No SWAC schools scheduled this year........
Originally posted by BLUEBENGAL
FAMU'S FINAL 2002 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Aug.31-at Miami
Sept.7-Morris Brown
Sept.14-at Morgan St.(Cincinnati Riverfront)
Sept.21-at Delaware St.
Sept.28-Tennessee St. (Atlanta Classic)
Oct.5-South Carolina St.
Oct.12-Howard
Oct.19-North Carolina A&T
Oct.26-Norfolk St.
Nov.2-Hampton
Nov.9-at Troy St. (Mobile,Al)
Nov.23-at B-CC (Florida Classic)
.........but an interesting article none the less!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rattlers' Baker, Collier believe it's their time to run
By Michael Wallace
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER
Former Tallahassee prep standouts Edward Baker and E.J. Collier knew the time would come when they'd get their shot in Florida A&M's backfield.
Neither had any idea it would take three years.
"I had got to a point where I was just ready to give it up, just letting go of football here," said Baker, who figured his successful career at Leon High would immediately carry over when he signed with FAMU in 1999. "This whole thing has strengthened me as a religious man. I spent a lot of time talking to my family and my pastor. All I kept hearing was 'Hang in there. Your time will come."'
Although much of the attention during spring practice has centered around the adjustment of star Division I-A transfer quarterback Casey Printers, the future of FAMU's offense is actually behind him. Baker and Collier, a Lincoln High product, enter Saturday's decisive Orange and Green game as the top two tailbacks on FAMU's depth chart.
Both are redshirt juniors who spent the past two seasons awaiting their opportunities while playing behind the experienced tandem of Kelsie Lordeus and O.J. Marchbanks. Attrition - although Lordeus is petitioning the NCAA to regain a year of eligibility - has finally created some daylight in the backfield for the former All-Big Bend selections.
"It's good to finally have a chance," Collier said. "The opportunity is here and we have no other choice but to give it what we've got."
Neither provides the size, physical strength and blocking ability FAMU got from the Marchbanks-Lordeus tandem the past two years. But FAMU coach Billy Joe hopes the smaller and quicker backs provide the team with a better passing threat out of the backfield. Baker (5-10, 190) and Collier (5-9, 175) have accepted and embraced their roles this spring.
"I think both of them realize what could be ahead of them," Joe said. "Knowing now that the starters have graduated and moved on, it's their time to stand front and center. They're ready for it and have the ability to do an outstanding job."
Both have shown flashes of potential. Baker rushed for a game- and career-high 66 yards in FAMU's win over Howard last season. He played in six games last season and rushed for 100 yards on eight carries.
Collier returned kickoffs last season and displayed his elusive, cut-back running style. The difference in their roles now: "We're the teachers," said Baker, who credits Marchbanks and Lordeus for leaving behind high expectations. "We've learned from what Kelsie and O.J. taught us. Now, E.J. and I are always on each other. He tells me what's going wrong with me and I do the same for him."
They've formed a brotherly relationship over the years. Although their high schools are separated by less than 10 miles, neither knew much about the other despite the reputation they shared as the city's top tailbacks.
Baker gained more than 2,000 yards in his last two seasons at Leon, and Collier rushed for 1,091 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior.
Baker signed with FAMU after a scholarship offer from Alabama fell through. Collier was ushered toward FAMU by family. He is a third-generation Rattler, following in the footsteps of a grandfather who played under legendary coach Jake Gaither and a father who played in the 1970s for Rudy Hubbard.
Baker and Collier already established a history with FAMU. They plan to have a future there together - one that starts now.
"Things are much more intense," Collier said. "There was some pressure because we're both local guys. But we've learned to take things in stride. People have been asking for three years when would they see us out there. Hopefully, now is the time."
