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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
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FAMU football, Howard to settle unfinished business in Orange Blossom Classic showdown
The Florida A&M and Howard football rivalry will turn a new page in three months. On Saturday, Aug. 30, the Rattlers and the Bison are set to face off in Week 1's Orange Blossom Classic in Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium to kick off the 2025 season. Advertisement FAMU versus Howard is a rematch of the 2023 Celebration Bowl, which determined the Black College Football National Champion. The Rattlers won the nail-biter in Atlanta, 30-26, to capture the program's 16th Black College Football National Championship in December 2023. Two Florida A&M University flags fly in the pre-game tailgate area outside Hard Rock Stadium before the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami Gardens, Fla. Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021. Second-year FAMU head coach James Colzie III served as the Rattlers' assistant head coach and cornerbacks coach during the Celebration Bowl game two years ago. Howard's Larry Scott was in his fourth year leading the program during the Bison's Black College National Championship runner-up finish. This year's Orange Blossom Classic is also a nod to the game's beginnings when FAMU defeated Howard 9-6 in the 1933 inception. The teams also met in the 1974 Orange Blossom Classic, with FAMU beating Howard again, 17-13. Advertisement 'It's a chance to honor the legends who paved the way and allows us to write our chapter in the story of Black College Football,' Colzie said at the Orange Blossom Classic Kickoff Press Conference on Wednesday, May 21. 'Playing Howard is something we look forward to. Hopefully, we can bring that same excitement that we brought from the 2023 Celebration Bowl.' In the FAMU versus Howard Celebration Bowl matchup, the Bison allowed the Rattlers to storm back from a 14-0 deficit. All-time, the Rattlers lead the Bison 30-11 dating back to their first matchup in 1933. 'We're fired up. Revenge is the right word,' Scott said. 'We left some luggage in Atlanta, but lo and behold, American Airlines shifted to Miami, Florida, and we're here to pick it up.' Advertisement The Orange Blossom Classic ran from 1933 before being discontinued in 1978, and was considered the de facto Black College National Championship during its first run. The game was revived in 2021, when FAMU and Jackson State met for three consecutive seasons. Sep 7, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers head coach James Colzie III watches from the sideline against the Miami Hurricanes during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images The Rattlers didn't participate in the 2024 Orange Blossom Classic, which saw Alabama State and North Carolina Central compete. However, FAMU still played in Miami last season, as it faced the Miami Hurricanes in a Week 2 guarantee game. FAMU has a large contingent of alums in Miami. Howard also has a fair number of graduates in the South Florida area. Advertisement 'This has been an ongoing process since we didn't play last year,' said Colzie, a Miami native. 'Our fanbase down here is going to be strong. Not playing in it last year, and then getting a chance to come back and play in it again ― it's for everybody affiliated with our university, having the opportunity to open up in South Florida. They want to make sure we come here win, play well, and then move on to the next week. 'Hopefully, we're able to provide that.' FAMU vs Howard in the Orange Blossom Classic a significant HBCU football matchup Florida A&M University's Marching 100 perform during halftime of the Orange Blossom Classic between Florida A&M University and Jackson State University at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021. FAMU typically plays in multiple HBCU classic games per football season. Advertisement For example, the Rattlers participated in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and the Florida Classic last season. It will return to the usual Orange Blossom Classic and Florida Classic lineup this year. The Rattlers utilize those premium games as a recruiting tool. Colzie has brought about 30-35 new players to the team. 'Some of our guys chose FAMU to play in this game. We have some guys that aren't used to playing in this environment,' Colzie said. 'We're taking it day by day, getting our guys ready for the football game.' FAMU football returns from a 7-5 season in 2024. Howard went 4-8 last season. Both teams look to rebound this season and could meet for another Celebration Bowl matchup as FAMU represents the Southwestern Athletic Conference. In contrast, Howard looks to come out of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Advertisement And opening the 2025 season 1-0 could springboard FAMU or Howard into a successful year on the gridiron. 