James Colsey III's new job as Florida A&M's head football coach has tasked him with navigating some of the new realities of college sports.
Since last season, which ended with the program winning its first Celebration Bowl trophy, followed by a coaching change, the Rattlers have lost a number of key players to the NCAA transfer portal.
The transfer portal is an avenue for NCAA athletes who choose to find a new home. Transferred players will be eligible to play for their new team immediately.
All-Southwestern Athletic Conference defensive lineman Gentle Hunt, linebacker Johnny Chaney Jr. and defensive back Lovie Jenkins will appear in the portal.
Other portal entries include players expected to be critical to FAMU's continued success this season. Wide receiver Kareem Burke, offensive lineman Cardel Thomas, and defensive linemen Sherif Cey, Allen Smith Jr. and Deco Wilson are expected to transfer.
“The biggest thing from our players is their communication,” Colsey said. “That's the nature of football. Bronny James is in the transfer portal. How unhappy is he?
“Of course we wish them well.”
Colzi knows how much talent his team will lose to the ever-growing transfer portal.
The first-year FAMU head coach said that while some players may exit the portal, they still need to plan to bring back talent and depth.
“That’s part of the hiring process right now,” Colzi said. “From what we're talking about, some of those players still have a chance to come back.
“But believe me, we have a plan if we need to replace any of them.”
The transfer portal will reopen for undergraduate students from April 15th to April 30th. Graduate students can enter the portal at any time.
While FAMU waits for the 15-day window in the portal, the Rattlers are preparing for the final week of spring football camp.
The Rattlers have three games left to practice, including the annual Orange and Green Spring Game on April 13 at Ken Reilly Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
The game kicks off at 4 p.m., and tickets are $15.
Gerald Thomas III covers Florida A&M University athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Reach him by email at gdthomas@tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as his Twitter. @3peatgee.
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