TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | "Football is going to take care of itself. We're graduating champions." FAMUAthletics.com recently had a chance to connect with Marcus Windham, the Rattlers' newest running back coach, in a discussion that emphasized connections -- those between life and football, player and coach, and interestingly, wide receivers and running backs.
 
Windham preaches discipline and accountability as keys to success that will serve his group well, on and off the field. Hold yourself to a higher standard, and be where you're supposed to be, when you're supposed to be there, are just a few words of wisdom Windham has imparted since arriving in the spring. "My philosophy is to develop young men through football," he said. "I don't just coach football players. I coach future doctors, lawyers, and fathers." 
 
What do you enjoy most about coaching running backs?
"That's an interesting question. My strengths are at wide receiver. I played that position but understanding the run game, the pass protection, the bigger picture, allows me to coach the running backs. My enjoyment comes from seeing the drill work performed in live settings. There's a reward that comes from seeing them be successful - when they execute something we've worked on or talked about." 
 
As a former receiver and someone who coached that position at previous institutions, what are a few parallels between wideouts and running backs? How does your experience benefit your group?
"One thing I can be better at is teaching them coverages. I've got to find more ways to hammer the point home. Running backs can be a receiver when the quarterback throws them the football. We often catch short passes such as swing routes and short shoot routes. These routes are typically what's called "check-downs" or last option routes for the quarterback. These routes are crucial so that he can throw it quickly to the running back. While running backs may not be the primary option in most pass plays, they can still catch the football from the quarterback. Whenever a running back or wide receiver touches the football, their main goal is to score a touchdown." 
 
How has it been building a relationship with your group?
"This is an unbelievable group. We have a lot of leadership from guys who received a lot of playing time last year. Terrell Jennings had a lot of snaps. Jaylen McCloud had meaningful snaps. I'm learning from them about what they're seeing, and they are learning from me as well. I give them a couple of tools, but they are driving the car. My job is to help fix it." 
 
The team lost its leading rusher in Bishop Bonnet but returns the next two in Jennings and McCloud. Can you talk about their development? 
"That's a good question. Bishop was a dynamic player for the Rattler offense last season. The entire group is developing under the leadership of Terrell Jennings and Jaylen McCloud. We've got a good problem to have. They know about learning the run game. We've got that part. I think with two big, physical backs like Jennings and McCloud, who can also hurt you in the passing game, you've got to get better as a pass receiver. So, what does that mean? You've got to learn coverages. That's No. 1, no matter if you are coming out of the backfield or spread out in an empty formation. That's one of the things I could be better at teaching them, and they have been getting it." 
 
Are there any surprises in camp so far? Guys that have not played as much but could receive considerable playing time this season? 
"We got some more horses in the stable. De'Andre [Francis] is another piece of the puzzle. He has some genes under his belt. He's a smaller back, with a change of tempo, a guy that can go the distance." 
 
Are there any last comments you'd like to share about the FAMU running backs? 
"Collective as a running back group, we will be great." 
 
 
#23 Terrell Jennings | 6-0 | 230 | Sr. | Jacksonville, Fla.
 
2021: Rushed for the second most yards on the team with 517 yards off 105 carries in 12 games played … tied for the most rushing touchdowns with five … scored a rushing touchdown in five different games (9/18 at USF, 10/2 vs. ASU, 10/9 vs. SC State, 10/16 at AAMU, 11/20 vs. BCU) … rushed for a career-high 93 yards at USF off six carries … rushed for 50+ yard five times (9/18 at USF, 10/9 vs. SC State, 10/16 at AAMU, 10/30 vs. GSU, 11/20 vs. BCU)
 
2019: Led team with six rushing touchdowns (fifth most in MEAC) … finished with third most rushing yards (256) in ten games … scored a career-high two touchdowns in wins at Norfolk State (9/28) and at SC State (10/12) … rushed for a season-high 57 yards in win versus North Carolina A&T … caught lone receiving touchdown in win at Morgan State
 
#25 Jaylen McCloud | 6-2 | 230 | R-Sr. | Jacksonville, Fla. / Savannah State
 
2021: Debut season at FAMU … rushed for the third most yards on the team with 257 yards in seven games … rushed for 50+ yards twice (9/18 at USF, 11/20 vs BCU) … recorded a season-high 77 rushing yards in win versus Bethune-Cookman … rushed for a touchdown in three games (10/30 vs. GSU, 11/6 at Southern, 11/20 vs. BCU)


Returners: De'Andre Francis, Terrell Jennings, Jaylen McCloud, Lelan Wilhoite
 
Lost: Bishop Bonnett, Kylen Callum, Xandre McCleary, Eddie Tillman III
 
Newcomers: Brian Beck Jr. (University Lab High School), Destin Coates (Georgia State), A.J. Davis (Pittsburgh), Daylen Hall (Cathedral High School), Cameron Sigur (Eagles Landing High School)

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