Analyzing how FAMU football quarterback Jeremy Moussa got 'comfortable' through first five games

It appears Florida A&M (3-2, 2-1 SWAC) quarterback Jeremy Moussa has found a home in Tallahassee.

Attending three different schools prior his arrival at FAMU, the Vanderbilt graduate transfer has settled in as the Rattlers' starting quarterback.

A first-time Division I starter, Moussa has completed 58 percent of his passes (104-of-180) for 1,245 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions. He's second in the SWAC in passing yards and touchdowns behind Jackson State's Shedeur Sanders.

"I've enjoyed every second of being here," Moussa, from Chino Hills, California said. "I'm not even close to where I want to be, but I'm going to continue to get better every week.

"I'm continuing to stack days on days and I getting more comfortable with the plays and the reads."

FAMU coach Willie Simmons, a former quarterback at Clemson and The Citadel, has closely watched Moussa's improvement since spring practice.

"He's really settling in as a quarterback and starting to get comfortable with his receivers," Simmons said. "I think we kind of forget this is only his fifth start in this offense.

"He's only been in the office for eight or nine months now, so it takes a while before you kind of figure out all the nuances so he can begin to think how I think. We talked in detail last week about what type of balls to throw to certain receivers.

"He comes over to watch film on his day off and that just shows the level of commitment that he has to be an elite quarterback."

MORE RATTLERNEWS COVERAGE

► Home Cookin':Lucky No. 13 next? Highlighting FAMU football's home winning streak at Bragg Memorial Stadium

► My latest column:FAMU football did what it was supposed to do, an early look at South Carolina State | G. Thomas

► 'A group of future leaders': FAMU football players are feeling heard by school administration

The progression of 'Moose'

Moussa, a 6-foot-3, 225 pounder, had a strong performance in Week 0 against North Carolina. He proved he could play on the Division I level, completing 28-of-38 passes for 279 yards, and a touchdown.

His lone interception of the game allowed the Tar Heels to extend their lead to 28-14 before halftime, ultimately winning 56-24.

Against Jackson State, he struggled, as did his team. He completed 11-of-27 passes for 102 yards, and a touchdown.

Moussa made strides against Albany State, completing 16-of-29 passes for 230 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception on an underthrown pass to receiver Jah'Marae Sheread. Following the game, Simmons said Moussa needed to stop pressing and forcing passes.

At halftime against Alabama A&M, Simmons changed the schematic system to help his new quarterback flourish. Receivers Sheread, David Manigo, and DayDay Oxendine got the bulk of the deep passes. Xavier Smith was primary short-reception, yard after catch threat.

Moussa responded by completing 13-of-24 passes for 175 yards, and two touchdowns in the second half of the 38-25 victory over the Bulldogs.

"It's a new team than last year," Moussa said.

"When the things I do well line up with what coach wants to call is when our offense is really clicking. We've been seeing what we do well through the first five games and trying to continue to do that."

He followed up with 291 yards in last week's 34-7 win over Mississippi Valley, earning him the SWAC Newcomer of the Week honor. 

"I'm honored, but I think I have a lot more in me," he said.

"I know my coaches and team see it, so I just got to continue to get better each day because I got high expectations for myself. It's just about me staying in that zone of being relaxed and comfortable, but also I got a lot more in the tank and I'm ready to show it."

In the last two games, Moussa has gone interception-free and tallied 634 passing yards with five touchdowns on a 57-percent completion rate. His favorite target has been wide receiver and AFCA-All-American Smith, who has caught those five touchdowns.

"It always start in practice, and it gives you the confidence to take it over in the game," Smith said. "We've been building that trust since camp and it has flowed all the way into the season. We both plan to keep it going.

"Eventually, it'll be the whole 'Rac Boyz' group that he'll be throwing touchdowns to."

Game Information

Who: Florida A&M (3-2, 2-1 SWAC) at South Carolina State (1-3)

When: Saturday, at 2 p.m. ET

Where: Dawson Stadium, Orangeburg, South Carolina

Broadcast/Radio: Rattler Sports Network

Gerald Thomas III covers FAMU athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@gannett.com or on Twitter @3peatgee.

Follow the Tallahassee Democrat on social media at Tallahassee Democrat (Facebook), TallahasseeDemocrat (Instagram), and @TDOnline (Twitter)