Redshirt-freshman quarterback Delonte Williams was selected as Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rookie of the week after completing 11-18 passes, for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Williams accounted for 236 of the Bears’ 382 total yards of offense after recording an additional 69 yards rushing. It was Williams’ second time earning the award.
The Bears’ offensive lineman Lawrence Brewer was selected as offensive lineman of the week for the second time this season. The senior did not allow a single sack in last week’s game against the Hornets and recorded four pancake blocks.
However, the Rattlers have a standout offensive lineman of their own in senior Chris Sands. He was earned the award on Sept. 20 after FAMU’s 50-7 win over Howard. At Tuesday’s press conference, Sands offered the reason why the offensive line has seen improved success midway through the season.
“Coach Taylor challenged us to be more physical and we stepped up to that challenge,” Sands said. “The past two weeks Phillip ran for over 100 yards [per game]. We couldn’t ask for anything more than to be challenged with being physical. That’s what we’re born to do as offensive lineman.”
Sands referred to senior running back Phillip Sylvester, who has rushed for 391 yards and three touchdowns in five games this season. Sylvester had a breakout game two weeks ago against the Savannah State Tigers, and followed that performance with another 100-yard game against the Norfolk State Spartans.
“I look to be that homerun back for us,” Sylvester said. “Once I get outside, I feel no one can catch me.”
Wide receiver Isaac West said he wants to improve on his two-catch performance against the Spartans, and said the receiving corps is prepared to help in the running game as well.
“We’re going to make sure we do our job blocking down field. Having the opportunity to block for Phillip Sylvester is an honor,” West said. “As long as we continue what we’re doing by making sure we fill our gaps, he’ll have the opportunity to score because we’re the last line he’s got to go through.”
The Rattler offense will showcase its talent in the homecoming game at 3 p.m. Saturday in Bragg Memorial Stadium.