Colzie has recruiting success despite narrow window to fill openings

By St. Clair Murraine
Outlook Staff Writer

James Colzie III was officially named head football coach at FAMU a little more than a week before National Signing day. 

The timing created a sense of urgency to fill a few key openings, including replacing quarterback Jeremy Moussa. But Colzie wasn’t about to compromise talent in his search.

“As we go late, we wanted to make sure we got guys from winning programs that aren’t going to have any issues transitioning to Division I big time football,” Colzie said, “but have the ability to sustain in the classroom.”

Colzie seemingly has the same approach for replacing personnel lost from the staff left by his predecessor Willie Simmons. Defensive coordinator Ryan Smith was the biggest loss from the on-the-field-staff. Devin Rispress, recruiting coordinator, along with Troy Johnson, director of football operations have also left.

There isn’t a shortage of applicant, Colzie said.

“I’ve got a lot of people calling me trying to be a part of what we are doing here,” he said. “But I’m going to make the best hires for those spots. They are going to have to come in with the expectation of being similar to those guys that left us.”

Colzie said he hopes to have his staff in place for the start of spring practice on March 5 in preparation for the April 13 spring game.

Colzie’s first recruiting class is a nearly even mix of transfers through the NCAA portal and high school players. Many of the FBS transfers committed in December.

Former North Carolina A&T quarterback Alston Hooker is the lone HBCU player of note that decided to become a Rattler. His presence should make the search for Moussa’s replacement a battle in spring practice.

Hooker and FSU transfer Daniel Richardson will be in competition with returning Junior Muratovic, who was backup to Moussa last season.

Hooker has some football pedigree being the brother of Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker and son of North Carolina A&T legend Al Hooker.

Last season Alston Hooker was in a four-quarterback situation. In his limited role he completed 11 of 15 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown.

The class also included at least one player from a juco. Defensive lineman Montra Edwards comes as a transfer from Copiah-Lincoln Community College. The early list of signees includes 10 that have some college experience.

Colzie search will continue at least until March 15 when the portal reopens. He seemed willing to wait.

“We didn’t get everybody we wanted but no need to sign guys just to sign guys,” he said. “We have to make sure they will do well in school.”