BOCA RATON, Fla. – The 2020 Florida Atlantic University Owls learned what it was like to have spring practice taken away and how to install and prepare for a game in a little more than three weeks. Those lessons make the 2021 Owls appreciate spring practice and the time it allows to get accumulated to the new coordinators and work on fundamentals, as well as begin installs on both sides of the ball.
On Wednesday, it was more fundamental work, and progressively, the team has been working on moving the ball down the field and continues to work heavily in the red zone.
THE COORDINATORS
Offensive Coordinator Michael Johnson
“I like the fact that we have a lot of guys making plays. The more that we can do that, I think the more confidence we are going to gain throughout the spring, and then we will come out of the spring accomplishing what we are trying to accomplish. The offensive line is starting to gel a little bit better. They are starting to come together as a group. I like the way the receivers are playing fast. They are starting to make more plays down the field. I think the quarterbacks are improving and the running backs are doing well. I just like where we are offensively, and the group overall is making strides as far as confidence goes…as long as we can continue to improve and take care of the football and not turn it over, I think we will come out of the spring happy with what we have.”
Defensive Coordinator Mike Stoops
“There were a lot of good things. I see a lot of improvement. I think conceptionally, the concepts are starting to make sense to the players. They can’t see the big picture yet, but it is starting to come into focus a little bit. You start to get a better feel for the different types of players that you have, what they are good at, what guys can do what. Overall, I have been pleased with the effort. We have installed a great deal. Our offense has installed a great deal and they have worked hard to understand the principles of what we are trying to do in each defense. We are a long way away from being a finished group, but I like the way overall the players work and have handled everything.”
HIGHLIGHTS
- Diashun Moss opened up the day with first celebratory play, an interception in the wide receiver/defensive back drills
- Teja Young had an interception and a long return which was heavily considered for play of the day
- Je’Quan Burton showed his leaping skills by climbing the ladder for an outstanding reception
- Willie Taggart, Jr. ran one in, tip-toeing past the pylon
- Daniel Leconte busted through the middle for a 20-yard touchdown run and repeated his efforts from two yards out during the red zone drills
- Following Leconte’s TD run, a gang of defenders stopped the rush for a loss of five yards
- Ryan Cameron was then handed the ball and powered through the line for a score
SPEED ZONE
Something new to the Owls’ practice is announcing players to break 20 mph. Players wear a vest, that among other things, measures their speeds throughout the day. The moment a player hits the speed of 20 mph, a horn sounds and the strength coaches drop and do a regiment of pushups. On Wednesday, the Owls used more of the field allowing the speedsters to stretch the field and really “rev” the engine. Aaron Young was the first to sound the horn with a 20+ MPH run. He was followed by Justin McKithen, who did so twice. Jahman Edrine, JeQuan Burton, also most daily repeat offender Johnny Ford, and newcomer to the list Zyon Gilbert reached the plateau also.
PLAYERS OF THE DAY
On defense, Moss was selected and on offense the honor was awarded to BJ Etienne.
WHAT’S NEXT
FAU will practice on Friday, March 12. To follow the team socially, visit @faufootball or for the most up-to-date information go to www.fausports.com.
