TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The FAMU Rattlers are facing a pivotal season as they look to defend their HBCU national championship title. With several key players from last year's squad moving on, the Rattlers have had to fill major roles, starting with new leadership on the sidelines.
James Colzie III has taken over as head coach, replacing the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Coach of the Year, Willie Simmons. At quarterback, transfer Daniel Richardson is stepping into the shoes of SWAC Offensive Player of the Year Jeremy Moussa. On defense, FAMU is now relying on Raines High School alum Aric Horne to fill the void left by SWAC Defensive Player of the Year Isaiah Major.
"Just knowing that there's a standard set from the guys last year, so I'm just picking up the standard and executing," said Horne.
Coach Colzie has faith in Horne’s ability to rise to the challenge, praising him for his leadership potential and talent.
"When you lose guys like Chaney and Major, now it's Horne's opportunity to step up and play like those two guys. He's got the ability," Colzie said.
Horne wasted no time proving his value. In the Rattlers' season opener, he made the game's biggest play, stopping a two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter, securing a one-point victory for FAMU.
"I feel like I'm on top of my game. I've been putting in all the work since the summer with these guys and in fall camp, so I feel like I'm on top of it," Horne said.
Now in his sixth and final year of college football—and his third season with FAMU after transferring from Iowa State in 2022—Horne is focused on more than just his on-field performance. He’s committed to growing as a leader, drawing on his experiences at both Iowa State and FAMU.
"Being a leader, more so like leadership. Taking on leadership qualities, like the things I learned from Iowa State and the guys here like Major and Chaney, the things that they taught me last year, and just stepping in and being a leader," said Horne.
Horne's family is just under three hours away from FAMU, which he says has been a comforting factor. With his leadership and performance coming together, the Rattlers are counting on him to shine this season.
"He's a guy that's got great talent, great attitude, great ability. He does a great job for us on special teams. It's his time. And we can't be successful on defense if Aric Horne doesn't play the way we need him to play," Colzie said.
Horne and the Rattlers will take a much-needed rest during their bye week before facing Troy University on the road on Saturday, Sept. 21.