BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic University football hits milestones as they head into the 2023 season. On July 1, 2023, the Owls officially became a member of the American Athletic Conference. Today, Aug. 3, the Owls began preseason practice in preparation for the 2023 season and home opener scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2 versus Monmouth.
The day began just after daybreak for the Owls. Following breakfast and team meetings the Owls took to the preseason practice fields for the first time under the direction of Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Tom Herman.
The day included extended individual work and concluded with teamwork. Despite record heat throughout the nation, the Owls had a cloud cover for much of the morning.
QUOTABLE
Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Tom Herman
On the first day of fall camp
“For the first practice, we came out excited. There was a lot of retention from the veterans, certainly. The newcomers that we were counting on, you could tell they were newcomers. There were a lot of mental mistakes and busted assignments, not knowing how hard we practice, so we have some work to do when it comes to the newcomers…I was happy with how we started and the way we conducted ourselves in meetings like a pro. Everybody had notebooks out taking notes, it was a first-class operation. We went out, started practice really sharp and crisp, and then the sun came out and started getting more humid and we got tired. We let human nature beat a lot of us today towards the end and let slip our intensity and effort. This is fairly par for the course for a first practice. The only way to get in shape to play football is by playing football.”
Junior Defensive Lineman Evan Anderson
On the first day of fall practice
“The pace was very fast. Everything was organized. The summer was organized too, but we were just running, it wasn’t physical combat.”
On conditioning
“You can run all day, but until you run and get hit, you don’t know how it feels to be in football shape. Right now, we have to go through growing pains.”
On the team’s performance
“We did alright, we have to get a lot better. We have a lot of young guys and new people on the team, so we all have to lock in. A lot of guys did not do the spring with Coach Roc (Defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni) so a lot of them have to get used to how he coaches and teaches and the standard of the defense. Probably, by the end of the week, after we do all of these up-downs, everyone will be alright.”
Junior Wide Receiver LaJohntay Wester
On getting into the groove of fall camp
“The pace is real fast and the intensity was real high. Coach Herman wanted everyone to transition from period to period really fast.”
On the difference between the summer and fall camp
“It definitely feels different from the summer to now. The whole team is bought in now. All of the players have bought into what coach Tom Herman wants.”
Senior Running Back Larry McCammon III
On the differences entering fall camp from the summer
“Understanding the offensive rush and blocking scheme better, knowing certain holes to hit.”
On approaching fall camp to build off his 2022 season
“This season, we have one goal: to win a championship. That’s all I’m focusing on right now.”
THE HIGHLIGHTS
- Shortly after the team period began, redshirt senior safety Armani-Eli Adams had a diving interception
- Junior quarterback Daniel Richardson, who joined the Owls during the spring, hit Wester with a 40-yard connection
- Graduate student quarterback Casey Thompson hit redshirt freshman receiver Omari Hayes with a 10-yard pass that Hayes turned into a 30-yard gain
- Practice ended by concentrating on the run game. The deep running back unit used a healthy rotation and celebrated freshman Xavier Terrell’s 60-yard touchdown
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Larry McCammon III, who was named to the Maxwell Award Watch List. Click HERE for more details. Also, congratulations to LaJohntay Wester, who earned a spot on the Paul Hornung Watch List, click HERE.
NEXT UP
The Owls will return to the practice field Friday morning. It will be the second day of preseason practice. The Owls will host the 2023 FanFest on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 9:30 a.m. Football players as well as members from both cross country and soccer teams as well as volleyball will be on hand for autographs.
GAME DETAILS
Saturday Sept. 2 – Monmouth at Florida Atlantic
- Time – 6 p.m.
- Television – ESPN+
- 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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