BOCA RATON, Fla. – On Tuesday morning, Florida Atlantic University’s football team was greeted with a light sprinkle. It was not heavy enough to seek shelter, but enough to make it a muggy morning.
The final day without pads showed a team that is understanding what is being taught, is self- correcting, and is coaching each other on the sideline. Because of the community sense, not despite it, competition continues at every position, despite all eyes focusing on the quarterback room.
The Owls enjoyed another visit by FAU alum D’Joun Smith, who played for the Owls from 2011-14 and was a third-round 2015 selection by the Indianapolis Colts, and Smith’s teammate and fellow corner Keith Reaser, who played at FAU from 2009-2013 and was a fifth-round pick by the San Francisco 49es in 2014. Reaser played five NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers (2014-17) and the Kansas City Chiefs (2017-19), winning a Super Bowl in 2019.
QUOTABLE
Offensive Coordinator Charlie Frye
On how fall camp has gone so far
“I like what we are building. I love our effort. It’s hot out there, but what we’re trying to do is build a competitive advantage for our home games, because we know it’s going to be hot. We’re working harder than we have ever worked before, trying to build a competitive advantage. We’re growing our culture that the kids created in the spring, and that’s loving each other, relentless with our effort, physical and mental toughness. Those are things that will continue to grow. I think every day, we have gotten a little bit better and that’s a goal.”
On competition in the QB room
“In any quarterback competition, the guys are going to go out and compete for two hours and go as hard as they can trying to make the best decisions they can. And then when they come in and watch the film, now we’re back together. We fix things together. We build a togetherness in the room which I think has trickled to other rooms. That’s the most important thing going through a QB competition is we are all on the same side.”
On offensive experience
“The game starts up front and that starts with our offensive line. We have a veteran group, a big group, a tough group, a strong group. We are going to lean on those guys. Our running back room is packed, which when you can run the football, it’s a lot easier on any QB…That’s where the game starts for us as well, so we’ll lean on those guys this season.”
Redshirt Junior Offensive Lineman Kamaar Bell
On practicing in the heat and transitioning into padded practices
“The biggest way to make it through the heat is to push through. This demon that’s always in your head, you just have to eliminate it. You have to find positive things to feed your brain. A big thing from transitioning to pads is communication and making sure everything is on point.”
On blocking for running backs and wide receivers
“It’s pretty good when you can run the ball, get the defense to start bringing the safeties in and then you can start throwing over their heads. It’s just good when you can go back and forth.”
Redshirt Senior Wide Receiver Je’Quan Burton
On the progress from spring to today
“Every week, we came in and had leaders. LaJohntay (Wester), Tony (Johnson), and BJ (Alexander), and I got together and put a plan in on how we want the receiver room to work. From the time winter started until now, we put the work in and it is paying off.”
On playing under WR Coach David Beaty
“He’s a players-coach. He likes to include our input on a lot of things, so I do like that about him.”
On playing with an experienced offensive line and running backs
“Having those guys in the backfield and that o-line makes our job a whole lot easier for us.”
THE HIGHLIGHTS
Team focused on “Get Back on Track”, second and long
- Graduate running back Kobe Lewis broke open with a big run and later collected a pass that was tipped and juggled by sophomore linebacker Jaylen Wester at the line of scrimmage for a positive gain
- Junior quarterback Daniel Richardson found junior newcomer wide receiver Devin Price moved the chains with a 20-yard catch and run
- Defensively, cheers were heard for safety Armani-Eli Adams following an interception, something the redshirt senior safety has made common on the Schmidt Complex Practice Fields
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to RB Larry McCammon III on his well-earned graduation. McCammon was excused from practice to attend Tuesday’s ceremony but eventually made his way to the field in full cap and gown, with his family in tow, to celebrate with teammates and coaches.
NEXT UP
The next practice is scheduled for Wednesday morning. It will be the first time for the players to wear full pads.
The Owls will host the 2023 Fan Fest presented by Duffy’s on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 9:30 a.m. Football players as well as members from both cross country and soccer teams will be on hand for autographs.
GAME DETAILS
Saturday Sept. 2 – Monmouth at Florida Atlantic
- Time – 6 p.m.
- Television – ESPN+
- Radio – Ken LaVicka and Kris Bartels will have the call on FoxSports South Florida
- Theme – Welcome newly hired Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Tom Herman and season opener. Let the “New Era” begin!
TICKETS
Fans can purchase tickets for the 2023 season, the first in the American Conference, by calling 1-866-FAU-OWLS or by going online HERE. For more ticket information click HERE. To purchase away game tickets, click on the above Buy Now link. Single-game tickets may also be purchased by visiting HERE.
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