| 3/21/2024 | Football BOCA RATON, Fla. – Thursday’s practice was a long and difficult one for the Florida Atlantic football team who, despite fatigue, are pressing to play consistent, one play at a time football. Practice began with parents, family and Palm Beach County high school players lining the field for an opportunity to see the Owls go to work. Working in full pads for the third day, the individual periods were fewer while the team periods were extended.The day’s highlights included a fumble recovery and return by newcomer Kahzir Brown and two red zone touchdown runs by Kaden Shield-Dutton, Gemari Sands and CJ Campbell Jr.COMPLETE ROSTER QUOTABLE Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach Charlie Frye On what he has seen out of the spring practices so far “I see growth. That was practice five, so we have thrown a lot at them from early down calls on first and second to transitioning to all phases of third – short, medium, and long. And then the last couple of days, we have been working in the red area. The first two weeks of spring ball is a lot of information, a lot of new terms for a lot of the new guys and then a chance for them on Saturday to put all those pieces together that we have installed and put the ball down and go scrimmage. Moving forward from there, it is kind of like going back and re-hitting it again, some more details will show up the second time through. I think the way they have handled the information has been impressive. You can see their attention in the meeting room, you can see the try-hard, the want to do it right, and those are all positive things.”On the efficiency of practices “Just going through it a second time with the same staff is a big piece of being more efficient, knowing guys and what to expect and who they are and how they work. I think we are seeing that at practice.” Defensive Coordinator/LB Coach Roc Bellantoni On what he has seen from the defense this week “I have seen inconsistency at all three levels. We were better today than we were the other day, I talked to the guys this morning about being consistently good, not occasionally great. I saw more of that today, so I am pleased with that. Guys are really starting to step up. Some of the young guys, especially in the secondary, are getting a lot better and that is fun to watch. A couple of older guys, even the transfers that are older, are establishing themselves as guys who will be a factor here. It is starting to declare a little bit, but it is still really early. I am pleased with the progress we have made, I would just like us to be more consistent: be the same guy every play, every day.” Graduate WR BJ Alexander On bringing in size for the WR room “Marlyn (Graduate WR Marlyn Johnson) is a big receiver, big-bodied type. That just adds to the room. I am a big-bodied receiver and we add another one to the other side. We do the same thing and that is a good compliment to each other.” Senior DB “Buggs” Kahzir Brown On adjusting to Florida Atlantic “Coming in, it was a little different, especially with the weather but I wanted to be in a warm environment. The weather was a little difficult, a little thicker air here, but I am starting to get used to it as we run more and more in practice, getting used to the weather and how to breathe here. Coming in with the new teammates, it was easy. I never had to try really hard, we just came together and meshed pretty well…school is pretty much the same anywhere you go, I just have to be on top of my academics.”On what he sees in fellow defensive backs “We have a lot of feisty guys, long guys. Bringing that in just helps. The feistiness in the room, we compete every day. We challenge each other throughout the room. That is what it is all about, just us helping each other. I feel like we are going to be really good with everything we are doing, the extra five minutes before practice, five minutes after practice or even on our own time. Just trying to better each other on and off the field is going to make us go tremendously.” LADIES NIGHT Join the Owls on Tuesday, Apr. 3, at 5 p.m. for “Ladies Night.” The event is sponsored by Grimes Events and Tents and is presented by NILinParadise, taking place at the Schmidt Family Complex. The evening is scheduled to include educational sessions on offensive, defensive and special teams strategies. Participants will have the opportunity to mingle with players, coaches, and fellow Lady Owl enthusiasts, while going through light drills and competitions as well as refreshments. All proceeds, including the $100 registration fee, will benefit Florida Atlantic’s football team. To register or for more details click HERE. BROWARD COUNTY PRACTICE The Owls will hold one practice in Broward County, at University School, on Saturday, Apr. 6. It will be an off-campus open practice and an opportunity to practice in the heart of the tri-county area. SPRING GAME The Owls will conclude the 2024 spring practice season with a spring game slated for Saturday, Apr. 13 at noon. The game will be played in FAU Stadium. GRIDIRON CLASSIC GOLF Join NILinParadise at the Gridiron Classic Golf Tournament, sponsored by GA Telesis. All proceeds directly support FAU student-athletes. Join the Owls for a day of golf, prizes and comraderie scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2024, at the Boca West Country Club. To register your foursome, click HERE. COMPLETE SCHEDULE Click HERE. SEASON TICKETS To purchase season tickets, click HERE. FOLLOW THE TEAM Stay informed by reading FAUSports.com, or through football’s Twitter and Instagram accounts @FAUFootball. |
