FAMU Keeps Starting Quarterback Under Wraps Ahead of SWAC Opener
The short version
- FAMU has not named a starting quarterback for Saturday's SWAC opener against Alabama A&M.
- Dustin Fletcher and Armond Parker are the contenders; Fletcher is dealing with a thumb injury.
- Parker threw for 267 yards and two touchdowns in relief against Tennessee State.
- Kickoff is 7 p.m. ET Saturday at Bragg Memorial Stadium on SWAC TV.
Coach Quinn Gray Sr. says the starter against Alabama A&M on Saturday will be decided between Dustin Fletcher and Armond Parker.
Florida A&M head coach Quinn Gray Sr. has not decided on a starting quarterback for Saturday's conference opener against Alabama A&M. Speaking to the Tallahassee Democrat at Wednesday's practice, Gray said the choice would be made by game time. Dustin Fletcher and Armond Parker are the two candidates.
Fletcher, a graduate student who transferred from The Citadel, got the start in last week's 29-26 loss to Tennessee State but hurt his thumb during the second quarter. Before exiting, he completed 6 of 11 passes for 48 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 28 yards, including a 4-for-4 opening drive. He had been filling in for Isaiah Knowles, whose own thumb injury ended both his season and college career.
Parker, a true freshman from Locust Grove, Georgia, took over and went 14 of 25 for 267 yards with two touchdowns. He also threw an interception that Tennessee State returned 61 yards for a score. Gray said both players are still learning the offense and emphasized the need for consistency at the position against an Alabama A&M defense ranked second in the SWAC.
Junior James Hayes and freshman Dante Howell are the other quarterbacks on the roster. The Rattlers (1-3) host the Bulldogs (3-1) at 7 p.m. ET Saturday on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, with the game airing on SWAC TV.
