Following successful football seasons for both Florida State and Florida A&M Universities, several FSU players have looked no further than across town to find their next destination in the college football transfer portal with the Rattlers.
The first to commit and the highest profile of these players is running back Rodney Hill, a redshirt freshman who was in the rotation this year and was thought to be more of a key player next season for FSU. Instead, he will become a leader with the HBCU national champions FAMU Rattlers in 2024.
FAMU has a seen success with other former ‘Nole players in previous seasons. For 2024 FAMU also welcomes redshirt freshman offensive lineman Qae’Shon Sapp, cornerback Demorie Tate who last played in 2022, and redshirt freshman defensive lineman Ayombe Tifase.
The transfer portal allows players to find teams that can provide more playing time, exposure, financial and academic opportunities. Schools offer players these opportunities in an effort to build stronger teams each season.
FSU coach Mike Norvell and FAMU coach Willie Simmons each see these transfers as the best thing for the young men.
“Great young men who found [the] right opportunity with tremendous staff. So proud of these guys for their accomplishments. #KeepCLIMBing and @HCWillieSimons let’s bring championships to Tallahassee,” Norvell said on X, formerly Twitter.
Simmons responded with, “Thank you for your leadership and development of men @Coach_Norvell! Good luck in the bowl game! #FAMULY #OurTime #Climb.”
FAMU has also secured Tallahassee native, Sage Ennis who was previously at Clemson, and wide receiver Amari Johnson formerly of the University of Central Florida. Other transfers to the program include players from Florida Atlantic University and Vanderbilt. The team is coming off an 11-1 season and looks to head back to Atlanta next year to defend its national championship.
In a now-deleted post on X, Alabama A&M offensive coordinator Duane Taylor posted a message that has caused some controversy around HBCUs and the transfer portal. “HS players & Coaches: View the landscape of college football and the transfer portal,” Taylor tweeted. “Come to an HBCU, get EXCELLENT coaching, developed and then maybe you can transfer up. These P5 are coming to HBCU’s (D1/ D2) daily for our players! You could be the next one!”