'It's going to be a great matchup of two teams fighting to win the first game of the year,' Colzie said. 'We got a pretty seasoned football team, and they're excited to play in this football game.' Florida A&M Football 2025 Schedule Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 ― vs. Howard (Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Garden's Hard Rock Stadium) Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 6 ― at Florida Atlantic Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 13 ― vs. Albany State Week 4: BYE/OPEN WEEK Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 ― vs. Alabama State (SWAC) Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 ― at Mississippi Valley State (SWAC) Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 ― vs. North Carolina Central Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 ― vs. Alcorn State (SWAC/Homecoming) Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 ― at Southern (SWAC) Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 ― vs. Jackson State (SWAC) Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 ― at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC) Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 ― at Alabama A&M (SWAC) 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 (If Necessary) Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat. Follow his award-winning coverage on and contact him via email at GDThomas@ or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida A&M football vs Howard Orange Blossom Classic rivalry renewed
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
FAMU football's Orange and Green Spring Game provides building blocks for 2025
The Orange and Green Spring Game is in the books. On Saturday, Florida A&M football held its annual showcase game to preview the 2025 season. The Rattlers split the teams up, with Orange representing the offense and Green being the defense. Advertisement The game score was kept on a point system, including touchdowns, first downs, turnovers, and defensive stops. FAMU's offense, the Orange team, came out on top, winning 59-29. Head coach of the Florida A&M Rattlers football team James Colzie coaches during FAMU's annual spring game at Bragg Memorial Stadium Saturday, April 12, 2025. 'We did a good job. We put some points on the board, and defense made some sacks,' Second-year FAMU head coach James Colzie III told the media after the spring game. 'We're going in the right direction. I'm happy with the group. I'm excited about where we will be in the next few months.' FAMU football's offense shows life, score points after slow start It was a slow start for the FAMU offense. After being consistently stopped, the Rattlers began to pick up their production. Advertisement Bryson Martin started at quarterback for FAMU. Tyler Jefferson, Traven Green, and Roman Purcell got snaps under center. Junior Muratovic didn't scrimmage for internal reasons, Colzie said. The Florida A&M Rattlers football team hold their annual spring game at Bragg Memorial Stadium Saturday, April 12, 2025. 'I thought those four guys did as much as they can and did a good job handling the offense,' Colzie assessed the quarterbacks. 'I thought [Jefferson] as a quarterback stepping in and doing some things, he was able to get some reps that he maybe wasn't going to get today. Happy with him. Bryson Martin, I thought, did a good job,' Colzie later added. Jefferson led a scoring drive with a touchdown pass to tight end Andrew Ritter in the redzone. FAMU running back Thad Franklin Jr. set up the score with a run for about 50 yards. Advertisement 'All it took was for Big Thad to make the run, and it turned the light on for the offense,' Colzie explained. Green led two scoring drives, too. The Florida A&M Rattlers football team hold their annual spring game at Bragg Memorial Stadium Saturday, April 12, 2025. First, Bo Summersett, who ran the ball well on Saturday, punched in a touchdown during the redzone situation. Green then found wide receiver Armand Burris over the top to follow. FAMU football's defense has a strong start, defensive line shines The FAMU defense came out hot for the Green squad. To open Saturday's spring game, the Rattlers got two consecutive sacks that resulted in safeties. The defense had an early 6-0 lead on the offense. The Florida A&M Rattlers football team hold their annual spring game at Bragg Memorial Stadium Saturday, April 12, 2025. The Rattlers got disruptive by raiding the backfield to stop the quarterback from getting off passes. Advertisement 'We're a lot better on the defensive front than we may have been last year,' Colzie said. 