Arena league football team welcome former Rattlers

Among all the talented athletes on Tallahassee new arena football team there are nine who are former Florida A&M University football players.

The Titans are an arena football team that was formed in 2006.

President of Football Operations David Morris chose Tallahassee in a choice of three markets, which consisted of Charlotte, North Carolina, or Greenville South Carolina.

Former Canton Legend Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Keven Jackson was later announced the Titan’s head coach on September 20, 2006.

After taking the head coaching position, Jackson began to build a roster filled with local talent. He taped into local sports breeding grounds of Florida State, FAMU, and local high schools.

One of the Titans many recruits included former QB Ben Dougherty who was the first former Rattler to sign with the team in October. The stint as a Titan ended early for Dougherty after signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad.

Dougherty, who was born in Elma, Washington stands at 6’3 and weighs 225 pounds. In 2002 he came to FAMU and became a two year starter for the Rattlers. Before graduating in 2004, Dougherty became a standout at FAMU. The quarterback completed a record 62.4 percent of his passes for 5,231 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2002-2004.

It didn’t take long for him to make his presence known for the Titans. During the blue and gold game that took place in Georgia, he led the Titans first team offense to four touchdowns.

“I was proud and happy for the former quarterbacks interest on moving to the NFL, but I still needed help at the quarterback position,” Jackson said.

He found that in the talented Riley Bell, who was waiting for his turn to play for the Titans.

Bell who is 6’3 and 185 pounds is also a standout athlete who came to the Rattlers in 2005. Bell stated he didn’t hesitate to pass up his amateur status and signed with the Titans.

Bell a Tallahassee native, who attended Leon High School and played as quarterback, said he is excited to play in his hometown.

“I am more excited to show my friends and family my skills,” said the Tallahassee native. At Leon he had over 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in two seasons.

While at FAMU he earned a spot at the Florida Louisiana All star game where he received the games MVP award. Bell is currently working on his Associates Arts degree at Tallahassee Community College and plans to finish things out at FSU in the fall of 2007.

On signing day Leon Scott, another FAMU player also joined the roster. The Miami native, who is 6’2 and weighs 285 pounds excelled in high school.

While at Florida A&M Scott was awarded of being able to make the MEAC All- Conference team, Black College All- Freshmen team, earned his business degree and was named on the Division 1 AA All-American team.

The Titans have a handful of athletes from right here in Tallahassee, Fla. Nine of them even closer to home have played right here at Bragg Stadium.

On Feb. 17 the Titans tossed the coin for their first game. The first kickoff will be marked down as history for this new arena football team and its city. Former FAMU athletes Dougherty and Bell led the Titans to touchdowns on all five of their first-half drives. As the Titans routed Gulf Coast 62-22 at the Leon County Civic Center, FAMU teammates Dougherty and Rod Miller also connected for three first half touchdown passes. I am was proud of the those guys. They have me really looking forward to this 2007 season,” Jackson said.