8/11/2025 | Football
BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic football team returned to the practice fields on Monday morning, following a Saturday scrimmage in Flager Credit Union Stadium and a Sunday off day in the rearview mirror.
Back in familiar territory with a nearly two-hour practice in the August South Florida heat, Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Zach Kittley stressed that it’s the little details that will ultimately separate the Owls from their competition, right down to substitutions and alignments.
It was an important reminder with a major first test facing the program on August 30: an opening game on the road against Maryland that gives the Owls an opportunity to begin the Kittley era with a win over a Big Ten opponent.
PRACTICE NOTABLES
- Redshirt senior DB Damarius McGhee recorded an interception during 7-on-7s.
- Dominique Henry, redshirt junior WR, made multiple big plays including turning a short reception into an explosive touchdown run.
- Redshirt sophomore WR Asaad Waseem’s speed was also on display, turning up the field for a big gain.
- The day concluded with a connection in the corner of the end zone between redshirt junior QB Caden Veltkamp and redshirt junior WR Jayshon Platt.
VIDEO RECAP
QUOTABLE
Defensive Backs Coach Antonio Fenelus
On the meshing of the defensive back room
“It’s going well. It started in the summer with workouts, being in the weight room and doing drills. Now, we’re actually playing football, learning how to communicate together, moving different guys around with different groups so they just get used to talking to one another. But I think it’s going well so far.”
On what he wants the DBs build on from the first scrimmage
“Just continue to be great with our communication, making sure everybody’s on the same page. Each of the guys are getting better day-by-day. That’s one thing I think we have picked up on.”
On what redshirt sophomore “Dooda” Derrick Rogers and freshman Zion Paret bring to the table
“Derrick is doing a great job. I’m just challenging him day-by-day to be consistent and just compete at all times. He’s doing a good job taking tremendous strides. Both of those guys are still young, so we’re just trying to get them to understand what it’s like to be the guy every single play. Zion has made tremendous strides from when he arrived early. Being a freshman, the biggest thing is teaching him situational awareness, third downs, backed up, just what to expect. He has all ability to go out there and execute, it’s just trying to teach him the football IQ of it.”
On getting redshirt senior DB Damarius McGhee up to speed
“I coached Damarius when I was at LSU, so we had a prior relationship. I have nothing but respect for him and what he has done so far. He came in two days before camp, picked up the playbook and is out there flying around and competing. He is going to have to get in the book a little bit more and learn everything, but I like where he’s at thus far in camp.”
Redshirt Sophomore Cornerback “Dooda” Derrick Rogers
On how the CB room has come together
“In the cornerback room, somebody who I see has really picked it up is our freshman corner Zion Paret. He’s really learning fast and listening to what the older guys have to say. I feel like he is really taking a big step…As a unit, we get tight and have little activities just to be closer with each other. We still can be closer at the end of the day, but we’re going to keep working to get there.”
Freshman Cornerback Zion Paret
On the benefits of being with the team in the spring
“I had a lot of time to learn the playbook, get developed, bigger, faster, stronger, so when we went out on to the field I felt more comfortable.”
On transitioning from an elite high school program to Division I football
“The competition and my mindset, the edge that I have [helped]. If I’m going to be there, I’m going to be there and not feel the pressure too much because I’ve been in those situations and played in big games before.”
PHOTO GALLERY
Gallery: (8-11-2025) Preseason Football Practice #10
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