With 12 seconds left and Alabama State lined up for a 54-yard field goal to steal the game, Florida A&M’s Johnny Hutton III soared past a wingback and blocked the kick, securing a 28-27 win for the Rattlers in their Southwestern Athletic Conference matchup on October 9. The block came against kicker Andrew Abu-Akel, a transfer from FAMU who had made eight of nine attempts this season.
The Rattlers had clawed back from behind earlier in the fourth quarter to take the lead, but Alabama State’s late drive put the game in jeopardy. Hutton, a defensive back and special teams standout, credited practice and preparation for his game-saving play. “It was really a thrill,” he told the Tallahassee Democrat. “It snapped, I took off.”
Hutton’s timing and technique stem from countless reps in practice, especially working on the explosion off the line and getting his hands in the right position. “Off the take off, I got to get that good explosion off the line, chop that wing’s arm, get around, and throw that arm up,” he said. Teammate Dion Villiers had tipped him off before the snap, noting the holder’s timing was off, which helped Hutton make his move.
Florida A&M’s special teams coordinator Elijah Haggard praised Hutton’s dedication. “His roommates will tell you when he’s walking around a corner of an apartment building, he’s sticking his hands out, pretending like he’s blocking a kick. It’s a belief and mentality, and the little things.” Hutton nearly had a similar block against Jackson State earlier this month, but a delay of game penalty nullified the play.
What makes Hutton’s field goal blocking skills unusual is their origin: volleyball. The Cleveland native played varsity volleyball alongside football at St. Edward High School in Ohio. He was primarily an outside hitter and all-around player, not a libero. As a senior, he recorded 76 kills and averaged 3.2 kills per set, earning college volleyball recruiting attention and opportunities to compete nationally at the club level.
“Nobody could hold me,” Hutton recalled of his volleyball days. “We’re going to Cali, I’m coming down to Orlando. I was tearing it up everywhere.”
FAMU head coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. also has a volleyball background, having played in middle school in Fort Lauderdale. Gray said some South Florida schools lacked middle school football programs, so volleyball was a fall alternative. “We joke about that quite a bit,” Gray said. “Fortunately for me, I was able to turn that thing into a little bit of a championship situation my eighth-grade year.”
Hutton transferred to Florida A&M from NCAA Division II PennWest Clarion and joined the Rattlers in 2025. Though he did not play last year, he has earned time on defense and made his mark on special teams. “I don’t care what it is. Being on the field, being a part of a football team, I’m going to give it my all,” Hutton said. “Special teams, offense, defense, doesn’t matter what it is. I know if I give it my all, it’s going to pay off.”
Gray confirmed Hutton’s value to the team’s special teams unit. “Johnny has been tremendous for us on special teams,” Gray said. “He does a great job of making it his own. You’ve got your guys that are your core guys for special teams, and he’s definitely one of those guys that we rely on in those situations. Johnny has really come on strong as of late ― a very integral piece for us. We expect the best for him.”
After the block against Alabama State, Hutton attempted a cartwheel celebration but stumbled over a teammate’s feet, a moment that captured the raw energy of the win.
Florida A&M (2-5, 1-2 SWAC) will host Arkansas-Pine Bluff (3-3, 1-2 SWAC) in its homecoming game at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee this Saturday at 3 p.m. The Rattlers aim to extend their homecoming winning streak to eight games. The match will be televised on HBCU GO with radio coverage on 96.1 JAMZ.
According to Yahoo Sports.
