Two former Rattlers were picked up shortly after the 2014 NFL Draft and will be headed to camp with opportunities to make NFL teams.
Frances “Frank” Mays will be in camp with the Philadelphia Eagles and Brandon Denmark, who had four opportunities from various teams, chose to head to Green Bay for an opportunity to become a Packer.
Mays (6-10, 295 lbs from Bemidji, Minn.) was a solid defender for the Rattlers’ 3-4 defense for two seasons.
With exceptional height, he has flexibility and uncommon agility for a frame well-suited for the NBA. With good feet and hands, he was elusive to blockers during his time at FAMU.
In 2012, he tallied 21 tackles (11UA, 10 ASST), 5.0 tackles for loss, two sacks and one quarterback hurry. Against the University of Oklahoma in 2012, he was able to sack Heisman Trophy candidate Landry Jones in Norman, Okla.
In 2013, he collected 47 tackles, despite usually being double teamed. He had 30 solo tackles and 17 assisted tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss. He had four sacks on the season for a combined 28 yards loss.
Denmark (6-4, 235 lbs from Tallahassee, Fla.) transferred to FAMU in connection with a coaching change at the University of Illinois. The physical specimen, Denmark possesses exceptional speed to go along with his frame.
In 2012, he saw action 10 out of the Rattlers’ 11 games, collecting 54 tackles in the process. He carded 30 solos and 24 assisted tackles. He grabbed 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one quarterback hurry and two pass breakups as a gifted outside linebacker. Against the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., he posted six tackles.
In 2013, he was virtually unblockable. He collected 59 tackles, with 38 solos and 21 assists. He also accumulated four sacks and 12 tackles for loss.
This makes five former FAMU players in camps with NFL teams. Kevin Elliott played last season with the Buffalo Bills, Brian Tyms played last season with the Cleveland Browns and Travis Harvey signed a free agent contract earlier this year with the New York Giants.