Rattler Review: Recent Episodes
Rory Sharrock
Rattler Review is a weekly podcast covering the sports scene at Florida A&M University. Segments include interviews with coaches, athletes, alumni FAMU officials. Rory Sharrock of Sharrock Media Group is the host.
Willie Simmons discusses his resignation as the football head coach at FAMU to become the running backs coach at Duke. FAMU VP/AD Tiffani Sykes talks about filling the football head coaching vacancy, finances for the athletics department and facilities. SWAC Offensive Player of the Year Jeremy Moussa reflects on his relationship with former head coach Simmons and the 2023 championship season.
The 2nd annual Rattler Review Venom Awards show celebrates athletic success at FAMU in 2023. Award categories include Men's/Women's Freshman of the Year, Men's/Women's Newcomer of the Year, Men's/Women's Athlete of the Year, Coach of the Year and Team of the Year.
Cricket Celebration Bowl preview. FAMU head coach Willie Simmons discusses game strategy and addresses rumors about job offers. Cricket Celebration Bowl executive director John Grant talks about finances, TV ratings and cultural impact of the game. Our Four-Down Territory segment features play-by-play commentators Tiffany Greene, Jay Walker breaking down the match FAMU-Howard and their passion for HBCUs.
Cricket Celebration Bowl preview episode. FAMU football HC Willie Simmons recaps winning the SWAC title and gives an early preview of HBCU national championship matchup vs. Howard. Running back Terrell Jennings discusses his late-season surge leading the team's offensive attack. Co-DC/D-Line coach Milton Patterson reflects on his Atlanta roots and returning home for the Celebration Bowl. Kez McCorvey shares a report on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons previews the annual Florida Blue Florida Classic vs. Bethune-Cookman. Wide receiver Marcus Riley discusses his college football journey and facing his former B-CU teammates. Our monthly Alumni Spotlight series features the 2021 Buck Buchanan Award winner, Isaiah Land. He talks about life as an NFL rookie with the Indianapolis Colts and supporting FAMU in Orlando at the Florida Classic. Full preview of the 2023 SWAC Volleyball Tournament and FAMU's quest to win a third straight title.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons recaps winning the SWAC East Division title and previews the upcoming game vs. Alabama A&M. Cornerback Tevin Griffey discusses his first career interception, the power of the FAMU's "Dark Cloud Defense" and his legendary family roots. Our Four-Down Territory segment features Fox 54 Huntsville sports director Mo Carter breaking down Alabama A&M.
FAMU Homecoming 2023 special episode. Football head coach Willie Simmons breaks down the personnel matchup for the homecoming game vs. Prairie View A&M. Rattlers legendary quarterback Ryan Stanley reflects on his record-breaking career as the debut guest on the Alumni Spotlight segment. Multimedia commentator Charles Bishop shares insight on PVAMU on the weekly Four-Down Territory series.
FAMU football HC Willie Simmons previews the road game vs. Texas Southern. Wide receiver Jah'Marae Sheread discusses returning home to Houston and playing strong for the stretch run of the season. Our Four-Down Territory series features Texas Southern professor Dr. Kenyatta Cavil of Dr. Cavil's Inside the HBCU Sports Lab sharing insight on the Tigers. FAMU men's basketball HC Robert McCullum gives an outlook for the 2023-24 season. FAMU cross country HC Tamika Kinchen previews the 2023 SWAC championship meet.
FAMU football HC Willie Simmons gives an outlook for the road game vs. Southern. Running back Terrell Jennings discusses the impact of the ground game and team unity. Our Four-Down Territory series features Southern beat reporter Carlos Brown of the Carlos Brown Show sharing insight on the Jaguars. FAMU volleyball star setter Camila De La Rosa talks about adding to the program's success and life in her native Dominican Republic.
