Courtesy: FAMU athletics
In the last few years the Rattlers have seen a few players make it to the NFL.
In 2021, Markquese Bell went undrafted and was signed by the Dallas Cowboys. He worked his way up from the practice squad to an active rotation on the field, contributing a lot to the Cowboys’ defense.
This year two more Rattlers are making their mark in the NFL. Xavier Smith has secured a spot on the 53-man roster for the Los Angeles Rams, and Isiah Land is playing for the Indianapolis Colts.
But who will make it to the NFL from FAMU this year? Isaiah Major may be that next NFL prospect coming out of Bragg Memorial Stadium. Major is a 6-foot-1, 225 pound linebacker from Oklahoma City who runs a 4.5 40-yard dash. According to NFL draft buzz, Major’s player rating is 70/100 and he is the 50th best linebacker in the nation.
Major transferred to FAMU from Independence Community College, a program that was featured last year on Netflix’s original “Last Chance U.” He had FBS offers from Middle Tennessee, University of Massachusetts and Western Kentucky University but instead chose Florida A&M University.
Last season, Major led the team in tackles with a total of 64 and four sacks. Coming into this season he was a pre-season All-SWAC First Team linebacker and so far this year he hasn’t disappointed.
Through four games Major has made a significant impact with 29 tackles, two sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown last week to seal a victory against Alabama State. “Isiah Land called me after the ‘pick 6’ last week giving me words of encouragement and telling me to stay focused and how to prepare for the NFL recruiting process. He has been a big help,” Major said.
If Major keeps up his consistent play, he is projected to finish the season with an impressive 87 tackles, six sacks and three interceptions.
The Rattlers lost key players with the departure of Land and BJ Bohler, leaving Major to be the leader on defense.
“It’s fun having a bunch of guys you’re going to war with look up to you. It has its stress but ultimately it pays off on game day,” Major said.
Major is a humble individual and is not letting NFL talk distract him from the team’s goal. “ I’m grateful to be here, grateful to be in the NFL conversation, especially being a kid from Oklahoma City, so anything close would be amazing but I’m more so focused on accomplishing the goal of making it to the Celebration Bowl,” Major said.
Major has the potential to be the next Rattler drafted. This week FAMU takes on Mississippi Valley and Major predicts the defense will have its first shutout, holding MSVU to his jersey number — 0.