Jamal Hailey, a redshirt senior running back for Florida A&M, is preparing to anchor the Rattlers’ high‑tempo attack for the 2026 campaign after electing to remain in Tallahassee rather than test the transfer portal, a decision influenced by the arrival of new head coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr., who values his resilience and skill set.
A Breakout Season in 2025
He exploded for 157 rushing yards and three touchdowns in a 43‑35 victory over Southern, a performance that earned him the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s Newcomer of the Week honor and placed him among the most dynamic backs in the HBCU ranks.
The previous year he logged 84 carries for 516 yards on the ground and added 31 receptions for 199 yards, scoring nine all‑purpose touchdowns while operating behind the departing Thad Franklin Jr., a rotational role that gave him a clear pathway to expand his workload.
A Scheme Built for Speed
Coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr., who took the helm of the program, has built his Gulf Coast offense around speed and versatility, a scheme that aligns perfectly with Hailey’s ability to break tackles on handoffs and to catch passes out of the backfield.
During the spring scrimmage, Hailey capped a 73‑yard touchdown reception from quarterback Isaiah Knowles, a flash that underscored his big‑play potential and illustrated the new offensive rhythm.
Looking Ahead to a Competitive Schedule
The preseason camp will run through August 22, culminating in the season opener against Albany State at Ken Riley Field on August 29, after which the Rattlers will travel to face HBCU rivals such as South Carolina State, Tennessee State and Southern, setting the stage for a demanding yet promising slate.