'Antonio Camon (defensive end) got some sacks and did a great job on the run and pass game,' Colzie added. FAMU also forced turnovers, including an interception by transfer defensive back Daylyn Ditson. FAMU football has a handful of players who starred in spring game Head coach of the Florida A&M Rattlers football team James Colzie coaches during FAMU's annual spring game at Bragg Memorial Stadium Saturday, April 12, 2025. As mentioned, Jefferson, Martin, and Camon impressed Colzie during Saturday's spring game. The FAMU coach added that veteran players Nay'Ron Jenkins, a linebacker, and defensive back Chase Lloyd performed well. Their performances gave Colzie a glimpse of what kind of players he has on the team as spring football ends. Advertisement 'I don't want to get too high, but I don't want to get too low with our football team. But I was excited with what I saw,' Colzie said. 'Offensively, defensively, and our special teams did a good job today.' Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat. Follow his award-winning coverage on and contact him via email at GDThomas@ or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football shows some promise in 2025 Orange and Green Spring Game
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
James Colzie III, FAMU football learning from 'past mistakes' during 2025 spring practices
It's still early, but James Colzie III likes who his second Florida A&M football team is shaping up to be. The Rattlers' head coach proctored his fourth out of 15 spring practices on Friday as his team began incorporating shoulder pads this week. What stands out to Colzie in FAMU football's formative days of spring camp is the squad's quality of players and the healthy mesh of personalities. Florida A&M head coach James Colzie III looks on during the Rattlers' first spring football practice of 2025 on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, March 7, 2025. 'We got some talented guys on the field, and I think we're a lot closer as a football team right now than we were at this stage last year,' Colzie told the Tallahassee Democrat after Friday's practice. Advertisement 'We got some guys who can do some good things once they get the ball in their hands. And we got some guys on defense flying around and adjusting to some of the new schemes that we're running.' Talent isn't everything, however. Colzie is urging his team to play cohesive and heady football, which was his pre-practice message to his team on Friday. Colzie spoke of the FAMU being plagued with unsportsmanlike penalties in 2024, a season that saw them finish with a 7-5 record. The Rattlers were the 11th most penalized team in the nation last year, losing 73 yards per game from flags. 'I just think that as a football team and the veterans that we have, we just have to learn from past mistakes. We can't repeat those. Sometimes those mistakes were small, but at times, they were big and cost us drives, points, and ultimately football games,' Colzie explained. Advertisement 'If we can learn from some of the undisciplined things we did last year, that will help us as a football team,' Colzie later added. Rattlers running back Thad Franklin Jr. says he and his FAMU football teammates are absorbing Colzie's lessons. They know they're good players. Florida A&M running back Thad Franklin Jr. goes through drills during the Rattlers' first spring football practice of 2025 on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, March 7, 2025. But directing their energy correctly will increase the Rattlers' chances of competing for a Black College Football National Championship and ascending on the Football Championship Subdivision rankings when the regular season begins in August. 'I like what I've been seeing. We're way better and talented than last year,' said Franklin, the single-game rushing yard record holder (195) for the Florida Classic. 'We're just working on being disciplined now because that hurt us last year.' 'We're where I want to be': FAMU football finishes first two weeks of spring camp FAMU has completed its second week of spring football camp. Advertisement Next week, the Rattlers will practice on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Thursday will be FAMU's first of three spring scrimmages. It's an opportunity for players to respond to game-like settings under promoted offensive coordinator Henry Burris, first-year special teams coordinator Kevin Weston, and a modified defensive staff. 'Our guys are learning the new things on the offense and defensive side ― not necessarily schematically, but new coaching styles,' Colzie said. 