FB | Scrimmage Prep is the Focus of Spring Practice Five

3/20/2025 | Football

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic football returned to the practice fields on Thursday in preparation mode for a Saturday closed scrimmage.

The defensive side of the ball celebrated and praised each other after causing havoc throughout the day, first in seven-on-seven work then again when trading blows in full team work. The offense responded with several scores while working the red zone, including a practice-ending reception by Leon Washington Jr.

QUOTABLE

Running Backs Coach Chris Perkins
On the state of the running back room
“We are a work in progress. I have three guys in the room that got some playing time toward the end of the year. You have Xavier Terrell, he actually has been playing for the last two years in spots. He’s a guy that can do well in a game. I trust him. Another guy I trust is Gemari Sands. They played well last year and got into the end zone. That’s a vote of confidence for him, a vote of confidence for us. Then you have Kaden Shields-Dutton, he’s a true sophomore, played special teams last year. Those three guys I’m comfortable with. We have a young freshman that came in from Buford High School, Ethan Ervin. He’s a true freshman, I’m excited to see what he can do, he has a bit of a learning curve right now. But altogether, this spring is important for us to gain some experience, trying to get these guys reps so they can get sharper on their reads. The spring is going to be very important for the running back room.”

On skillsets in the running back room
“All of them bring a different type of skillset. What is a non-negotiable in my room is physicality. No matter what your strengths are or what your running style is, we’re going to be physical…Everything is toughness, physicality, and ball security.”

On working with the passing game
“With this offense, we do a lot with the guys coming out of the backfield, catching the ball out of the backfield is a requirement. The running back is an extension of every other position. We have to protect, that’s part of being in conjunction with the o-line. We come out and catch the ball, we can line up at receiver. And then of course, we have to run the football. You have to earn it to run the football, so if you can’t protect the quarterback, you probably won’t get carries.”

Redshirt sophomore RB Xavier Terrell
On staying consistent
“We should pick up where we left off and keep being consistent because consistency is key, and I think we just have to work hard and get the plays with the new offensive playbook and I think we’ll be good.”

On pass blocking
“Whatever the offense calls you to do, you have to be great at it. If that has to be blocking, running the ball, catching the ball in the backfield, anything I am willing to do to help the team.”

On explosive plays
“I think I put myself in a good position. Just trying to stay consistent and prove to them that I can be that back.”

On Hagerty Family Head Coach Zach Kittley’s offense
“At the running back position, we get to showcase our talents, whether that’s catching the ball in the backfield, making people miss in open space or running through the gaps, it’s really exciting.”

Redshirt sophomore RB Gemari Sands
On being the veteran in the room
“I’m trying to instill in the younger guys that opportunities come and go, so once you get the opportunity, take that advantage.”

On taking the field
“When you are not able to play the game, it bothers you. Once you are able to get that feeling again and be on the field with your teammates and everyone you love, it gives you a different feeling.”

On what to look forward to from the running backs
“Multiple backs, everyone bringing their own thing to the table, competing and doing one as 11.”

On opportunities to compete for carries
“We can always be replaced at any time, so we just work, take it day-by-day and play-by-play.”

Sophomore RB Tremonte Underwood Jr.
On the progression through spring practices
“So far, we have made good progressions from practice one all the way to practice five. We have made good runs on offense throughout the practices.”

On what is important from now until Saturday’s scrimmage
“Staying healthy and getting ready to progress through our playbooks, learn everything that we need to learn and come back ready to go since we’re not going to be installing everything new.”

Freshman RB Ethan Ervin
On his first spring practices and arrival to Florida Atlantic
“This is actually my first spring ball because in high school, I would usually be in track season right now. It’s a little bit different for me, but it’s just ball. Coach Perk stayed and recruited me through the process, so when I found out he stayed, it was only right.”

On what he has learned from the other running backs
“Pad level. Running between the tackles, my pad level has to be lower.”

On learning a new offense
“There is a lot of stuff thrown at you. You just have to put it all on the table and go over your work. But as you go on, it will get easier and easier.”

PRACTICE NOTES

Redshirt junior wideout Dominique Henry made a contested catch down the sideline on the right side of the field.
Sophomore cornerback Cameron Goggins made the first of several interceptions on defense.
Graduate defensive back Wendol Philord added another for a would-be pick six.
Sophomore defensive lineman Gavench Marcelin recorded the big-man INT.
Redshirt senior safety Jayden Williams laid out a hard hit to break up a shovel pass.
The practice concluded with Washington Jr. hauling in the touchdown.