| 8/3/2024 | Football BOCA RATON, Fla. – The primary focus for the Florida Atlantic football team, who practiced for the final time before donning full pads on Monday, was a 20-minute scrimmage. Much like every practice, the element of competition was added, with the defense walking away with the day by a 12-10 score. QUOTABLE Co-Defensive Coordinator/Cornerback Coach Brandon Harris On how the defensive backs are competing with the wide receivers in camp “Camp has been really competitive. Our receivers challenge us every day. Since they do challenge us every day, it gives us a lot to coach off of. The one thing we have going for us is a lot of our guys have been here two or three years. They are excited and are used to responding to our coaching. It’s a lot easier to get messages across. Some of the receivers are new and getting into the rhythm and flow of things, but those guys are really talented. They are really fast. It has given us a lot to work on, giving our guys an opportunity to have to come to work every day.” On the depth of the DBs “It creates competition within the room. We are using the term ‘compete with each other, but not against each other.’ That’s one of things that’s making our unit a lot closer, we’re doing a really good job this year of moving guys around, playing different positions, and that’s allowing our depth to really show.” Redshirt Junior Defensive Back Jayden Williams On how his experience helps him in camp “I am going into my fourth camp, so it helps me be more of a leader.” On being a versatile DB “Our coaches do a great job coaching every position. From the years that I have been here, they have coached me great, so everywhere you put me, I can play to my full potential.” On meeting the team standard “Everybody is on the same page. The leaders are holding their position groups accountable. We harp on that we are only as strong as our weakest link, so if somebody who is the fourth string is falling off, we have to keep him to the standard. Holding everybody to the standard is what we really enforce in the program, and we take pride in it. If we continue to keep pride in it, we are going to be great.” On how depth in the DB room pushes everyone “Even with the young guys, they are coming in and showing they can play. It keeps everybody on their toes, and keeps everybody holding the standard. I love the depth we have on this team and the people we have in the backend.” Sophomore Cornerback Cameron Goggins On the depth of the DB room “You have to come and show up every day. The room is so competitive and so talented. Anyone can have a good day. If you have a bad day, you might fall. You have to be good every day to compete.” On going full pads on Monday “I’m ready to get in pads and improve from the spring to now. See everybody else get in pads; see how the unit looks.” Redshirt Junior Cornerback Logic Hudgens On how the depth in the DB room helps the team “The depth in this room is good. We have a lot of people, a lot of young people stepping up. They’re not scared, they’re not intimidated, they ask questions. It’s going to be hard for Coach [Defensive Coordinator Roc Bellantoni] to make a decision on who he’s going to put out there. The depth is good for us because at the same time we get to take breaks. We need breaks sometimes, and when we put the next person in there, we’re not worried.” On the physicality in the DBs “That’s something that we work on every day. Having longer and taller DBs intimidates receivers who are not used to the bigger, longer corners.” WIRED FOR SOUND “Buggs” Kahzir Brown TWEET OF THE DAY Yall heard @D1_riq #TriCountyTakeover#WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/2R2vMnOlCF– Florida Atlantic Football (@FAUFootball) August 2, 2024 HIGHLIGHTS Chris Tooley III had a nice pass breakup on the defensive side of the field that drew celebration and praise from teammates Jabari Smith collected a pass, as did Nicholas Wilson on a drag to move the chains CJ Campbell Jr. continues to show breakaway speed, while Gemari Sands showed his evasiveness and spin moves to pick up good yardage PHOTO GALLERY Gallery: (8-3-2024) Preseason Practice #4 COMPLETE SCHEDULE Click HERE. MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY Florida Atlantic’s football home opener is set for Saturday, Sept. 7, at FAU Stadium versus Army West Point. The Owls will celebrate Military Appreciation Day as the Black Knights come to Boca Raton. For more information, click HERE. SEASON TICKETS 2024 season tickets are available for as low as $75. To purchase season tickets, click HERE. Recent alumni and Florida Atlantic faculty/staff can access discounted season tickets as low as $50. To learn more, submit your info HERE or visit HERE to make a purchase today. VIP group experiences with discounted tickets are available now, including pre- and post-game field access, halftime team tunnels, fundraising opportunities, and more. If you have a group of 15 or more who are interested, sign up HERE. FAU Alumni and Community Engagement will host two away events. The first is October 19th, when the Owls travel to San Antonio to face host UTSA. The second will be before the November 16th game versus Temple in Philadelphia. For more information, email alumni.affairs@fau.edu. TOUCHDOWN IN THE TROPICS Get ready for a night of tropical elegance at “Touchdown in the Tropics” to support the upcoming Florida Atlantic University football season and its student-athletes. Join us at the Boca Marriott on August 22, 2024, from 6-9 PM at 5150 Town Center Cir., Boca Raton, Florida 33486. Doors open at 5:30 PM. Indulge in amazing food, enjoy live music, and hear from Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Tom Herman. This tropical casual affair promises a fun and unforgettable evening as we kick off the season in paradise with your hometown team. All proceeds from this event directly benefit our FAU football student-athletes. For more information, click HERE. BROADCAST Television outlets are listed on the schedule page. Wire-to-wire radio coverage will air on Fox Sports South Florida 640 AM. Ken LaVicka and FAU alum Chris Newbold will have the call, while Mike Mreczko will host the pre and post-game with added on-field coverage by FAU and long-time South Florida television personality Frank Forte. To listen live click HERE. FOLLOW THE TEAM Stay informed by reading FAUSports.com or through football’s Twitter and Instagram accounts @FAUFootball. |
