Playing quarterback is already a high-pressure position. The scrutiny of the role is magnified to the maximum voltage at some schools more than others.
Florida A&M is one of them.
When you play at FAMU - or as some call it, QBU - you're following in the footsteps of legends such as Ken Riley, Albert Chester, Oteman Sampson, Pat Bonner, Quinn Gray, and Ryan Stanley just to name a few.
These men achieved greatness in their own way. They also played under the watchful eyes of fans who dissected their every move on the field.
This job can make you the talk of the town in a good and bad way.
Rasean McKay has a better understanding of this today than he did in August.
He entered fall camp as QB1 for the first time since joining the Rattlers in 2018. For two seasons, he watched as Stanley dealt with starting responsibilities.
However, there's a huge difference between seeing and hearing all that comes with being a FAMU quarterback versus living it out every week.
Entering this season, everyone knew that FAMU was loaded with talent across the board. The one glaring question was always directed at the quarterback.
Florida A&M football: McKay throws career-high five TDs to pace Florida A&M in 37-7 rout vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff
More FAMU Athletics: FAMU AD Kortne Gosha graded with a 'vote of confidence' for his work from National Alumni Association
Those questions turned into tense concerns after the Rattler fell 7-6 to Jackson State to open the year in the Orange Blossom Classic.
McKay and the entire offense struggled in that game. He went 18 of 29 for 78 yards. This included several misreads with open receivers.
Head coach Willie Simmons benched him in that game for Junior Muratovic with the hopes of getting an offensive spark.
Muratovic was named as the starter the following week. However, Simmons boldly stated: "This isn't the last we'll see of Rasean. He's tough and he'll bounce back."
Sure enough, by halftime in the home opener against Fort Valley State , McKay was again called upon as the stater.
He went through some bumps in 2021, learning to operate in the system thoroughly. He shines more as a pocket passer than a dual-threat RPO player.
More FAMU football: A gift of 'home': Florida A&M football coaching legend Rudy Hubbard receives key to the city
However, with him in the shotgun, FAMU kept on winning.
Yes, the defensive unit is one for the ages. Yes, running back Bishop Bonnett has led a rushing charge that increased in respectability over the months.
But there's something to be said about the steady hand of Rasean McKay.
The Rattlers weren't winning despite him. They were winning with and because of him.
He didn't throw his first interception until the third quarter at Alabama A&M . This was a span of over 120 pass attempts.
After showing flashes of excellence here and there, McKay produced a complete game of dominance in FAMU's 37-7 rout of Arkansas-Pine Bluff .
FAMU Athletics: Hoops Outlook: Florida A&M women embark upon 'newness' in 2021-22 with on and off-the-court matters
This was the highest point total for the Rattlers this season. It's no coincidence this feat occurred during a career day for McKay.
With the memory of his late uncle on his mind, who was buried on Saturday, the Godby High School alum threw for a personal collegiate-best five touchdowns.
His singular output in this game matches the season total for his counterpart, UAPB's Skyler Perry.
McKay had a pair of scoring strikes to wide receivers Jah'Marae Sheread and Jermaine Hawkins in the first half.
Tight end Nick Dixon - a fellow Godby grad - was on the receiving end of No. 5 in the third quarter.
This was McKay's best performance since coming in for an injured Stanley and throwing the game-winning score to Marcus Williams to beat North Carolina A&T in overtime.
FAMU Hoops Outlook: Florida A&M men's basketball brings veteran leadership to new season, SWAC play
More FAMU football: Florida A&M freshmen signees from 2020, 2021 add to the program's success this fall
But while the inquiries about blowing out UAPB were directed at him, McKay scored another touchdown by throwing praises to his teammates and coaches.
"It's good to connect with my receivers. Coach Simmons knows how to call plays to get the ball in certain player's hands. The standard for our offense is to score a lot of points," McKay said during the postgame press conference.
"Going into this game, I knew my offensive line would protect me well. I give my line all the praise. I'm proud of my line and how far they've come from the first game. Even myself. The game is slowing down for them like it's slowing down for me."
He even personally acknowledged Hawkins as a blossoming talent who'll soon make headlines.
Their connection goes back to Miami.
Before moving to Tallahassee late in high school, McKay lived in South Florida. He referenced how his brother coached Hawkins before he signed with FAMU.
Knowing his football background, McKay isn't surprised by Hawkins' development.
"Jermaine Hawkins is one of our top receivers. The game has slowed down for him tremendously," he said.
"In the beginning, he was iffy about what he should be doing. It feels good to see a freshman in the game and getting the signals right. It feels good to have him on my side. A freshman at that."
Although he's being showered with smiles, McKay knows it's all about winning and being consistent.
He wants nothing more than to end FAMU's nine years of misery against Bethune-Cookman.
"It's the next game. I know it's the last game of the regular season. All we have to do is do what we've done as an offense and we'll be rewarded," McKay said.
A win over the Wildcats will likely give the Rattlers an at-large bid into the FCS playoffs.
He'd have a feat over his mentor, Stanley. It would also place him in elite company with the other legendary throwers in FAMU history.
So, you wanna play quarterback? Development here is an evolutionary process that requires as much talent as mental and emotional fortitude.
That's the tale of Rasean McKay in 2021.
Follow FAMU beat writer Rory Sharrock on Twitter @married2game1.
Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU's Rasean McKay's career day vs UAPB shows evolution of being QB|Rory Sharrock