FAMU football HC Willie Simmons previews the upcoming road game vs. Mississippi Valley State. Linebacker Isaiah Major discusses leadership and the dominance of the Dark Cloud Defense. Our Four-Down Territory series features WJTV sports director Blake Levine sharing insight on MVSU. Freshmen XC runners Niya Coleman and Sierra Barrera talk about their team-high times this season. FAMU alum, Leon High football head coach Tyrone McGriff leads the resurgance of the Lions with a 5-0 record.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons discusses the upcoming SWAC East Division game vs. Alabama State. Defensive end Anthony Dunn, Jr. talks about his quest for ultimate dominance as a pass rusher and run stopper. Our Four-Down Territory series features Alabama State beat writer Jerry Humphrey III of the Montgomery Advertiser sharing insight on the Hornets. FAMU Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Marvin Green highlights Class of 2023 inductees.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons recaps losing to South Florida and previews the home opener vs. West Florida. Our Four-Down Territory series features West Florida beat writer Ben Grieco of the Pensacola News Journal sharing insight on the Argonauts. Ken Riley II reflects on his father - Ken Riley - being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and naming the field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in his honor.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons recaps winning the Orange Blossom Classic and previews the upcoming game vs. South Florida. All-SWAC OL Jalen Goss discusses blocking strategies anchoring the "Great Wall of Bragg." ESPN commentator Tiffany Greene talks overall landscape of HBCU football. FAMU volleyball team report with head coach Gokhan Yilmaz and All-SWAC libero Brooke Hudson.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons previews the Wk. 1 matchup vs. Jackson State in the Orange Blossom Classic. Quarterback Jeremy Moussa discusses leadership and his goals for the season. FAMU VP/AD Tiffani Sykes shares insight on the budget and her plans for the 2023-24 school year.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, FAMU tennis player Veronica Rodriguez shares about having anxiety and using her platform as a student-athlete to raise awareness of mental health matters. Class of 2023 grads Nick Dixon and Kamari Young discuss earning their degrees, bond since childhood and goals for the upcoming football season. Sprinter Teleda Williams preps for the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field East Preliminary.
Rattler Review celebrates the signings of FAMU legends Isaiah Land (Dallas Cowboys) and Xavier Smith (L.A. Rams) as NFL undrafted free agents. Vice President/Director of Athletics Tiffani Sykes recaps her first semester on the job and the state of the department. Rasheeda Liberty of Lady Lib Sports and Entertainment discusses her work representing Xavier Smith and HBCUs in the NFL Draft. Former FAMU and All-SWAC DL Savion Williams talks about playing in the USFL with the Pittsburgh Maulers.
FAMU head coach Nikki Houston and freshman star Reagan Harris recap winning the SWAC Women's Tennis Championships. Baseball head coach Jamey Shouppe shares a team report. Senior outfielder Janmikell Bastardo discusses his role as an impact player and leading contact hitter.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons recaps the Orange & Green game and shares a team report on the finale of spring camp. Defensive line coach Milton Patterson discusses the physicality of his group - the Rock Boys. SWAC Tennis Championships preview with head coach Nikki Houston and international phenom Sara Rakim.
The milestone celebration of our 100th episode features complete FAMU football coverage during spring camp. Head coach Willie Simmons recaps the second scrimmage and shares a team progress report. Quarterback Jeremy Moussa discusses his comfort level with the offense with a year under his belt. Newly-hired wide receivers coach Antonio "AC" Carter talks about his joyful return to Tallahassee. All-American linebacker Isaiah Land comments on Pro Day and his prep for the NFL Draft.
Former FAMU All-American wide receiver Xavier Smith recaps his performance during the HBCU Combine and Legacy Bowl. Football head coach Willie Simmons discusses the Legacy Bowl and gives a preview for the start of spring camp. Three-time Super Bowl champion front office executive Scott Pioli gives an evaluation of FAMU players prepping for the NFL draft.
FAMU Athletics budget report from the Board of Trustees meeting with VP/Director of Athletics Tiffani Sykes. Recap of the SWAC Indoor Track & Field Championships with gold medalists Kirra Ivy (pole vault) and Dajon Clark (long jump). FAMU football defensive coordinator Ryan Smith discusses building a foundation of dominance on the field. Vaughn Wilson reflects on the legacy of Ken Riley and his upcoming induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons discusses the release of the 2023 schedule and LeBron James setting the all-time scoring mark in the NBA. Offensive coordinator/O-Line coach Joe Henry recaps last season and the revisions for this year. FAMU softball preview with head coach Camise Patterson, infielder Destiny Cuevas and outfielder Melkayla Irvis. Indoor track & field update with head coach Garfield Ellenwood II and sprinter Lauryn Hall.
