BOCA RATON, Fla. – One week ago today, Florida Atlantic University’s football team reported to the 2021 Owls’ camp. Today, the squad took the field wearing full pads, and it was just moments into practice when the collision sounds signified this practice would be different than the first five.
MEET THE PLAYERS
Freshman nose tackle Evan Anderson
On second camp and the difference between 2020 and 2021:
My second camp here is a lot different, because the first year we had to deal with COVID. We did things in groups and everyone was separated. It is going good. Everyone is getting a lot better. I have seen the jumps of everyone since we came back. We are all just getting better. Learning each other and learning how to play.
On his body’s transformation (lost 50 pounds):
I lost a lot of weight. I feel like it is going to be a lot better. I haven’t been this light since middle school. I have been over 350 since I was in eighth grade. I feel a lot faster and (have) more energy.
On the defensive line returning everyone:
It feels good with everyone returning. Now we have a chemistry…last year, the COVID year, people were out and then returned and now we can grow faster and at a steady pace without those setbacks. We all love each other so it is fun playing with your brothers.
Redshirt Junior center Nick Weber
On camp and his new position coach:
I think camp has been great. I think we got off to a really good start. Coach (Ed) Warinner has been a really good addition to the staff. He is picky about the details and expects a lot from us. We are rising to the expectations and are having a good camp so far.
On new players joining the team:
It has raised the competition to a whole new level. In every position, there is competition, and the best person is going to play. We had a speaker last night who said, ‘If you want to play – outperform.’ So whoever outperforms is going to play.
Difference between last year and this year:
I think COVID messed up a lot of things. This year we had spring ball. We are more familiar with each other and with the offense. It is going really well and we have been clicking on all cylinders so far.
Second year FAU defensive line coach Kevin Patrick
It has been exciting. The energy has been a lot different, just a different time of year compared to last. The guys being able to work together all summer long and consistently. The coaches, we have been together. The bond, the unity has just been phenomenal. Our leader, Coach (Willie) Taggart, has done some remarkable things throughout the summer to help with that, both as a staff and as a team as a whole and it has been outstanding, and it is exciting.
On Evan (Anderson’s) development and weight loss:
When you look at Evan and the staff has done with that, speaks to the volumes to the work ethic that he has got, but it is really attention to details and the little things. He knows this is going to make him better. He knew it would and he did it. It is the same details and focus of not only making you the best person physical but mentally as well. Those characteristics translate down to the mental side of the game as much as anything too. You can see it in his game every day. It is the little things. It isn’t just running this stunt or this technique. He is understanding the details of it and how it helps him out and having a huge impact all the way around.
First year FAU offensive line coach Ed Warinner
On camp and your transition to FAU:
Camp is going great. I’m really excited about our team. I like the energy – the offensive line, in particular. I’m really pleased about their progress. I see us coming together as a unit. We have integrated some new players, that came in out of the transfer portal. Those guys will all have a chance to help us. As far as me “Coaching in Paradise,” I have loved it. I love the area and this location. This is where I have been coming to Florida for years, down in Broward/West Palm area, so I’m excited about that. I love Coach (Willie) Taggart and the staff. We have great guys here, so it has been a great place and I was welcomed with open arms and I’m excited about that.
How long will you let the battles go before you settle on a five:
Typically, I like to let it play out for about two weeks, try to get a couple of scrimmages in and then once we turn all focus to Florida (have the five together). Right now, we are just focused on getting better, learning our system, and seeing who our best players are and what they are good at. For the next couple of weeks, we are just going to roll guys. We rotate. We have different guys in with the one’s, two’s and three’s huddle and just let everybody have a chance to show what their role can be. That has been good too. Competition breeds a lot of good things. Competition brings the best out of people and we will take our time with that process.
On Nick Weber and the importance of having the center locked into place:
I was lucky. I inherited two guys that can play center: Nick Weber obviously, and Federico (Maranges). He is playing center too and he can play guard. Two guys that are veteran guys that comeback and know our system. They are really smart football players. There is smart book people, and then there is smart football players. They are very high football IQ guys. They are good at understanding what they see, making calls that get us into the right blocking schemes so I feel good about that, and then we are developing Andre Lamas there as well. We feel like we need three centers available for the season.
SIDELINE CELEBRATIONS
- Praise from both players and coaches were issued to Glover Cook (batting down a pass), Kelvin Dean, Jr. (a run read), Chase Lasater (run stop) and D’Marcus Adams (defensive coverage) during the run-receiver/defensive work
- In 7-on-7, it was defensive back and true freshman Amari Wansley who had cause for celebration
- Adams would continue to make plays during team sessions
- Transfer quarterback Michael Johnson, Jr. hit transfer Johnny Ford for a 75-yard touchdown reception
- Willie Taggart, Jr. used his legs for the second explosive play in about three plays
- Johnson found running back Larry McCammon III for a huge gain and then Nick Tronti hit Kobe Stewart, who had several big catches on the day and broke tackles on this play to go the distance
- At the far end of the field, tight end Austin Evans caught a pass delivered to his back with one hand
- During third down situational, N’Kosi Perry recorded several big passes as did Johnson and Tronti spreading the ball out to Adam Boselli, LaJohntay Wester and Jefftey Joseph
SPEED ZONE
- Thursday’s list of player to eclipse the 20 mph list included Korel Smith, Willie Wright, Kelvin Dean, Jr. and Zyon Gilbert
- Speaking of speedsters, Gilbert was included in the The Athletic’s “2021 Freaks List:”
“No. 35 – a long corner at 6-1, 180, Gilbert has played a lot of football for the Owls, posting 197 career tackles, 19 pass breakups and three interceptions. Gilbert has elite wheels. He’s been clocked at 4.3 in the 40, has vertical jumped 42 inches and broad jumped 11-4. He’s also twice topped out at 23.8 MPH on the GPS
WHAT’S NEXT
FAU will return to the practice fields on Friday, Aug. 13.
2021 SEASON
The Owls open up the 2021 campaign on the road on Saturday, Sept. 4, in Gainesville against Florida. The home opener is the following Saturday, at 3:30 p.m., hosting Georgia Southern. For more information on season tickets, call 1-866-FAU-OWLS or visit HERE.
Also scheduled for opening weekend at FAU Stadium is the Coach Howard Schnellenberger Celebration of Life, to be held the night before the game against GSU, Friday, Sept. 10, with the public event starting at 7:30 p.m.
