FAMU football first 2025 practice: Competition, 'details' on forefront at training camp
That means Florida A&M football began its training camp practice in preparation for the 2025 season, which opens against Howard on Aug. 30's Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium.
The Rattlers used their grass practice field on Friday instead of performing on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium's turf. It was the first time FAMU used the practice field since the 2023 season, which ignited enthusiasm from second-year head coach James Colzie III.
'It was exciting to get back on some grass,' Colzie told the media after Friday's practice. 'I thought it was a good day for the most part. But we still got a lot of work to do.'
Friday was a non-contact day for the Rattlers in Tallahassee's sizzling 90-degree weather.
The opening practice for the 2025 season primarily focused on reading and reacting to plays.
'Today was a detail day for us,' Colzie explained. 'It's about steps and eyes. The majority of the time, we were stepping and looking at the right things. And then the other times when we weren't, it showed.'
Quarterback battle, offense vs defense shine in FAMU football's first practice
FAMU's quarterback competition is officially underway.
All five Rattlers quarterbacks, Traven Green, Tyler Jefferson, RJ Johnson III, Jett Peddy, and Bryson Martin, got reps on Friday.
'You want to make sure you give everybody an opportunity to win the position,' Colzie said of the race to become QB1. 'All five guys made some good throws and made mistakes.'
The quarterbacks led the offense to a win over the defense in the competition period to open practice.
However, the FAMU defense got after its offense with its pass rush for the remainder of practice.
'I think the defense was a little bit upset with it,' Colzie said of the unit losing the competition period.
'We put a lot of pressure on the quarterback today. Some of it might've been a little schematic, but it's just the talent we have up front,' the FAMU coach later added.
Familiar and new faces make plays to open FAMU football's training camp
The Rattlers' standout players, such as HBCU National Player of the Year candidates, offensive lineman Ashton Grable, and cornerback TJ Huggins, were center stage on Friday.
Colzie also gave props to All-Southwestern Athletic Conference First Team offensive lineman Charles Davis and returning players trying to crack the starting lineup in defensive lineman Nick Dimitris and defensive back Ah'Mare Lee.
The FAMU coach added that the Rattlers 'had some players that stepped up that people probably didn't know.'
Tulane transfer tight end Guiseann Mirtil had a touchdown catch while former Temple wide receiver Jamar Taylor Jr. made 'about two or three catches' on Friday.
'I could be here talking all day about individual performances,' Colzie said.
FAMU football coach James Colzie III hopeful to minimize penalties
The first day of practice will always provide some extracurricular activities.
It's a time when players vehemently prove they belong, which could lead to some banter or scuffles.
'We have to hope that our emotional maturity improves,' Colzie said. 'We got in a couple of fights today, but good teams may fight every once in a while. But it can't be a 'get-out,' something that's going to cost us penalties.'
Last year, penalties cost the Rattlers games as they finished with a 7-5 record in Colzie's first season as head coach.
In 2024, FAMU lost 73 yards per game due to flags, among the worst of Football Championship Subdivision teams.
'I've been around here for four years, and the head coach last year,' Colzie said. 'Those are the things that hurt us. So, we have to continue to improve on that. And today, we did not do that.'
Florida A&M Football 2025 Schedule
Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 ― vs. Howard (Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium), 4 p.m., ESPNU
Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 6 ― at Florida Atlantic, 6 p.m., ESPN Plus
Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 13 ― vs. Albany State, 7 p.m., SWAC TV
Week 4: BYE/OPEN WEEK
Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 ― vs. Alabama State (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO
Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 ― vs. Mississippi Valley State (SWAC/at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium), 4 p.m., SWAC TV
Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 ― vs. North Carolina Central, 3 p.m., HBCU GO
Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 ― vs. Alcorn State (SWAC/Homecoming), 4 p.m., ESPN Plus
Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 ― at Southern (SWAC), 5 p.m., SWAC TV
Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 ― vs. Jackson State (SWAC), 7 p.m., ESPN Network
Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 ― at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO
Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 ― at Alabama A&M (SWAC), 3 p.m., SWAC TV
Week 13: Saturday, Nov. 22 ― vs. Bethune-Cookman (SWAC/Florida Classic at Orlando's Camping World Stadium)
Saturday, Nov. 29 ― NCAA FCS Playoffs Begin (If Necessary)
Saturday, Dec. 6 ― SWAC Championship Game (If Necessary)
Saturday, Dec. 13 ― Celebration Bowl at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium (If Necessary)
Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 ― NCAA FCS National Championship Game at Nashville's FirstBank Stadium (If Necessary)This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football begins 2025 practice: QB comp, offense vs defense shine
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