The game starts ― and is often won in the trenches.
So before football season kicks off this fall, Florida A&M must tune up its offensive line depth.
“We’re going to have to go and find some depth in some areas, especially offensive line,” head coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. told the media following April 3’s Orange and Green Spring Game.
During spring camp, the Rattlers rostered 88 players: 43 on offense, 39 on defense, and six special teamers.
Florida A&M Rattlers quarterback Armond Parker warms up for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.The Florida A&M Rattlers hosted their 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.Florida A&M Rattlers quarterback James Hayes warms up for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.Florida A&M Rattlers quarterback James Hayes warms up for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.Florida A&M Rattlers quarterback Isaiah Knowles warms up for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Quinn Gray Sr. leads his team during warmups for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.Florida A&M Rattlers defensive back Daylyn Ditson during the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.Florida A&M Rattlers wide receiver Quan Lee warms up for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.Florida A&M Rattlers wide receiver Quan Lee warms up for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.The Florida A&M Rattlers hosted their 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Quinn Gray Sr. leads his team during warmups for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Quinn Gray Sr. leads his team during warmups for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Quinn Gray Sr. leads his team during warmups for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.1 / 13FAMU football's spring game 2026: 'Friday Night Strike' in photosFlorida A&M Rattlers quarterback Armond Parker warms up for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.1 / 13FAMU football's spring game 2026: 'Friday Night Strike' in photosFlorida A&M Rattlers quarterback Armond Parker warms up for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.2 / 13FAMU football's spring game 2026: 'Friday Night Strike' in photosThe Florida A&M Rattlers hosted their 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.3 / 13FAMU football's spring game 2026: 'Friday Night Strike' in photosFlorida A&M Rattlers quarterback James Hayes warms up for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.4 / 13FAMU football's spring game 2026: 'Friday Night Strike' in photosFlorida A&M Rattlers quarterback James Hayes warms up for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.5 / 13FAMU football's spring game 2026: 'Friday Night Strike' in photosFlorida A&M Rattlers quarterback Isaiah Knowles warms up for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.6 / 13FAMU football's spring game 2026: 'Friday Night Strike' in photosFlorida A&M Rattlers head coach Quinn Gray Sr. leads his team during warmups for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.7 / 13FAMU football's spring game 2026: 'Friday Night Strike' in photosFlorida A&M Rattlers defensive back Daylyn Ditson during the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.8 / 13FAMU football's spring game 2026: 'Friday Night Strike' in photosFlorida A&M Rattlers wide receiver Quan Lee warms up for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.9 / 13FAMU football's spring game 2026: 'Friday Night Strike' in photosFlorida A&M Rattlers wide receiver Quan Lee warms up for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.10 / 13FAMU football's spring game 2026: 'Friday Night Strike' in photosThe Florida A&M Rattlers hosted their 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.11 / 13FAMU football's spring game 2026: 'Friday Night Strike' in photosFlorida A&M Rattlers head coach Quinn Gray Sr. leads his team during warmups for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.12 / 13FAMU football's spring game 2026: 'Friday Night Strike' in photosFlorida A&M Rattlers head coach Quinn Gray Sr. leads his team during warmups for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.13 / 13FAMU football's spring game 2026: 'Friday Night Strike' in photosFlorida A&M Rattlers head coach Quinn Gray Sr. leads his team during warmups for the 'Friday Night Strike' Orange and Green Spring Football Game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 3, 2026.Nine offensive linemen were listed. Gray added that just six out of the nine played in the spring game.
Six players who played key reps for the Rattlers last year appeared in the spring game roster, including Tommy Bridgewater, Kai Gadson, and Chris Williams. Among the Rattlers’ key losses was Ashton Grable, who will try out for the Buffalo Bills at the rookie minicamp in May.
The current linemen were responsible for protecting starting quarterback Isaiah Knowles and creating lanes for the running back trio of Jamal Hailey, Bo Summersett Sr., and De’Roderick Hepburn.
And despite the lack of manpower, the unit earned glowing reviews from Gray and the new co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, Nick Sewak.
“They did a tremendous job all spring,” said Gray. “The way that we were able to run the ball and do some things with that speaks volumes of what we’re looking for in terms of intensity and the heart that those guys showed throughout the spring.”
Since the 2025 NCAA-House Settlement, FAMU’s roster limit is 105. So, there’s plenty of room to bring in some maulers on the offensive frontlines.
And contrary to common belief, the Rattlers likely won’t see a mass exodus through the transfer portal despite their NCAA-mandated postseason ban, given their low Academic Rate Progress scores.
Only approximately 15 FAMU players with one year of eligibility can enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. Top wide receiver target Kenari Wilcher is the lone Rattler who’s declared for the portal.
The Rattlers may sift through the transfer portal to see what’s left, hit the junior college ranks, or add high school talent through hosting and attending various prospect camps this summer.
FAMU coaches currently have recruiting trips planned across Florida and other regional areas.
“What is our next move from a roster standpoint? We’ve got some decisions that we have to make because we do have some guys coming in,” Gray explained. “At this point, it’s all about the evaluation part of it for us as coaches and making sure that we make the best decisions for the roster going into the fall.”
Sunday, Sept. 6: vs. South Carolina State, Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium
Saturday, Oct. 24: vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC/Homecoming)
Saturday, Nov. 14: vs. Mississippi Valley State (SWAC)
Saturday, Nov. 21: vs. Bethune-Cookman (SWAC/Florida Classic)
Gerald Thomas, III, is a multi-time national award-winning reporter for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.