TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | It's easy to follow a leader who possesses on-the-job experience and that's exactly what
Shane Tucker brings to the Florida A&M football team. The running backs coach was an accomplished rusher, wide receiver, tight end, and kick returner at Middle Tennessee State from 2013 to 2017, and earned a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at the end of his collegiate career with an NFL training camp invite from the Buffalo Bills.
He leads his position group by example, and oftentimes that includes lacing up his cleats.
"It's easy to coach my guys up because I was in their shoes and am able to see the things that they see," he said. "Almost all the plays, I've repped it or I've ran it. One thing about football, little things might change, but the fundamentals are the same.
"The guys will tell you I try to do everything with them. It builds confidence and trust. When I show them drills or we're going over them, I actually demonstrate before they do it. I try to stay in the weight room and I'm running with the guys every single day. I'm not going to show you anything or make you do anything that I can't do, that I don't do," he smiled.
Tucker is weeks away from his first season on staff at FAMU and likes what he sees so far. The running backs are rising to the challenges of fall camp, like the experience group they are. Most of the unit (four out of seven) are upperclassmen, and the team returns its leading rusher from the 2019 campaign in
Bishop Bonnett as well as several other key contributors.
"Being a new coach, coming into this offense, it's easy for me right now. Coach [Willie] Simmons did a great job," Tucker said. "Those guys being under Coach Simmons, I don't have to coach them on effort. I don't have to coach them on work ethic. They have those. They have that mindset, and it's the same way off the field. They are great men. With them, it's just trying to get the little details right.
"Bishop is a guy that's been here for six years. He got the extra year due to COVID, and he's a leader. He exemplifies what we want in this program. He's graduated and sets a great example for the younger guys, great person, great character, great work ethic."
#1 Bishop Bonnett | 5-7 | 175 | R-Sr. | Jacksonville, Fla.
2019: Appeared in 10 games and led the team in rushing with 372 yards on 97 attempts … adding a pair of rushing touchdowns.
"We just got Terrell back about two or three days ago, and we're trying to get him back up to speed with his conditioning and live reps. He's doing great. All camp, he's been in his playbook making sure he's up-to-date on everything and he's doing a great job as well leading the guys. He has unbelievable work ethic. He's smart. He's a savvy football player."
#23 Terrell Jennings | 6-0 | 230 | R-So. | Jacksonville, Fla.
2019: Guided the team with six rushing touchdowns … recorded 256 yards on 83 rushes.
"I'm so proud of Eddie Tillman and his leadership. Eddie Tillman is a hard worker. He is a grinder. He's another guy that exemplifies what we want out of this program."
#33 Eddie Tillman III | 5-11 | 200 | R-Jr. | New Orleans, La.
2019: Made an appearance in three games … capped the year with 37 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Tucker's plan for the group is to take it one day at a time. He expects the backs to show improvement from the 2019 season where they ranked ninth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) with 105.8 yards per game, and the tools are there.
"Being here at FAMU, there's a great atmosphere, great group of guys, great administration. Everything is just great over here. I'm just looking forward to getting better and holding that trophy at the end of the year in Atlanta. It's a daily process, a daily grind, but we're sacrificing right now to obtain those dreams and goals."
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