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FAMU football has ran all over opponents lately: Inside the Rattlers' improved rushing attack
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- FAMU football has ran all over opponents lately: Inside the Rattlers' improved rushing attack
Florida A&M running backs' cleat marks have been left all over Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
That's because the Rattlers have ran their last two opponents off the field in the previous two games through their improved rushing attack.
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In FAMU's 24-6 win over Southern , the Rattlers outrushed an opponent for the first time this season, besting the Jaguars 126-122 on the ground.
In the Rattlers' most recent game, a 52-28 homecoming win over Texas Southern , FAMU dominated with 236 yards on 36 carries (6.6 yards per carry). It was the Rattlers' first 200-yard rushing output this season.
In total, FAMU has 1,063 rushing yards through eight games.
"First and foremost, I'd like to credit the offensive line, the running backs, the quarterbacks, the receivers, and the tight ends. Everybody takes ownership in it," said FAMU offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Joseph Henry .
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"The guys did a great job collectively breathing life into the rushing attack."
FAMU had three rushers flirt with or eclipse 60 yards last Saturday, with Bo Summersett leading with 75 on six attempts. Kelvin Dean Jr. added nine carries and 60 yards. And Thad Franklin Jr. finished 57 yards and a touchdown on 10 tries.
"When the time came, and they let the playmakers get the rock, we just made plays," Dean said.
FAMU football's running backs play major role in success
As FAMU utilizes a three-running back tandem, selflessness has to be at the forefront, says Rattlers running back coach Marcus Windham .
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Carries can fluctuate game-by-game.
Florida A&M running backs coach and recruiting coordinator Marcus Windham looks on during James Colzie III's prospect camp at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Thursday, June 20, 2024.
"They've been waiting for this moment. They don't press about the ball. They're team players," Windham said.
"One thing about that room is that we don't have a jealous dude in there, and they're their biggest cheerleaders," Windham added.
Playing running back at FAMU requires multifaceted skill sets, such as blocking and receiving from the backfield.
This season, Dean, Franklin, and Summersett have accrued 37 receptions for 304 yards and four touchdowns.
Last season, Dean became one of FAMU's household names with his Offensive Most Valuable Player performance in the Celebration Bowl when he had three receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns to help the Rattlers rally from behind to beat the Howard Bison 30-26 for the Black College Football National Championship.
Dec 16, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers running back Kelvin Dean (9) holds up the offensive MVP trophy after a victory against the Howard Bison in the Celebration Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
"I think they're just getting comfortable with what we're asking of them," said FAMU head coach James Colzie III .
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"When you play running back for us, it's not just running the football ― you got to be able to protect, catch the ball out of the backfield, and ultimately run the football behind what I think the best offensive line in the conference."
FAMU football experiments with practices to assist running backs
Florida A&M offensive coordinator Joseph Henry looks on during the Rattlers' first day of spring football practice in pads on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, March 8, 2024.
FAMU knew it had to make changes it wanted to enhance its rushing attack.
So, the Rattlers revisited their practice structure and implemented more running back drills against the starting defense instead of primarily against the scout team.
Dean said he and his fellow FAMU running backs "improved drastically" since.
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So, it's not a coincidence that the Rattlers hung 52 points on Texas Southern for their highest-scoring game since 2019.
"It prepares you for the speed and the strength of the game. Good on good work is a much more realistic picture of the timing and spacing of those runs," Henry said of tinkering with the practice itinerary.
"I would credit resetting the practice structure to much of our success."
FAMU football gets its first rushing touchdown of the season
Finally.
FAMU got its first rushing touchdown eight games into the season thanks to Franklin's one-yard run in the fourth quarter of the Rattlers' win over Texas Southern.
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Franklin's score ended eight games worth of jokes and dialogue about FAMU rushing struggles.
"They've been trolling us all year. So, it was good getting one," Franklin said, laughing. "We're going to get another touchdown."
Florida A&M running back Thad Franklin, Jr. (23) moves the rock during the Cricket MEAC-SWAC Challenge NCAA college football game against Norfolk State in Atlanta on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024.
Henry backs Franklin's claims of collecting more rushing touchdowns this season.
He feels that FAMU's running backs reaching the endzone create a newfound craving to cross the plain for six points.
"It was a sigh of relief," Henry said. "You look at it in terms of a basketball shooter ― once you see the ball go through, it gives you that confidence. We're looking to continue to build and grow from there."
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FAMU football's running backs have room for improvement in season's homestretch
FAMU has risen from 11th to ninth in Southwestern Athletic Conference rushing statistics.
Things are looking up for the Rattlers' backfield. But there's still work to be done as they chase being a dynamic backfield.
"We're still leaving a lot out there," Windham said. "As a collective, we do a really good job of getting those guys in, putting them where they're needed and getting the ball in space. They just be ready when their numbers are called."
FAMU (5-3, 3-1 in SWAC) has four regular season games left, starting with traveling to Texas for a Week 11 SWAC game at Prairie View A&M (4-5, 2-3 in SWAC) . Kickoff is at 3 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN Plus.
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The Rattlers must translate their ground production on the road after an impressive two-game home stand.
Four strong rushing games can help the Rattlers win out as they fight from third place in SWAC East standings behind Jackson State and Alabama State.
"You can't get too low or high," Dean said. "We just stayed the course and waited our moment. Now, it's time to finish our season strong."
Florida A&M at Prairie View A&M ― Week 11, SWAC
When: Saturday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time
Where: Panther Stadium; Prairie View, Texas
Broadcast: ESPN Plus, Rattlers mobile application
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Tickets: Purchase Here
Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.
Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee .
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: An inside look at what FAMU football did to improve its RBs' production
