BOCA RATON, Fla. – As the Florida Atlantic University Owls march closer and closer to their Saturday, Sept. 2 season and home opener versus Monmouth, the team begins to take shape and spotlight what a 74-play game may present.
The final period was a fun one to watch. It was essentially a two-minute drill, where the ball was placed at various spots on the field. It was a competition between the one offense/two defense and the two offense/one defense. Players were given the score and asked to execute. In some cases, plays were called in and in some it was a huddle led play. What made it interesting was seeing where a player-led call developed and seeing what they believe to be the answers to the particular situation.
The Owls will have one more opportunity to put their work on tape before the team’s second scrimmage. Next week, FAU will go into “mock” game week prep and the team will begin a full class load as well.
QUOTABLE
Wide Receiver Coach David Beaty
Growth of the Receivers Since the Spring
“There has been a ton of growth, since I have gotten here, obviously, a new offense, a new era and just a new culture. I think that the No. 1 is maybe the biggest factor in how they have changed. It has kind of changed who they are. I have been really pleased with that. I have seen them come closer together as a group, more tight knit. That is pretty hard to say because they were already a pretty tight knit group. That is one of the biggest ways, but there is obviously some personal growth. A guy like [Jymetre] Hester has come out and done some really good things for us already in Fall camp. There are certain dudes that are going to make you play them. Those guys are valuable because they can do anything and you can count on them. Hester has kind of shown that to this point in camp. He has had a really strong camp. LaJohntay Wester is a really talented guy. He has a chance to be one of the best I have ever coached and I have had some really good players for sure. So, that is saying a lot. [Je’Quan] Burton another one. Je’Quan is a very talented guy. I think he has a bright future ahead of him. Him being a leader for us, I think is going to be critical for us and seeing him grow in that area has been a really, really good thing to see. Another guy that just never surprises because he does everything so steady and does everything right is Tony Johnson. I have high hopes for his future. I think that he could play this game for a long, long time.”
Defensive Line Coach Roosevelt Maggitt, Jr.
On the progress of the unit with the team’s first game two weeks away
“I feel good about the group. We have a good group of guys that have playing experience. More importantly, these guys are buying into the program’s coaches. It has been a lot of fun.”
Has anyone made a big jump?
“I feel like our entire group has taken that next step. These guys are buying into our 1-0 mentality and physical mental toughness. They are progressing the right way.”
On going against an experienced and deep offensive line.
“Coach [Ed] Warinner does a great job. It is a lot of fun at practice, a lot of energy, a lot of juice. We are getting after each other and helping each other get better.
Redshirt Junior Defensive Lineman Latrell Jean
On the personal growth between Spring ball and now
“It has been really good. This summer, I really put in the work. I did overtime. I did the extra. From Spring to now, it has been a jump.”
On the unit’s growth
“As a group, we put in the work during the off season. Whether it was all of us together or separate I saw it. We all put in the work. From Spring Ball until now, just buy into the defense, knowing what we are doing, knowing the scheme and everything that we need to do has been a jump.”
Redshirt Sophomore, Receiver Tony Johnson
Growth from Spring Ball to now for the receivers
“I think we have taken the responsibility of doing what Coach [Tom] Herman wants. He wants us to make touchdown blocks and hustle to the ball…an effort standpoint we are pushing ourselves more and more each day and we want to do what Coach wants so that we are better for the team.
On the receivers bringing the juice for the offense
“With the new quarterbacks, we set the juice, the tempo of practice we are running they will follow. If we make a big play it will spark the offense, even if we are over there just dancing and smiling, it is contagious for the team.”
HIGHLIGHTS
- Junior QB Daniel Richardson hit Jabari Smith, Jr. racing down the sideline in stride for a 50+ yard score
- Practice ended with the defensive recording an interception
NEXT UP
The next practice will be held on Friday. It will be the final practice prior to the team’s second scrimmage.
GAME DETAILS
Saturday Sept. 2 – Monmouth at Florida Atlantic
- Time – 6 p.m.
- Television – ESPN+
- Radio – Ken LaVicka and Kris Bartels will have the game’s call on FoxSports South Florida
- Theme – Welcome newly hired Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Tom Herman and season opener. Let the “New Era” begin!
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. To purchase away game tickets, click on the above Buy Now link. Single-game tickets may also be purchased by visiting HERE.
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