GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida A&M will compete at the Jimmy Carnes Track and Field Invitational, hosted by the University of Florida, and the Rattlers arrive with depth, speed, and proven championship pedigree on both the men's and women's sides.
Men's Preview: Speed, Power, and Experience
Florida A&M's men bring a balanced roster built around explosive sprinters, seasoned middle-distance runners, and high-ceiling field athletes.
Sprints & Short Hurdles
The Rattlers are loaded on the straightaway:
- Frankleen Newah-Jarfoi headlines the 60m (6.89) and long jump (6.97m), giving FAMU a legitimate double-event threat.
- DJ Lawrence, one of the fastest men in the field, enters the 60m with a blistering 6.62.
- Leonard Mustari, a proven postseason performer, anchors the 60m hurdles with a 7.65 — a mark that already sits among the nation's best early-season times.
200–400m Depth
Florida A&M's quarter-mile group is both deep and dangerous:
Middle Distance Strength
Few teams in the meet can match FAMU's 800m trio:
- Kirk Dawkins, an NCAA East First Round qualifier, leads the way with a 1:46.62 PR.
- William Shelton and Aydan Myers give the Rattlers championship-level depth capable of scoring in multiple heats.
Relays & Field Events
- Both 4x400m relay squads enter with matching 3:08.47 credentials, signaling serious relay potential.
- In the vertical jumps, Paul Rowden (2.17m) and Randell Pompey (2.12m) are immediate podium contenders.
- Josiah Gaynor (7.36m) adds pop in the long jump, while Bryce Webb brings power to the shot put.
Women's Preview: Youthful Talent Meets Speed
Florida A&M's women arrive in Gainesville with an exciting mix of proven returners and dynamic freshmen eager to make their mark.
Sprint Core: National-Caliber Speed
The backbone of Florida A&M's women's squad is its speed, and the Rattlers bring multiple athletes capable of advancing through rounds and making finals.
- Diandrenique Gaines continues to establish herself as one of the fastest sprinters in the program. Her early-season form has already placed her among the top HBCU and NCAA performers, making her a legitimate contender in the short sprints.
- Zekira Snow has quickly emerged as a high-ceiling freshman, pairing raw speed with poise beyond her years. Her progression in the 60m makes her a name to watch throughout the indoor season.
- Ty'yana Adams adds another explosive option in the short sprints, giving Florida A&M multiple lanes of firepower in heats and finals.
That trio, combined with
Leneah Green,
Lauren Thomas, and
Jah'Kyla Morton, gives the Rattlers enviable depth — a major advantage in championship-style meets where advancing multiple athletes is critical.
400m & Relay Outlook
Florida A&M's women continue to build strength around the one-lap events and relays, an area that traditionally separates contenders from champions.
- Tamijah Scriven, a proven transfer with experience at the SWAC level, provides stability and scoring potential in the 400m.
- Nya Blocker and Katelynn Smith add versatility, capable of contributing in individual races while anchoring relay legs.
The Rattlers' relay pool is deep and flexible, allowing coaches to mix youth with experience — a key ingredient early in the season when lineups are still taking shape.
Middle Distance & Emerging Versatility
While sprint events headline the roster, Florida A&M's women are quietly developing balance across the middle distances.
- Taylor Nance and Katelynn Smith offer range in the 600–800m events, providing scoring opportunities and relay depth.
- Laurie Louis and Kirah Copeland give the Rattlers additional options as the season progresses, particularly in tactical indoor races where positioning matters.
