FAMU pro football prospects showcase their talent in game against FBS Troy: “That’s why you come to play.”

Florida A&M has limited opportunities to compete against Football Bowl Championship teams.

However, the Rattlers have secured two opportunities to showcase their program against FBS opponents this season.

FAMU faced Miami in Week 2 and lost 56-9 to the Hurricanes, who are ranked 11th in the US LBM.

Now the Rattlers (2-1) have set their sights on the Troy Trojans (0-3), who are members of the Sun Belt Conference.

Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Troy, Alabama. ESPN Plus will broadcast the fourth week's game.

On Saturday, FAMU, ranked 20th in the Football Championship Subdivision Coaches Poll, has a realistic chance to defeat winless Troy.

In addition, FAMU's professional football aspirants have the chance to make a good impression on talent scouts against the FBS talents.

“It’s about us players getting some attention on the team,” says FAMU safety Deco Wilson, who was named Boxtorow Preseason HBCU All-American, among other honors.

“At an FCS school, it's always good to get good footage of every game. That's what the scouts are going to look for. That's why you come to games like this – to show that you can play at this level.”

FAMU's most promising NFL prospect this season is Kendall Bohler, a sophomore cornerback for the Rattlers.

Bohler was named an HBCU All-American for his role in the Rattlers' Black College Football National Championship last season and is considered one of the best FCS cornerbacks.

This season, Bohler is looking to end his college career with a bang, as he has been named to Reese's Senior Bowl watch list along with FAMU teammate Jeremiah Pruitte. The Senior Bowl is an all-star showcase game for draft-eligible players from all levels of college football, dominated primarily by FBS players.

“It's a great opportunity for me to show my talent and compete against the best of the best. I'm looking forward to it,” said Bohler. “This is the game where all talent scouts want to see whether they can keep up with the big guys.”

FAMU football has a chance to beat the FBS team Troy Trojans – and impress NFL scouts

One of a coach's proudest moments is the season in which his players realize their dreams.

FAMU head coach James Colzie III knows all about the professional career, having had brief stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and in baseball as part of the Montreal Expos organization.

“This is important for the scouts because when they evaluate the film and go over their evaluations with the general managers and the front office, they will look at the film against Miami and Troy. They will look at our other SWAC opponents, but usually [Miami and Troy] “We're going to have more players in the NFL and they're going to pay attention to how our guys play against those individual players,” Colzie said.

“But no matter who we play against, we always want to make sure we deliver good film.”

Colzie was crucial to Bohler's emergence as an All-American talent, as the current head coach originally came to FAMU to coach the cornerbacks.

Bohler will need to apply the lessons he learned as he will likely face Troy wide receiver Devonte Ross this Saturday.

Last week against Iowa, Ross caught five passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Against the Hawkeyes, Ross also scored a 77-yard punt return touchdown.

But Bohler will not reinvent the wheel. He will do what has brought him success so far.

“Just play ball,” said Bohler.

“I've been doing this sport for 10-11 years and I've had great accolades and success, so if I go in there, don't think too much and do my job, I'll do great.”

FAMU has 33 players who have played at the FBS level, including its starting quarterback, Daniel Richardson. The graduate student played at Central Michigan and Florida Atlantic before coming to FAMU for his senior year.

Richardson, who quarterbacked FBS team CMU to victory in the 2021 Sun Bowl, says Troy is another challenge for the Rattlers.

But adding high-quality clips to your highlight videos shouldn't just be possible when playing against FBS teams, Richardson explained.

Respect all opponents.

“No matter who you're playing, you always want to put on some good film. You could be playing D2 or D3 – it doesn't matter what school,” Richardson said. “It's just another opponent standing in our way.”

Florida A&M (2-1) at Troy (0-3) – Week 4

When: Saturday, September 21, 7 p.m. Eastern Time

Where: Veterans Memorial Stadium in Troy, Alabama

Transmitted: ESPN+

Tickets: Buy here

Gerald Thomas III covers Florida A&M University athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Reach him via email at [email protected] or through the app formerly known as Twitter. @3peatgee.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football players hope to realize their NFL dreams against FBS team Troy Trojans