Florida A&M football casts large recruiting net across the state, nationally to build upon its success

Tis the season for recruiting.

With the schedule of games now complete, the 100% focus of Florida A&M football is directed at reloading with another potent signing class for 2022.

The driving force carries through National Signing Day on Wednesday, Feb. 2.

FAMU has a lot of momentum from its run in 2021.

This fall included a 9-3 record and a berth in the FCS playoffs. It went 7-1 in the debut season of SWAC competition.

The Rattlers have nine athletes on the All-SWAC teams and the Defensive Player of the Year in Isaiah Land.

Media coverage of the program reached unprecedented levels with the ESPN+ docuseries Why Not Us: FAMU Football.

These are the main talking points head coach Willie Simmons and his staff will use when speaking with prospects over the coming weeks.

"We want to build on the momentum from this season. The only way to continue to push this program forward is to continue to bring quality student-athletes into the fold," Simmons said.

FAMU featured top-tier signing classes from the COVID period of 2020 and the traditional recruitment of 2021. These Rattlers played a major role in the team's success this year.

The targets on the bulletin board once again feature four and five-star star high school players. There are also a handful of collegiate student-athletes who entered the transfer portal.

"We have a lot of interest from transfers, junior college and high schools. The transfer portal has really changed the way we look at recruiting," Simmons said.

"It's about identifying the right type of young man, not just a four or five-star young man. We're looking forward to seeing what type of class we can put together."

Depth has been a strong point for the Rattlers under Simmons.

Players frequently rotate on and off the field during games beyond injury replacements.

The staff will keep this strategy intact when surveying the recruiting trail.

Offensive needs

FAMU currently has five quarterbacks set to return in 2022.

Rasean McKay was the starter this year.

However, backups Junior Muratovic and Cameron Sapp took snaps in games.

Muratovic played in the starting role versus Fort Valley State.

With this being the most important position on the field, FAMU will explore all options when scouting athletes and reviewing film.

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Running back Bishop Bonnett suited up for the last time in 2021.

Terrell Jennings and Jaylen McCloud ran with him in the three-man setup. They'll be back in the fold in 2022.

Waiting in the background looking to earn significant playing time is local product De'Andre Francis of Rickards High School.

Running backs coach Shane Tucker has a watchful eye on some speedsters to sign.

He wants to add to FAMU's 1,910 rushing total for next fall. The Rattlers ranked 43rd nationally and fourth in the SWAC.

Key subtractions from the offensive line are Keenan Forbes, Jay Jackson-Williams and Jalen Spady.

Forbes and Jackson-Williams we're All-SWAC selections.

There isn't a significant drop-off from the starters to the reserves on the line. However, these three fill big holes more than their bulky weight.

The signees on the offensive line are arguably the most important issue for FAMU this offseason.

FAMU wide receivers will miss the presence of Chad Hunter.

Although he suffered his share of injuries, his voice and leadership skills brought everyone to attention.

Xavier Smith has another year of eligibility and is expected to return next year.

Jah'Marae Sheread and David Manigo will also be prime options in the passing game.

Miami native Jelani Berassa is the wide receivers coach. He has deep ties throughout South Florida.

Berassa added Jermaine Hawkins, a rising star from Miami, last season.

He'll surely bring in more elite players from the area - either from high school, junior college or transfers from four-year schools.

More thunder for the Dark Cloud Defense

FAMU's defense was the clear-cut strength of the program during the historic ride of 2021.

The unit will have to replace notables such as defensive lineman Savion Williams, linebacker Derrick Mayweather and safeties Antwan Collier and Markquese Bell.

Quality players are waiting to get their shine. However, upgrading the depth is a need, not a want.

Interior linemen, linebacker and safety rank at the top of the wishing list for the Rattlers.

Recruitment coverage map

Florida is the starting point and finish line for all recruiting.

The Rattlers will cast their net from the Panhandle to the Florida Keys.

Simmons firmly believes in sealing a blanket in the Big Bend.

FAMU's current roster already has local players from schools such as Florida High, Leon High, Godby, Rickards, Wakulla and Gadsden County.

"Being a product of the Big Bend, I know how rich the talent is here," Simmons said.

"I think it's important for any program to start their recruiting in their home base. That's the best way to get fans in the seats. It also build pride because they grew up knowing about the Rattlers."

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After taking care of the home state, next on the map is Georgia.

The Rattlers always search for talent from metro Atlanta, middle and south Georgia.

FAMU's membership in the SWAC opens the door to better scout states such as Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

Transfers from junior colleges and four-year institutions will come from various states.

FAMU is now a welcoming destination for players from Power 5 conferences. This trend should continue this offseason.

There is also strong interest from transfers at other Black colleges seeking to become Rattlers.

Follow FAMU beat writer Rory Sharrock on Twitter @married2game1.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida A&M football casts large recruiting net across the state, nationally to build upon its success