BOCA RATON, Fla. –The Florida Atlantic University’s football team moved into FAU Stadium for Thursday’s practice and the Owls used every bit of their scheduled time for a full-pad scrimmage. A scrimmage that the defense won, 22-17. This week also saw the Owls use an off day as an opportunity to visit a local Boy’s and Girl’s Club.
The defense responded to defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni’s challenge with three interceptions and a safety, in the situational scrimmage. They also applied pressure and attacked the football on every play. Jaylen Wester, Jarrett Jerrels and Daedae Hill were credited with interceptions, but the best example of the defense’s pursuit of the ball was nose tackle Jacob Merrifield’s hustle for a downfield tackle of receiver Tony Johnson.
The offense’s day was highlighted by a fourth and two 50-yard scoring run and a Glover Cook III 30+ yard run.
QUOTABLE
Defensive Line Coach Roosevelt Maggitt, Jr
On Spring Practice Thus Far
“I got here [Paradise] in December and it has been an amazing transition. I’m from south Florida, went to Dwyer High School, from Riviera Beach, Florida. Honestly, it has been a dream job come true. Working with Coach [Tom] Herman, #1, I had a chance to win a championship with him at the University of Houston and at the University of Texas, so I’m familiar with how he coaches and his culture. Second, the coaches that we have on this staff are a bunch of veterans, a bunch of south Florida guys that know the area. Lastly, it’s a player’s game and we have a bunch of really good players that care and want to win. It has been a fun and smooth transition.”
What is the focus area this spring?
“I think it is getting the guys, the unit to come together. I was at UTSA last year, where we won a conference championship. We would watch FAU on defense. We [FAU] are talented, us coming together. I don’t think it is a technique standpoint. We are improving in all areas. I think it is us coming together, guys playing for one another, a brotherhood, the guy next to you. If we can improve there, we have got a chance.”
Focusing on the last two hours, three turnovers and a safety. Is that a good day for the defense?
“Our philosophy on defense is that we want to create takeaways. We want to take the ball away from the offense. By doing that, being around Coach Herman, if we can get the ball in the offense’s hands, he knows what to do.”
Redshirt junior defensive lineman Marlon Bradley
Can you talk about the culture about the culture shift?
“The culture shift is reminiscent of coach Lane Kiffin. Coach Herman let us know the connection between him and Lane Kiffin. We see the culture coming back from when I first got here in 2019. Coach Herman is a little more he-he (funny laugh). It is beautiful.”
From a player’s standpoint, is one of the areas to improve creating a better pass rush from the defensive line?
“Absolutely, that has been a big focus for me and all the defensive ends, condensing the pocket. Making sure the quarterback doesn’t have a place to run out. We are really heavy on that.”
What has changed with the new coaching staff?
“It has been great. Starting from an energy standpoint. Every guy on the team has a specific job that they have to carry out. The energy has to be there. Everything starts and stops with the defensive line. It can fluctuate without us, there is no juice.”
Two coaches have mentioned that you have no ceiling. How do you approach every day?
“I don’t put a cap on what I can do, because I come from a family that played sports. I grew up playing basketball. I didn’t think I would be in college playing football. I’m new to this. The ceiling is high for me, based on the physicality standpoint. You put the physicality with a good mentality, you have got a great player. I feel like the ceiling is endless for me.”
Redshirt Sophomore Defensive Lineman Jacob Merrifield
On starting with a clean slate with the coaching staff and the sprint to the finish.
“I feel like we have done a really good job of competing this off season. I have been running with the “ones.” I was in with the “ones rotation” last year and I’m looking to take it over this year and solidify with the “ones,” just keep competing and doing the right thing.”
How important is it for this defense to make sure that it starts with the line?
“It all starts inside out. That is what they preach. It starts with us. So, if the defensive line comes out with energy and making plays then the secondary is going to come out, linebackers are going to come out. It all starts with us setting the tone.”
Is leverage a big thing for you?
“It is everything. The lower man always wins. They have been preaching that since Pee Wee. There is a height disadvantage, but it helps me out because I’m able to get low to the pads and play lower than other people.”
What are they asking the nose tackles to do in this defense?
“Really just wreck stuff up. I’m just getting off every play and trying to play behind the line of scrimmage. Just trying to be disruptive.
SPRING GAME
The “Spring Game” is scheduled for Saturday, April 15 at 12 p.m. at FAU stadium.
THE 2023 SCHEDULE
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Note: Broadcast outlets and kick-off times will be announced later this Spring. All games can be heard on Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida.
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.
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