'We're where I want to be and steadily improving daily.' Spring camp success hinges on how well the Rattlers practice, with three and a half weeks left until the final meeting on Wednesday, April 16. Advertisement FAMU's Orange and Green Spring Game is on Saturday, April 12, at 4 p.m., on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium. 'Just come every day ready to practice and give 100 percent effort,' Franklin said. 'That's all [Colzie] asks from us. As long we do that, he takes care of us.' Florida A&M Football Remaining Spring Practice Schedule Florida A&M quarterbacks drop back to pass during the Rattlers' first spring football practice of 2025 on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, March 7, 2025. Tuesday, March 25 Thursday, March 27 ― Scrimmage Friday, March 28 Tuesday, April 1 Thursday, April 3 ― Scrimmage Friday, April 4 Tuesday, April 8 Thursday, April 10 Saturday, April 12 ― Orange and Green Spring Game Monday, April 14 Wednesday, April 16 Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat. Follow his award-winning coverage on and contact him via email at GDThomas@ or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football, James Colzie correcting past mishaps during 2025 spring camp
Miami Herald
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU head coach doubles as umpire
Florida A&M head football coach James Colzie III loves sports. He was a star athlete at Florida State, playing both football and baseball. The coach of the HBCU powerhouse from the SWAC recently went viral because of how he likes to spend his spare time pursuing his passion. Earlier this month, while FAMU was on spring break, Colzie made a trip to Starkville, Mississippi, for a surprising reason. He took on the role of umpire during Mississippi State's three-game softball series against Auburn. Colzie worked at third base on Saturday, first base on Sunday, and behind home plate on Monday for the finale. Colzie III's connection to the game is rooted in his family as well. His father, James Colzie, has been the softball assignor for Dade County Public Schools in Florida since 1975 and has served as an athletic director since 1991. In recognition of his contributions to high school athletics, Colzie was inducted into the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2020. His father's Hall of Fame bio reads in part, 'The Miami, Florida native began his officiating career in basketball, softball, and volleyball. To present, Colzie has officiated over 4,000 FHSAA contests and has appeared on a crew in 290 District Championships, 270 Regional Championships, and 36 State Championship games. His commitment and perseverance led him to become the Greater Miami Athletic Conference Commissioner of Commissions, where he played an instrumental role in recruiting and retaining officials and became a member of the FHSAA Officials Advisory Committee (1990-95).' In 2024 Colzie led the Florida A&M Rattlers football team to a 7-5 overall record and a 5-3 mark in the SWAC, finishing second in the SWAC East. FAMU finished with a 4-1 record at Bragg Memorial Stadium. Despite a challenging 1-4 record on the road, the team ended the season on a positive note with a two-game winning streak. In 2023 FAMU won the HBCU National Championship under the final season of Willie Simmons as head coach. The post HBCU head coach doubles as umpire appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
FAMU football gets the 'right people and fits' in sizeable 2025 National Signing Day class
James Colzie III is tailoring his second Florida A&M football team to become who and what he wants it to be. A significant step to accomplishing that was Wednesday's National Signing Day, where the Rattlers are projected to add 27 new players for the 2025 football season thus far. According to a signing day document provided by FAMU football, 24 of those recruits have already signed their National Letter of Intent to join the Rattlers. The Rattlers' haul of talent adds to a team that returns seven offensive starters, eight defensive starters, and 35 seniors. Colzie was the featured speaker at Wednesday's Eddie Jackson 220 Quarterback Club to discuss his signing class. 'In our recruiting process, we were more about getting the right people and fits,' said Colzie, who guided the Rattlers to a 7-5 record in 2024. 'We didn't want to bring in [just] anybody. We may have fallen victim to that last year.' Twenty of FAMU's projected 27 newcomers, transfers and high schoolers, are from Florida. 'When I look at our recruiting class, one of the biggest things I like to do is make sure we got guys from the state,' Colzie explained. 