Florida A&M turns to true freshman backup against Fort Valley State after Orange Blossom Classic loss

Florida A&M will have a new quarterback under center ahead of its upcoming game versus Fort Valley State.

Head coach Willie Simmons announced Tuesday that freshman Junior Muratovic will start for the Rattlers on Saturday in the home opener.

Muratovic played exclusively in the fourth quarter this past Sunday against Jackson State in relief of senior RaSean McKay.

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In his first collegiate appearance, Muratovic went 5-of-12 for 47 in the Rattlers 7-6 loss to the Tigers in the Orange Blossom Classic.

“After reviewing the film, we decided we’re going with Junior. We just feel he gives us something in the form of savvy and fundamental passing. RaSean (McKay) and Cameron (Sapp) will be ready if needed,” Simmons said Tuesday.

McKay, who won the starting job after a fall camp quarterback battle struggled mighty against a hounding JSU defense, going 18-of-29 for 78 yards.

Though he didn’t turn the ball over or put the offense in bad positions, Simmons felt McKay was inconsistent with his mental approach and decided to make the change with the outcome still hanging in the balance.

“There was a play that we ran … when he came to the sideline and what he saw (on the field) wasn’t there, that’s when I knew he was kind of out it mentally and we made the switch at that point,” said Simmons.

Simmons will now turn to a true freshman in Muratovic who signed out of Wekiva High School in Orlando. The 6-foot-3 inch signal-caller has been lauded by the coaching staff as a quick study and accurate passer.

“Junior is extremely intelligent and mature beyond his years,” Simmons said.