TJ Lee's versatility on display as FAMU searches for right mix along offensive line
FAMU's offensive line has been missing two key returning starters this spring due to injuries.
While not ideal, there has been a silver lining to the pair's absence.
Others - returnees and newcomers - are gaining needed reps and building confidence during practice and in the Rattlers' first two scrimmages. FAMU held its second scrimmage Saturday at Bragg Memorial Stadium and, by all accounts, it was an improved performance.
"It was way better than the first one, way better," said center TJ Lee, a sophomore from Gadsden High School. "We actually had a great week of practice, it was more intense, more physical. We cleaned up some things. (Injuries) have given everybody time to step up, get more reps."
FAMU COVERAGE:
Lee displaying versatility
Lee, a 6-foot-3, 330-pounder, is an important piece along the FAMU offensive line due to his versatility. He has taken snaps at center and both guard positions this spring. And, in a pinch, he has filled in at fullback, too.
"I've had to grow up fast," said Lee, a two-way starter in high school. "It has been a lot to take in, but I don't have a problem playing any of the positions. I want to do whatever it takes to help the team. I am all in."
Lee points out that controlling the line of scrimmage is pivotal, especially since FAMU returns plenty of experienced production at the skill positions. Around 10 players, including newcomers, are seeing spring snaps on the offensive line.
Returnees Cameron Colvin and Bryan Crawford have missed spring practice as they recover from injuries.
Colvin, a redshirt senior, started all 12 games last season at right tackle. Crawford, a graduate student from Pahokee, was a part-time starter at left guard.
While FAMU's line features experience, players are also learning the Rattlers' scheme.
Jalen Goss is a graduate student from Florida State, where he enrolled in 2018 as part of Willie Taggart’s first class. Dariyon Weeden and William McCollumn are junior-college transfers, while Kharmair Thompson is a redshirt junior.
Coach Willie Simmons also continues to stress the importance of discipline and cleaning up penalties along the offensive line, saying, "I think we will be a much more efficient and much more explosive team. Snaps counts, knowing your protections. ... we can't keep it a secret.
"Those calls have to be echoing down the line."
'Chip on our shoulder'
FAMU closes out spring practice this week with two practices and Saturday's Orange and Green game at 2 p.m. at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
Continuity and consistency along the offensive line expects to play a key role for the Rattlers in 2022.
They open the season in week zero at North Carolina on Saturday, Aug. 27, in one of 10 FBS/FCS games scheduled that week.
FAMU then travels to Miami for the Orange Blossom Classic against Jackson State on Sunday, Sept. 4.
Last year's showdown - won by Jackson State 7-6 - set the tone for the remainder of the season as the Rattlers (9-3) chased the Tigers (11-2). Jackson State, coached by Deion Sanders, won the SWAC Championship game but lost to South Carolina State 31-10 in the Celebration Bowl.
FAMU earned an FCS playoffs invite but lost to Southeastern Louisiana in the opening round.
It wasn't the finish Lee and the Rattlers wanted.
"That experience is going to drive us this season, it's inspiring everyone to work harder," said Lee, 19, who has also embraced a leadership role. "We have are returning four guys who played critical snaps (last season) and, of course, you want to win it all.
"We've all come back with a chip on our shoulder."
FAMU ROUNDUP
The FAMU baseball team (11-17 overall, 5-3 SWAC) won its SWAC series at Alabama A&M with opening wins Friday (8-0) and Saturday (12-8) in extra innings. The teams were scheduled to close out their three-game series Sunday.
In Friday’s win, starting pitcher Hunter Viets (3-3) tossed eight scoreless innings, allowing five hits with 11 strikeouts.
Second baseman Joseph Pierni and third baseman Adam Haidermota each had three hits to pace the offense.
In Saturday’s win, the Rattlers scored eight of their 12 runs in the 10th and 11th innings.
Zeddric Burnham, Haidermota and Tyler Hanchey each had three hits.
FAMU had 30 hits in the series’ first two games.
Due to inclement weather, the FAMU softball team’s scheduled doubleheader at Bethune-Cookman on Saturday was moved to Sunday. The rivals close out their three-game series today.
Reach Jim Henry at jjhenry@tallahassee.com.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football spring practice: TJ Lee displaying versatility
