TALLAHASSEE, Fla (Aug. 15) - The Florida A&M Rattlers took to the practice field in pads for the first time this Fall. With temperatures in the upper 90s, the Rattlers continued preparation for the Sept. 3, season opener against Ft. Valley State.
The special teams segment concentrated on field goals, with senior kicker Trevor Scott taking most of the reps. Chase Vanador took some quality reps as well. Coach Lawrence Kershaw moved the field goal unit to different locations and angles to simulate game situations.
When the team broke off into segments, the pads began to pop. Earl Holmes, and his linebackers started with apursuit drill and went on to a one-on-one drill. Coach George Small, and the offensive linemen hit the seven man sled first, and followed that with a one-on-one session with the offensive linemen. Kershaw and Small, both put situations into their drills to emulate game play.
Team drills went smooth as Trainor completed several deep passes. Transfer running back Al Terek McBurse, flashed his speed in several big gains. Speedy starter Eddie Rocker, looks ready to step into the shoes of Philip Sylvester and ignite the Rattler offense. Lavante Paige, Jordan Stanley and James Owens also look to compete for playing time in the Rattler backfield.
Backing up starter Austin Trainor, the Rattlers have a corps of player ready to step in. Dane James, Tyler Bass and Damien Flemming are all getting considerable reps int he backup.
