SWAC preseason pick favors Rattlers to lead division
Photo courtesy FAMU athletics
Special to the Outlook
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –– FAMU was an overwhelming choice for many of the voters at the Southwestern Athletic Conference Media Day. Ten Rattlers were named to the all-conference preseason team, while the team received 16 first-place votes as the squad that will finish first in the East Division.
“This team is undoubtedly one of the most talented I’ve had the privilege of leading, and the SWAC preseason honors indicate that,” said head coach Willie Simmons. “The challenge for us is to play up to our potential, and we’re blessed to have guys like Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Jeremy Moussa leading the way.”
Meanwhile, for the first time since joining the SWAC three years ago, the Rattlers were voted as the preseason pick to finish first in the East Division. The Rattlers finished ahead of Jackson State, Alabama State, Alabama A&M, Mississippi Valley State, and Bethune-Cookman.
The preseason team selections are led by quarterback Moussa, who was named the SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Last season he was on the Second Team.
Six other Rattlers were named to the first team, as the offense had four players and the defense three. Offensive lineman Jalen Goss and linebacker Isaiah Major returned to the first team for a second consecutive season. Moussa, wide receiver Jah’Marae Sheread, offensive lineman Cam Covin, and defensive back Javan Morgan were elevated to the first team after finishing 2022 on the second team. Defensive back Kendall Bohler was voted to the first team.
Bethune-Cookman transfer wide receiver Marcus Riley, tight end Kamari Young, and defensive lineman Gentle Hunt made the second team.
Transfers from non-SWAC schools did not qualify for the preseason All-SWAC Teams.
The Rattlers reported to camp next week, as they prepare for their season-opener in the Orange Blossom Classic against Jackson State on Sept. 3, at 3 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.
FAMU’s 2023 football schedule, including television and start times.
Sept. 3 –Jackson State, Orange Blossom Classic, 3 p.m., ESPN
Sept, 9 — at South Florida, 7 p.m., ESPN+
Sept. 16 — West Florida, Bragg Stadium, 6 p.m., Rattlers+
Sept. 23 — Alabama State, Bragg Stadium, 6 p.m., ESPN+
Sept. 30 — at Mississippi Valley State, time to be determined
Oct. 7 — at Southern, ESPN Network, 7 p.m. EST, TBD
Oct. 21 — at Texas Southern, 8 p.m. EST, ESPN+
Oct. 28 — Prairie View A&M (Homecoming), 4 p.m. ESPN Network TBD
Nov. 4 — at Alabama A&M, time to be determined, ESPN+
Nov. 11– Lincoln (Ca.), Bragg Stadium, 6 p.m., Rattlers+
Nov. 18 — Bethune-Cookman, Florida Classic Orlando, 3:30 p.m., ESPN Network TBD
