TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | Explosive. Experienced. Exciting. These are just a few adjectives Florida A&M coaches
James Colzie III and
Davon Morgan tossed around when discussing their defensive backs.
And these are two voices Rattler Nation should absolutely trust ...
Check their credentials, and you'll read that Colzie starred at Florida State University, where he won an NCAA national championship in 1993. The 23-year coaching veteran was also an esteemed cornerback with experience in two Orange Bowls and a Sugar Bowl. A little playful banter between the FSU and Virginia Tech alums additionally led to mention of Morgan's three Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) titles (2007-08, 2010) as well as his Orange Bowl and Chik-Fil-A Bowl appearances with the Hokies.
It is clear the two possess the knowledge, experience, and skill to guide the Rattler DBs, and they are already imparting wisdom in such a brief period.
"The transition has been quick. I've been here for two and a half weeks and, you know, ultimately, it's been about learning the defense and being around the guys and the staff," said Colzie. "Overall, it's been going really, really well. I'm extremely happy to be here.
"It starts from the top with Coach [Willie] Simmons. He does an amazing job of leading this football team, and the opportunity to be with coach [Ryan] Smith has been great. I know it's only been a couple of days for Coach Morgan, but it feels like we've all been together for quite some time. It's always good to go into a situation where the expectations are high, and you know you have a really, really good opportunity to win."
"I got the call to come down here and I couldn't wait," Morgan added. "I told the guys yesterday I couldn't have asked for a better situation than here at FAMU. You know, we have some amazing kids, some talented kids. To come into this situation with this type of talent and energy … these guys they just want to win."
Yes, you read that correctly - Colzie has been with the program a matter of weeks and Morgan only three days (as of the interview on August 2). Already, the coaches like what they see.
"Our guys are making plays when given the opportunity, and if we can cover the guys we go against every single day, it gives us a great opportunity for the people we're going to play against in the future. They grind all day. They work. They are studious, taking notes and asking questions" Colzie said.
"As far as the safeties go, I'm seeing a lot of great things. I told Coach [Colzie] after my first day of practice, I've never been a part of a team that has this much speed. These kids are flying around, being physical, putting their foot in the ground, coming out of their breaks to make plays on the ball, training their eyes. We're seeing a lot of positive things and when we put this picture together, come August 27, I don't want it to be a surprise to anybody because these guys are working their tails off to be dominant" continued Morgan.
#11 BJ Bohler | 5-9 | 180 | R-Sr. | Ocoee, Fla. / Mercer
2022: Preseason All-SWAC First Team Defense
2021: Debut season at FAMU … All-SWAC Defensive First Team … BOXTOROW All-American … Florida Classic MVP … finished the season with 52 tackles (the second most on the team) … tied for sixth in the nation in passes defended (16), eighth in interceptions (4), and 11th in pass breakups (12) … only player in the NCAA to record a forced fumble, fumble recovery, interception, and defensive touchdown in the same game …
#12 Kortney Cox | 5-11 | 185 | R-Sr. | Decatur, Ga.
2021: Recorded 26 tackles in 10 appearances … posted a career-high five tackles with an interception and two pass breakups in win versus Alabama State .. added three PBUs, a forced fumble and an interception
#1 Lovie Jenkins | 6-1 | 195 | Jr. | Orlando, Fla. / Louisville
2021: Debut season at FAMU … saw action in 11 games … recorded five or more tackles three times … posted a season-high nine tackles at Southern … finished season with 40 tackles (30 solo) … added two fumble recoveries
#2 Javan Morgan | 5-11 | 185 | R-Jr. | Tallahassee, Fla.
2022: Preseason All-SWAC Second Team Defense
2021: Finished with the second most interceptions on the team (3) … recorded an interception in wins over South Carolina State, UAPB, and the game-sealing interception versus Alabama A&M … added 16 tackles
Returners:
BJ Bohler,
Kendall Bohler,
Traquan Butler,
Kwame Clark,
Khalif Copeland,
Kortney Cox,
Winsome Frazier,
Robert Glanton,
Tevin Griffey,
Lovie Jenkins,
Javan Morgan,
Ben Onwuzo,
Andre Powell Jr.,
Eric Smith,
Sheldon Walker,
Rodney Williams,
Timothy Williams Jr.,
Yirmyah Yirmyah
Lost:
Markquese Bell,
Antwan Collier, Patrick Bonner Jr.,
Devin Hardy,
Troy Hilton,
Jamarius Isaac,
Herman Jackson,
Cameron Jonas,
Ja'Bari Jaudon,
Chris Jerry,
Ricky Murray Jr.,
Kewan Smith,
Monroe Watson
Newcomers:
Lamar Clark (Mosley High School),
Jordan Cumberbatch (Alabama A&M University),
Jan Jackson (Gadsden County High School),
Kym'Mani King (Iowa State University),
Jordan Moore (Kilgore College),
Lamar Mullins (University of Tulsa),
Zaire Riley (Gadsen County High School),
Jalik Thomas (Hutchinson Community College)