FAMU football head coach discusses National Signing Day and having a top-3 recruiting class for 2023. National Girls and Women in Sports Day coverage featuring commentary from a panel discussion and a recap from FAMU VP/Director of Athletics Tiffany Sykes.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons discusses the early plans for 2023. Former FAMU OC/QB coach KJ Black recaps his first season with the Los Angeles Rams as part of the Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship. FAMU Director of Football Recruiting Devin Rispress talks about the transfer portal and bringing elite talent to the program.
FAMU newly-hired VP/Director of Athletics Tiffani-Dawn Sykes recaps her first day in her role. She also discusses her career path to landing her "dream job" with the Rattlers. Sykes comments on her agenda for the department, hiring executive staffers and fundraising to balance the budget.
A full recap of the top stories of 2022 at FAMU. We honor this year's elite performers with the Rattler Review Venom Awards. Categories include Male/Female Freshman of the Year, Male/Female Newcomer of the Year, FAMU Team of the Year and Male/Female Athlete of the Year.
FAMU alumna and multi-media journalist Thai Floyd discusses her coverage of the Celebration Bowl and previews the matchup between Jackson State vs N.C. Central. Former Rattlers football star Tyrone McGriff Jr. discusses the selection of his father, Tyrone McGriff Sr., into the Black College Football Hall of Fame.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons discusses Deion Sanders and dismisses rumors of working with him at Colorado. Former Rattlers Jalen Spady and Jay Jackson-Williams share commentary on being included in the XFL Draft.
FAMU volleyball head coach Gokhan Yilmaz and outside hitter Brooke Lynn Watts recap the team winning back-to-back SWAC championships. They also discuss playing Florida in the NCAA Volleyball Tournament. Football head coach Willie Simmons reflects on the 2022 season and being overlooked for the FCS playoffs by the selection committee.
FAMU football closes the regular season in the Florida Blue Florida Classic vs. arch-rival Bethune-Cookman. Head coach Willie Simmons gives an outlook on the game and the team's potential FCS playoff berth. Player spotlights feature wide receiver Xavier Smith and siblings BJ and Kendall Bohler. SWAC Volleyball Tournament preview with outside hitter Dominique Washington. She recaps the season and discusses FAMU's goal of repeating as conference champions.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons discusses his name being mentioned for other jobs. Simmons also gives a preview of the upcoming game vs. Alabama State. Tight end Jeremiah Pruitte talks about his production as a key option of the offense. Linebacker Johnny Chaney, Jr. shares commentary on his status as an elite tackler.
FAMU football HC Willie Simmons and RB AJ Davis preview the home finale vs. Southern. Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese Bell returns to Tallahassee to support the Rattlers. SWAC Commissioner Charles McClelland gives a status report on the state of affairs within the conference.
FAMU Homecoming special episode. Football HC Willie Simmons, QB Jeremy Moussa preview the game vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Miss Florida A&M Aliya Everett discusses her role as homecoming queen and love for sports. Alums Billy Rolle (football) and Quincy Griffin (Marching 100) reflect on their emotional ties to homecoming week.
FAMU's newly-hired VP/Director of Athletics Tiffani-Dawn Sykes speaks about this being her "dream job" during her introductory press conference. Football head coach Willie Simmons and safety Javan Morgan preview the upcoming game at Grambling State. Cross-country interim head coach Rufus Peoples gives a team update before the SWAC Championships.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons and linebacker Isaiah Major preview the road game vs. South Carolina State. Basketball head coaches Robert McCullum (men) and Shalon Pillow (women) discuss the outlook for the 2022-23 season.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons previews the upcoming game vs. Mississippi Valley State. Associate head coach James Spady reflects on his visit to campus after losing his sight. Specialists Jose Romo-Martinez and Chris Faddoul discuss the art of kicking, team chemistry and the World Cup.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons previews the upcoming game vs. Alabama A&M. Libero Brooke Hudson discusses her all-star play on the volleyball court and stance as a social activist. Ken Riley II talks about the push for his father – the late Ken Riley – to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons, wide receiver Xavier Smith recap the home opening win vs. Albany State and discuss the bye week. Volleyball head coach Gokhan Yilmaz, All-American outside hitter Dominique Washington give a status report on the team and their quest to repeat as SWAC champions.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons talks about the 0-2 start to the season, player eligibility and previews the home opener vs. Albany State. Quarterback Jeremy Moussa and defensive lineman Gentle Hunt discuss the team's push to get on a winning track.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons discusses the opening week of fall camp. Rattler player spotlights feature wide receiver David Manigo and linebacker Nadarius Fagan.
