2008 FLORIDA A&M CLASSIC FOOTBALL
This season, Rattlers strike and strike again
Defense, special teams contribute to success
BY ANDREAS BUTLER
FLORIDA COURIER
The Florida A&M Rattlers have had a quiet but successful 2008 season.
Not much was expected with FAMU being picked to finish seventh in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in the preseason polls. The Rattlers are sitting at (7-3, 3-3) with two games remaining – Hampton University on Nov. 15 and B-CU.
FAMU has used some timely defense, a quarterback duo and some spectacular special teams play to contribute to their success. The Rattlers lead the MEAC in scoring offense and is third in both total and scoring offense.
After a disappointing 3-8 campaign a year ago, gone is former head coach Ruben Carter. Former Hampton coach Joe Taylor took over and is trying to bring his success with him.
When hired, the Sporting News reported Taylor saying, “FAMU is one of the most storied programs ever.”
2 capable quarterbacks
The Rattlers have been blessed with two capable quarterbacks. Junior Chris Pulley has thrown for 1,098 yards and 14 touchdowns with four interceptions. He has run for 582 yards and two scores.
Sophomore Eddie Battle has split time with Pulley and has thrown for 967 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions.
This was supposed to be the year of sophomore running back Phillip Sylvester; he was a first team all-conference pre-season selection.
Foot injury slows Sylvester
The running game has struggled but Sylvester is capable. The Tallahassee Democrat reported Taylor as saying, “No matter how many times you throw it, you’ve got to run it. That is j
He has 532 rushing yards and four touchdowns averaging 4.1 yards per carry but has been bothered by a foot injury.
The Rattlers seem to keep receivers. Kevin Elliot catches for 690 yards and seven touchdowns, Isaac West receptions for 505 yards and two scores. Adrian Smith, who catches for 449 yards and six scores has been solid as well.
Elliot is the go-to guy, but both West and Smith can stretch the field. All three are sophomores and rank in the top 10 in the conference in receiving yardage.
Offensive and defensive lines
The offensive line has struggled with the run but has been good with pass blocking. The defensive line has not helped the team stop the run but does well against the pass. Anthony Collins anchors to offensive line while Cameron Houston anchors the defensive line.
Linebacker Bryan Parker has been a standout. He recently was named MEAC defensive player of the week and leads the team in tackles with 60, tackles for lost 11.5 and sacks 7.0.
He is tied tops in the conference for sacks. Senior Vernon Wilder has 42 tackles and is being watched by pro scouts. Sophomore Alvis Graham has 55.
Secret weapon
Sophomore defensive backs Quir Hall and Curtis Holcombe have done well. Hall leads the MEAC in interceptions with five, and Holcombe is tied for second with four. Holcombe leads the conference with 11 pass deflections. Sophomore safety Gregory Harvey also has been solid.
Defensive back LeRoy Vann is the secret weapon and an electrifying return man. He has five returns for touchdowns including three on punts and two on kickoffs. Vann leads the MEAC in all-purpose yards with 1,273.
Kicker Tom Scott has made all 41 extra points and eight of 14 field goals. He has been good from midrange but has yet to find the long-range field goals. Will Plat is averaging 36.1 yards a punt but has a long of 58 yards.
