TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida A&M coach Joe Taylor believes there are things that are more important than football. Voting is one of them.

And he’s ensuring his players at the historical black university are prepared to participate in the political process.

Taylor took part of a practice day to work with members of the Rattler football team to ensure they are registered to vote. Florida is among several states where newly passed laws appear to have toughened identification requirements for voters like college students.

Every player on the Rattler squad old enough to cast a ballot either updated or filled out their registration cards for the first time earlier this month.

On Election Day, the team’s senior leaders will help herd teammates who play the same position to the polls for FAMU students.

• Brent Kallestad, AP Exchange