'We were able to attract guys who have gone other places but wanted to return to Florida. We helped them pack and brought them back to Tallahassee. It's extremely important to do that.' After last season's starter, Daniel Richardson, graduated, FAMU had to address its quarterback position. So, the Rattlers landed Central Michigan transfer Tyler Jefferson and Roman Purcell from the Indiana Hoosiers. Both of them previously played at Football Bowl Subdivision schools. At wide receiver, FAMU signed Western Illinois' Jordin Parker and Illinois' Kenari Wilcher, who spent some of his high school career in Tallahassee at Lawton Chiles High School. The Rattlers' offensive line signees are Mozell Williams from Rutgers and Gozy Okeke from Iowa Central Community College. 'Offensively, I thought we did a very good job identifying needs and getting specific plays for our needs,' Colzie said. 'I like where we are on the offensive side. But we still need to make sure to plug in a couple of guys, and we'll do that through our transfer portal process once it opens up again in April.' FAMU searched for a speedy running back after Kelvin Dean Jr., the 2023 Celebration Bowl's Most Valuable Player, graduated. So, Jamal Hailey from Western Michigan is joining the Rattlers. 'On the offensive side, I wanted us to get faster. If he can't run, he can't play for us,' Colzie said about recruiting running backs. How we looking rattler nation ?🤔🐍@FAMU_FB @FAMU_FBRecruit @FAMU_FBRecruit @FamuGameday @JohnGarcia_Jr @FAMU_1887 — Moses white (@Moses_White13) February 5, 2025 Perhaps FAMU's biggest get from the preps ranks is wide receiver Moses White from Hillsborough High School in Tampa. White held interest from many FBS and Power Four schools. 'Excited about him,' Colzie said of White. Last season, FAMU's defense uncharacteristically underperformed after multiple years of finishing near the top of the Football Championship Subdivision. Therefore, the Rattlers are adding depth despite returning their top defensive lineman, James Ash, who was an All-Southwestern Athletic Conference second-teamer in 2024. In 2025, Ash will be joined by FBS transfers DJ Jones from Virginia, Jahon Myers from Kennesaw State, and Xavier Perkins from Florida State. Alijah Alexander from FCS program Stetson also signed with FAMU. 'All four of these guys played at their previous institution. They played and decided that Florida A&M would be a better fit for them,' Colzie said of his new defensive linemen. FAMU also lost its best defensive player, the graduated cornerback Kendall Bohler, who was an HBCU All-American during his time with the Rattlers. FAMU's starting safety, Deco Wilson, an All-SWAC selection, also graduated. In response, the Rattlers have many defensive backs joining the team. Daylyn Ditson (East Carolina), Tequan Latimore (Charlotte), Jalik Thomas (Appalachian State), and Caleb Mckenzie (Florida State) all come from FBS schools. Dion Villiers was a member of HBCU FCS team Tennessee State Tigers, who he helped reach the national tournament in 2024. Chase Dexter comes to FAMU from the Air Force Preparatory School in Colorado. 'We brought seven defensive backs ― four corners and three safeties,' Colzie said. 'All seven of those guys are being counted on to contribute to go along with our returning starters.' FAMU included special teams in its signing day mix. The Rattlers picked up Alexander Davis, a punter from fellow SWAC school Mississippi Valley State. Davis led the SWAC with a 43.3-yard punting average in 2024. Colzie described Davis as the 'number one punter in the SWAC.' FAMU signed kickers Andrew Abu-Akel from FBS team Western Michigan and Cooper Badics from Division II HBCU Edward Waters. 'They are here because I needed to know hangtime and how far they can kick the sucker. They're going to put the ball where we need them to,' Colzie said. Quarterback Tyler Jefferson, Central Michigan Roman Purcell, Indiana Running Back Jamal Hailey, Western Michigan Wide Receiver Jordin Parker, Western Michigan Moses White, Hillsborough High School (Tampa, Florida) Kenari Wilcher, Illinois Tight End Gavin Hill, Florida Offensive Line David Gardner, Dr. Philips High School (Orlando, Florida) Gozy Okeke, Iowa Central Community College Mozell Williams, Rutgers Defensive Line Alijah Alexander, Stetson DJ Jones, Virginia Sammy Mitchell IV, Western High School (Davie, Florida) Jahon Myers, Kennesaw State Xavier Perkins, Florida State Linebacker Justice Cross, Murray State Defensive Back Jayden Bradford, Florida State Chase Dexter, Air Force Preparatory Daylyn Ditson, East Carolina TeQuan Latimore, Charlotte Caleb McKenzie, South Dakota Isaiah Murphy Sink, Jones High School (Orlando, Florida) Jalik Thomas, Appalachian State Dion Villiers, Tennessee State Kicker Andrew Abu-Akel, Western Michigan Cooper Badics, Edward Waters Punter Alexander Davis, Mississippi Valley State This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football 2025 signing day: James Colzie 'likes where [Rattlers] are'