Marvin Green discusses his new role as chairman of the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame. Filmmaker Ariel Driskell reflects on her time at FAMU, shares info on projects airing on BET Her. Maya Ellison talks Atlanta pro teams, women in sports media and coverage of FAMU football.
FAMU head coaches Shalon Pillow (women's basketball) and Nikki Houston (tennis) partake in a roundtable discussion about the impact of Title IX. Natalie White, Senior VP of the Los Angeles Sparks, shares commentary on her record-breaking college basketball career, Title IX and the detainment of Brittney Griner.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons talks about summer camps and recruiting. Baseball head coach Jamey Shouppe recaps the season, previews prospect camp. Rattlers alums Karla Taylor, Kari Hunter discuss the Mirror the Athlete fundraiser campaign.
Ellrie Allen (football) and Arielle Nealy (tennis) discuss Mental Health Awareness Month. The former FAMU student-athletes share commentary on their mental health journey, counseling and grad school enrollment.
Our Mother's Day celebration features commentary from FAMU coaching moms Brandi Tatum Fredrick (cheerleading) and Constance Orr (softball). All-American defensive end Isaiah Land discusses his decision to return to FAMU for 2022.
FAMU NFL Draft recap with New York Jets free-agent signee Savion Williams. Rattlers football HC Willie Simmons discusses HBCU-NFL relations. Special tribute to the student-athletes representing the graduating class of 2022 featuring All-SWAC jumper Rachel Robertson.
Student-athletes respond to the dismissal of Kortne Gosha as Vice President/Director of Athletics at Florida A&M. National Alumni Association President Col. Greg Clark makes a plea for stable leadership, previews the upcoming NAA convention in Tallahassee.
Breaking news report on the departure of Kortne Gosha as Vice President/Director of Athletics at Florida A&M University. Football head coach Willie Simmons shares his takeaways.
Three-time Super Bowl champion Nate Newton returns to FAMU and reflects on his time in the NFL. Troy Johnson discusses his multi-layered role as Director of Football Operations. Golf head coach Mike Rice previews the SWAC Tournament.
Recap and analysis of Orange & Green Game, FAMU spring camp with head coach Willie Simmons. Brothers BJ, Kendall Bohler celebrate family and football. ESPN announcer Tiffany Greene discusses her college sports coverage.
FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons breaks down the second scrimmage of spring camp, previews the Orange & Green Game. Converted WR Lelan Wilhoite discusses his rising status with the team. Rattler alum Tyrone McGriff talks about his upcoming first season as football head coach at Leon High School.
FAMU football spring camp scrimmage takeaways with head coach Willie Simmons. Transfer linebacker Isaiah Major discusses his learning curve with the team. All-American safety Markquese Bell recaps Pro Day and prepping for the NFL Draft.
FAMU football spring practice updates with head coach Willie Simmons. All-SWAC players Jay Jackson-Williams, Savion Williams discuss their upcoming Pro Day. Tennis highlights from head coach Nikki Houston and player Arielle Nealy.
FAMU football spring camp update with head coach Willie Simmons and quarterback Rasean McKay. Softball head coach Constance Orr gives a status report of the team leading into conference play.
Rattler Review marks its return from a long hiatus. FAMU football spring practice update with head coach Willie Simmons, WR Xavier Smith and DE/LB Isaiah Land. VP/AD Kortne Gosha shares the status of FAMU Athletics. Special guest Melvin Beal discusses his legendary career in media.