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Late Start Doesn't Deter FAMU's Taylor

By TIM LINAFELT, Tribune correspondent

Published: February 7, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - New Florida A&M football coach Joe Taylor wrapped up his first National Signing Day as a Rattler on Wednesday, signing 12 new commitments to his new squad.

Taylor, who was hired in late December to replace the fired Rubin Carter, was faced with the challenge of putting together a class despite getting a late start in recruiting.

"Recruiting is 13 months out of the year, which means it never stops," said Taylor, who came to FAMU after 16 years at Hampton. "Recruiting is also networking, so its not like we had to come in with a clean slate."

Chula Vista (Calif.) Otay Ranch High athlete Sean Rush is one of the highlights of FAMU's incoming class. Rush recorded 278 tackles, and had 13 sacks, four interceptions and three fumble recoveries.

Six prospects from Florida will join Rush this fall: cornerback Jerrell Stewart, Deerfield Beach; offensive lineman Corey Dawe, Orlando Dr. Phillips; wide receiver Oye Ojo, Tallahassee Florida High; quarterback Martin Upkai, Fort Lauderdale; and running back Derrick Warthen and place-kicker Nickardo Blake, Lauderdale Lakes Anderson.

Taylor said he would place an emphasis on evaluating his returning players as well as mixing in the new recruits.

"It was important to us to make sure that we build this thing from inside-out, meaning that we had to evaluate what was here. That was the biggest challenge, which is always ongoing."

"Freshmen come in, but you don't really depend on freshmen," Taylor said. "I don't really think you have a solid program if too many freshmen are playing. I do know that today things are a bit different - we don't automatically say a freshman is a redshirt."

Taylor said that signing only 12 players gives the Rattlers some extra scholarships for exceptional walk-on players, and leaves some scholarships open for any potential Division I-A transfers.

"There's some people on this team right now that are not on scholarship that will probably deserve one after spring ball, which will fill out maybe six or seven more scholarships," Taylor said.

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