FAMU football transfer portal: Rattlers near the top of the nation in FBS-to-FCS commits

Posted by Admin January 21, 2025 Football

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Florida A&M football has landed commitments from 12 players that come from Football Bowl Subdivision teams. It’s the second most in the Football Championship Subdivision behind Sacramento State’s 20.

Every offseason, Florida A&M has often been a landing spot for Football Bowl Subdivision players looking to transfer.

It’s been no different this recruiting period.

The Rattlers have 12 additions from the FBS ranks through the NCAA Transfer Portal.

According to HERO Sports’ FBS-to-FCS commitment tracker, FAMU has the second-most FBS transfers amongst Football Championship Subdivision teams. Sacramento State leads with 20.

FAMU football has filled some key slots on its roster through FBS talent.

Let’s look at the offense and defensive sides, headlined by transfers joining the Rattlers from FBS schools.

FAMU football gets a QB, adds more depth to offense through FBS transfers

Near the top of FAMU’s team needs was a quarterback.

So, the Rattlers brought in quarterback Tyler Jefferson from Central Michigan. Jefferson, a left-handed dual threat, played two seasons for the Chippewas from 2023 to 2024. He completed 27 of 58 passes for 286 yards and rushed 43 times for 233 yards and a touchdown in 2024.

Jefferson started two games for Central Michigan last season.

FAMU also brought in some skills players from the FBS, such as running back and kick returner Jamal Hailey (Western Michigan), wide receiver Kenari Wilcher (Illinois), and tight end Gavin Hill (Florida).

Wilcher has Tallahassee ties, spending his first two years playing for Chiles High School before finishing his high school career at Moore Haven. Wilcher caught eight receptions for 71 yards in his two seasons with the Fighting Illini. Wilcher also returned kicks, earning 493 yards on 23 attempts.

Former Rutgers offensive lineman Mozell Williams will join FAMU football in 2025.

FAMU football leans heavily on FBS transfers for defensive line help

When the offseason began, FAMU head coach James Colzie III said he wanted to sure up the trenches.

Defensively, the bulk of those additions came from FBS teams.

FAMU got Power Four transfers from DJ Jones from Virginia and Xavier Perkins from Florida State. Both were reserves at their previous schools.

However, Jahon Myers from Kennesaw State joins FAMU’s defensive line with the most game experience. At Kennesaw, Myers had 46 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks in three seasons.

Myers’ best season was in 2023, when he totaled 29 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three sacks.

When does the NCAA Transfer Portal reopen?

The NCAA Transfer Portal was open from Dec. 9 to Dec. 28, 2024. The spring transfer portal window is from April 16 to April 25.

Florida A&M Football 2025 Recruiting Class

Quarterback

Tyler Jefferson, Central Michigan (FBS)

Running Back

Jamal Hailey, Western Michigan (FBS)

Wide Receiver

Kenari Wilcher, Illinois (FBS)

Tight End

Gavin Hill, Florida (FBS)

Offensive Line

Gozy Okeke ― Iowa Central Community College
Mozell Williams ― Rutgers (FBS)

Defensive Line

Alijah Alexander, Stetson
DJ Jones, Virginia (FBS)
Sammy Mitchell IV, Western High School (Davie, Florida)
Jahon Myers, Kennesaw State (FBS)
Xavier Perkins, Florida State (FBS)

Linebacker

Cormury Butts ― Navarro College

Justice Cross, Murray State

Defensive Back

Patrick Alston Jr., St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Chase Dexter, Air Force Preparatory
Daylyn Ditson, East Carolina (FBS)
TeQuan Latimore, Charlotte (FBS)
Jalik Thomas, Appalachian State (FBS)
Dion Villiers, Tennessee State

Kicker

Andrew Abu-Akel, Western Michigan (FBS)

Cooper Badics, Edward Waters

Punter

Alexander Davis, Mississippi Valley State

Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.

Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.