Season preview: A look at Florida A&M University's potential 2022 ball carriers

In three weeks, the Florida A&M football team will report for camp.

The Rattlers will have a new rushing leader this season, but another Florida native could be in play to take over the running responsibilities.

Depth at the position expects to be a strength as well.

So let's take a look inside of those who will get handoffs and tosses from the quarterback once the season kicks off at the University of North Carolina on Saturday, Aug. 27.

Goodbye, Bishop Bonnett

FAMU lost a key contributor at running back with Bishop Bonnett's graduation.

The 5-foot-7, 175-pound running back from Jacksonville was the Rattlers' leading rusher for the last two seasons -- most recently in 2021 where he fell just short of the 1,000 milestone at 972 yards (third in the SWAC) and five touchdowns.

Bonnett rushed for over 100 yards in five out of the Rattlers' 12 games in 2021.

He had a three-game stretch where he crossed the 100-plus yard threshold against South Carolina State (118), Alabama A&M (166), and Mississippi Valley (140).

In two of the Rattlers' final four games he added to his 100-yard count with 106 against Southern and Bethune-Cookman with 128.

But since he has played his final collegiate game, those scintillating performances must be replaced.

A couple of big pickups for Rattlers

In April, FAMU football landed Isaiah Connelly from the transfer portal.

This came nearly two weeks following three-star Georgia State transfer and Rickards alum Destin Coates injuring his left knee in the Orange and Green Spring Game.

Connelly is a former three-star running back from Coastal Carolina, where he played two games and rushed for 94 yards over 19 carries.

The newcomer is originally from Orlando where he played at Edgewater and rushed just short of 2,500 yards at a 2,475 clip paired with 27 touchdowns. His physical stature could remind FAMU fans of Bonnett - both are similar in size at 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds.

Lelan Wilhoite also is preparing for his first season with FAMU after transferring from Austin Peay and Fort Scott Community College. He posted career stats of 85 rushing yards on 20 carriers with APSU.

Entering his junior season, Wilhoite could be used in a hybrid role, lining up in the backfield and with receivers.

Terrell Jennings, Jaylen McCloud familiar faces in backfield

Terrell Jennings and Jaylen McCloud are in play for 2022.

Both are physical running backs at 6-feet plus and 230 pounds.

Jennings was the second leading rusher for the Rattlers as he tallied 517 rushing yards in 2021.

McCloud appeared in seven games and earned 257 yards and three scores on the ground.

What could happen this season

The Rattlers have options -- but they don't necessarily have to choose one.

A season ago, Bonnett and Jennings got over 100 carries each.

Missing five games, McCloud still received 50 handoffs and turned three of them into six points.

With Connelly, Jennings, and McCloud on deck, this opens the window for the Rattlers to continue their running back-by committee scheme.

Wilhoite could be rolled to the outside as slotback to help the Rattlers showcase their offensive versatility.

The speed of Connelly and Wilhoite with the power of Jennings and McCloud can create a 'thunder and lightning' connection while keeping opposing defenses on their toes come gameday.

Gerald Thomas III covers FAMU athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@gannett.com or on Twitter @3peatgee.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU Football: FAMU running backs entering the 2022 season