A Rey of hope for FAMU football

FAMU receiver Azende Rey scores two touchdowns against Fort Valley State
Photo courtesy Azende Rey

The Florida A&M University football team cruised to a win Saturday against Fort Valley State University. With a final score of 57-20, the Rattlers can finally put their game against the University of Central Florida to rest.

The defense played exceptionally well, and the offense made some pretty impressive plays as well. One of the top receivers for FAMU was Azende Rey.

Rey, a senior pre-law major and political science minor from Defuniak Springs, recorded 69 yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions.

Scoring his first touchdown of the evening at the start of the second quarter, Rey made it into the end zone with a 31-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Stanley.

This widened the margin to 21-0, and FAMU’s lead was increased further with a little bit more than five minutes left in the second half when Stanley connected with Rey for a 4-yard pass into the end zone.

“I give my all to my team,” Rey said. “I worked hard this summer to come back and be healthy so that I can play to my full potential and be a playmaker and execute this year.”

After a few minor injuries last season, “nicks and bruises” is how Rey them, he is focused on losing weight and getting stronger in his upper and lower body this summer to help prevent any further injuries.

FAMU coach Willie Simmons agreed with his players when making a comment about how the team had a “slow start” in the first quarter. Cameron Burton, defensive end for the FAMU Rattlers, said: “The overall team’s performance was very good but we can never be satisfied with that because we know what we’re capable of.”

Burton, a senior psychology major from Ocala, also talked about Rey after Saturday’s win: “I think Azende will continue to strive and be a key weapon for us on offense whenever we need him. He played great. There’s nothing left to say. He’s a ballplayer.”

Rey’s goals for this season are to be named MEAC player of the year or to the first team in the MEAC. “FAMU is back on the map and we will continue to excel academically and athletically,” said Rey.

The FAMU Rattlers will host Southern University at 6 p.m. on Saturday