FAMU Football Welcomes New Transfer Player from FSU

The FAMU Football team trains for the upcoming season, aiming to enhance their defense.

News Summary

Florida A&M University’s football team is bolstered by the transfer of Xavier Perkins, a former defensive lineman from Florida State University. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 237 pounds, Perkins brings a wealth of talent to the Rattlers after a stellar high school career. His transition is seen as critical to enhancing FAMU’s defensive lineup following challenges faced in the previous season. With head coach James Colzie aiming to strengthen the team’s defense, fans are excited about the upcoming season and the prospects of improvement.

Exciting News for FAMU Football Fans: Xavier Perkins Transfers from FSU!

In a thrilling development for Florida A&M University sports, the Rattlers’ football team has just welcomed former Florida State University defensive lineman Xavier Perkins to their ranks! Perkins, a rising redshirt sophomore standing at an impressive 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 237 pounds, has officially made the move to join FAMU, and fans couldn’t be any more excited.

What’s Behind the Transfer?

Perkins, who graduated from Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, Florida, in 2023, had a modest experience at FSU, playing in only two games during his time there. His appearances came against Southern Mississippi in 2023 and Charleston Southern in 2024, but he did not record any statistics during those outings. Despite the limited experience at FSU, Perkins’ high school career was nothing short of spectacular. He notched an impressive 63 tackles including 21 tackles for loss and 13 sacks, along with three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and nine quarterback hurries over the course of 30 varsity games.

Adding to his accolades, Perkins was even recognized as an All-American in high school and had the honor of being invited to the prestigious 2023 Blue-Grey All-American Bowl as well as the Georgia vs. Florida High School Showcase. His transition to FAMU is being seen as a way to boost the Rattlers’ defense, which faced challenges in stopping opponents last season.

A New Era Under Coach Colzie

With FAMU’s head coach James Colzie III, a proud FSU alumnus, aiming to rebuild the defense, Perkins’ arrival comes at a critical time. The Rattlers’ defense struggled last season and was particularly vulnerable against the run. Following the departure of defensive coordinator Ryan Smith, who had led the team to a national ranking of No. 2 with their “Dark Cloud” defense, the team is now looking to jumpstart its efforts with the new defensive coordinator, Milton Patterson.

Patterson has a big job ahead of him, and Perkins is expected to play a key role in the efforts to reinvigorate the team’s pass rush. Along with the addition of fellow transfer Davion Westmoreland, this move is viewed as crucial to enhancing the Rattlers’ defensive lineup after finishing the 2024 season with a 7-5 record. The need for a more robust defense is evident, and the coaching staff is keen to strengthen their existing roster.

The Trend of Transfers

Perkins isn’t the only former Seminole making the jump to FAMU. He joins a roster that is seeing a growing number of past Florida State athletes, including Jalen Goss, Goldie Lawrence, Koby Gross, Demorie Tate, and Christopher Williams. These shifts come in the light of a disappointing 2-10 season for FSU, which, coupled with impending NCAA restrictions on FBS rosters, is driving player movement in college football. The transfer portal is increasingly shaping the landscape, leading to many athletes exploring new opportunities as spots for incoming talent are becoming rarer.

Looking Forward to a Bright Future

As Perkins takes this exciting step forward, he has shared his enthusiasm for this new chapter at FAMU with supporters through his commitment announcement on social media. Football fans and students alike are surely looking forward to what this talented athlete will bring to the field. The upcoming season is shaping up to be an exhilarating one for the Rattlers and their dedicated fans, as they hope to build a stronger defense and achieve great things.

In conclusion, with the addition of Xavier Perkins and his impressive background, FAMU football is gearing up for a chance to turn their fortunes around in the new season. Go Rattlers!