The Florida A&M Rattler Football team will feature a few new names on the roster this upcoming season.
Along with the freshmen selected in the recruiting class, Tevin Spells, a transfer student from Tennessee State University has been welcomed to the Ratter Family.
Spells, a 5’9, 210 lb. all-purpose back from Delray Beach Fla., played his first two seasons as a tiger, performing in 15 college matchups.
In 2013, he played in six games, rushing 85 yards on 18 attempts and in 2014 rushed for 199 yards with an average of 4.1 yards per carry.
His decision to bring his talents to the hill came following a family emergency back at home.
“I chose to come to FAMU because I wanted to play ball closer to home. They have an excellent coaching style and an offense that fits my running style. I expect big things this season from me and my new team,” said Spells.
James Thaddies, a third-year information technology major Delray Beach, Fla., and former teammate of Spells is pleased with FAMU’s decision to sign him, stating that he will be a great asset to the team.
"I’ve known Tevin since I was 8 and played on the same team as him in High School. He was a hard-working all-around player, who did anything he had to do for our team. This included playing running back, full-back, and kickoff. Overall I think he will be a great addition to Rattler Football,” Thaddies said .
The Rattlers finished the 2015-2016 season with a (1-7) record in MEAC, going (1-10) overall.
Players and coaches alike are confident in this year’s pickups, and have already taken steps this offseason to ensure better results this upcoming season.
Jacques Bryant, a third-year health care management student from Tallahassee, Fla., holds a leadership position on the team this year, and feels that working together as a team is the key to success.
“Spring football went really well this year. We had a lot of team bonding exercises, and a lot was done without the coaches. The new players we received will give us new depth on our team, so it’s just our job to make sure we’re all ready for a great season,” Bryant said.
Tevin Spells is projected to play as running back, a position essential to moving the ball on offense this year.
The Rattlers will kick off the 2016-17 season with an away game against the University of Miami Hurricanes. The game is scheduled for Saturday September 3 at Sunlife Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.,
The first home game will be held in Bragg Memorial Stadium on Saturday September 24 against the Bulldogs of South Carolina State University. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 P.M.