"The expectation is through the roof. I want these guys to compete to be the best group on the team, the most accountable group, the most reliable group in everything we do. 'Let's be the group that leads our team.'" - Jelani Berassa (FAMU Passing Game Coordinator & Wide Receivers Coach)
Tallahassee, Fla. | Hungry. No explanation is needed. That's how Florida A&M assistant coach
Jelani Berassa described his wide receiver corps a few days leading up to the start of fall football camp. FAMU is finally playing again - 652 days will pass between its last game (November 23, 2019) and its upcoming season opener (September 5, 2021) - and the wideouts are
hungry to return to the field.
"Will we make the necessary plays to put our team in a position to win? That's the only goal."
The fourth-year coach has a full arsenal of talent at his disposal -- there are 15 receivers listed on the Rattlers' online roster -- and many have veteran experience. The FAMU faithful will recognize the names
Xavier Smith,
Chad Hunter, and
David Manigo and will be pleasantly surprised with the growth and play of several others.
"My room is so talented," Berassa said. "I have guys that may not play this year, and it's not that they aren't talented enough to make plays; it's just that the guys in front of them are on a different level. We have a really good situation at receiver.
"The whole world knows about
Xavier Smith already. He's already proven his ability to be a playmaker and change games."
#19 Xavier Smith | 5-10 | 170 | R-Sr. | Haines City, Fla.
2021: Stats Perform All-American Third Team Offense
2019: MEAC First Team … led the MEAC in receiving yards (1,159) and receptions (77) … the only MEAC receiver to surpass 1,000 receiving yards … finished second in the MEAC in touchdown receptions (11) … ranked fifth nationally in receiving yards per game, ninth in receptions per game, ninth in receiving yards, and 16th in receiving touchdowns.
"
David Manigo won't sneak up on anybody," Berassa added. "He'll be expected by most to be a big-time playmaker. He's had a bunch of success in his time here."
#85 David Manigo | 6-3 | 190 | R-Jr. | Decatur, Ga.
2019: Finished second on the team with 575 receiving yards on 41 catches … hauled in five touchdowns.
"Some may have forgotten that
Chad Hunter has made a lot of plays in his career. The injury bug has bitten him in the last couple of seasons, but Chad is as explosive as ever," Berassa added. "He's back healthy and is poised to have a good senior campaign."
#13 Chad Hunter | 6-1 | 185 | Gr. | Tallahassee, Fla.
2019: Appeared in eight games to record three catches for 14 yards.
"People also need to look out for
Chris Sanders and
Jah'marae Sheread. We'll have a few young guys, freshmen that haven't played yet, but are pushing to compete for playing time."
Single-game tickets are available to purchase for all Rattler home games. You can buy your tickets online here or by calling the ticket office at 850-599-3141.
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