FAMU backups getting on-the-job training

It's not often that walk-ons in college see a lot of game action. Most are relegated to being cheerleaders, or coming into a game with just a few seconds left in regulation. But on the Florida A&M football squad, walk-ons and reserves have not only been given an opportunity to play, but they've actually done quite well on the field.

According to a Tallahassee.com report, head coach Joe Taylor has been impressed with the work ethic of his reserves and has been giving them a chance to get meaningful action in real games.

One of those players is Roderick Cromartie. He is a cousin of current New York Jets cornerback, Antonio Cromartie, who played his college football just down Railroad Avenue at Florida State. Cromartie understands that these kinds of opportunities for back-ups don't come along very often, so he plays as hard as he can so that the coaches don't regret putting him out on the field:

"I really appreciate those snaps because it helps me understand what I'm doing in a game," said Cromartie, a cousin of former FSU standout Antonio Cromartie who is currently in the NFL. "I try to impress the coaches every single play because their minds might change about me if I don't perform."

FAMU is currently 2-2 this season and will take on Southern University (Baton Rouge, La.) this Saturday for the Bank of America Football Classic in Atlanta.