TALLAHASSEE, Fl. (WTXL) - The Florida A&M Rattlers open the 2019 season in a little over three weeks, August 29th at UCF. On Tuesday, the guys suited up in pads for the first time, while they're not full on contact just yet, looking more like a football player on the field definitely brings out a new element at practice.
Right now, head coach Willie Simmons says they're working on continuity, especially on the offensive line. Overall, he's happy with the way they've carried information over from the spring to now. Everything makes a little more sense from year one to year two. The guys understand their assignments, they get the schemes, now it's just making sure the details are lined up.
"Now it's about them taking the next step in their evolution as a football player and understanding the why's," he said Tuesday. "They know the whats, now let's graduate to the whys. Why is coach asking me to take this step? Have this alignment? To be in this position? When they udnerstand that, I think it gives them a better overall understanding of this offense and defense and special team schemes and gives them a chance to be a better football player."
Coach Simmons is taking the Rattlers back to his hometown this weekend for a scrimmage at Corry Field. It starts at 6, and is open to the public.
