so we'll have to go over game plans for the first time on Tuesdays now,” Holmes said.
