May 16th 2024.
In January, the NCAA Division II Council made a decision that would change the landscape of college football. They voted to allow Division II programs to participate in Week Zero, a kickoff event for the college football season in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. This meant that HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) would now have the opportunity to play in Week Zero alongside Division I schools. While the Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee opposed this measure, it was passed by a narrow vote of 89-80.
Week Zero marks the beginning of the regular season, featuring a limited number of games before the widespread start of games in "Week 1." This year, Week Zero will take place on August 24, and will include a game between Florida A&M and Norfolk State University, which will be aired on ESPN at 7:30pm. This is an exciting opportunity for HBCUs, as they will now have the chance to showcase their talents on a national platform.
Florida A&M, one of the HBCUs participating in Week Zero, has been busy preparing for the upcoming season. Under the leadership of new head coach James Colzie III, the Rattlers have been focusing on building a strong team through the NCAA transfer portal. Coach Colzie, who took over after former head coach Willie Simmons left to become a running backs coach at Duke University, has been emphasizing that this is not a rebuild, but a reload. This means bringing in new transfer talent from FBS programs like Florida, North Carolina, and the University of South Florida.
Many of these players, such as quarterback Daniel Richardson and wide receiver Amani Johnson, also have ties to Florida, making this a homecoming for them. It's an opportunity for these players to return to their home state and represent Florida A&M on the field.
During the spring football game, running back Levontai "Bo" Summersett showed off his skills and made a big impact on the field. His performance, along with the rest of the team's, has already caught the attention of Coach Colzie and his staff. It's clear that Coach Colzie's high expectations and strict approach are already making a difference for the Rattlers.
Players like cornerback Kendall Bohler, who was named a 2023 Boxtorow All-American, have also noticed a change in the team's dynamic under Coach Colzie. Bohler praised Coach Colzie's leadership and strictness, stating that it has brought the team together and improved their overall performance. Even members of the university's search committee, who recommended Coach Colzie for the head coach position, have noticed his positive impact on the team.
With the upcoming game against Norfolk State University, Coach Colzie and the Rattlers are feeling the pressure to perform. They know that all eyes will be on them, and they are determined to rise to the challenge. Coach Colzie understands the importance of this job and the expectations that come with it. But he also knows that he has the support of the university and the players, and that is what keeps him motivated every day.
As the 19th head football coach at Florida A&M, Coach Colzie is excited for the future and the potential for his team. He knows that with hard work and determination, they have the opportunity to be champions. And as long as they have each other's support, there is nothing that can stop them from achieving their goals.
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