Under the guidance of head coach James Colzie III, the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Rattlers football team is making strides during their spring training sessions. Emphasizing disciplined gameplay to overcome last year’s challenges, Colzie aims to refine his players' focus and reduce penalties that hindered their performance in the previous season. The annual Orange and Green Spring Game scheduled for April 12 at Bragg Memorial Stadium will showcase the team’s growth. Players are adapting positively to new coaching methods introduced by the staff, highlighting a promising outlook for the upcoming regular season.

In the early stages of spring camp, Coach Colzie has observed significant improvements within his squad. Following Friday's fourth practice session out of fifteen planned, he noted the enhanced cohesion among team members compared to last year. "We have some talented individuals on the field, and I believe we're much closer as a unit than we were at this point last year," Colzie remarked to local media. This sentiment reflects not only increased talent but also better personality integration within the group.

However, raw talent alone won't suffice without discipline. Colzie insists on fostering a cohesive and intelligent approach to the game. Last year, the Rattlers ranked eleventh nationwide in terms of penalties, losing an average of 73 yards per game due to infractions. Addressing this issue became crucial before entering another competitive season. "As a team, we need to learn from past mistakes and avoid repeating them. These errors, though seemingly minor, often cost us drives, points, and ultimately games," explained Colzie.

Running back Thad Franklin Jr., holder of the single-game rushing yard record for the Florida Classic, shares Colzie's sentiments. Recognizing their potential, Franklin emphasized the importance of channeling energy effectively to elevate the team's chances of achieving a Black College Football National Championship. "We're more talented than last year, but now we're focusing on being disciplined because that was our downfall previously," he stated.

The remaining weeks of spring camp provide ample opportunities for further development. With practices scheduled throughout March and April, including three scrimmages, players will acclimate to game-like scenarios under revamped offensive and defensive strategies led by coordinators Henry Burris and Kevin Weston respectively. According to Colzie, success hinges on consistent effort during these sessions leading up to the final meeting on April 16.

As anticipation builds for the Orange and Green Spring Game, Coach Colzie continues to inspire his team with straightforward expectations: give maximum effort daily. Running back Franklin echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of dedication and hard work in fulfilling the coach's vision. Fans eagerly await witnessing the transformation of the Rattlers into a formidable force ready to compete at higher levels come August.