BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic University’s football team has had a much different look to spring practices than in years past. On Monday, the Owls worked through the paces at a much quicker rate and with more leadership than would normally be seen in the squad’s first practice session.
That detail and precision was repeated on Wednesday. The reason for this familiarity can be attributed, in part, due to no less than 15 seniors who elected to return. Those spots would normally be filled by walk-ons. That experience allows the Owls to work with depth that they have never experienced during spring practice. Drills have the competitive appearance of the fall, with players vying for a starting spot at each practice. The NCAA COVID-expanded roster size allows FAU to build this spring rather than reload with spring walk-ons hoping to secure a roster spot prior to the summer signees coming to campus in June. Walk-on tryouts will not take place until June and only that is if it is permissible with COVID restrictions and if the student is enrolled full time.
The experienced Owls, or “Band of Brothers,” have welcomed the return of Quran Hafiz and Cordel Littlejohn, who returned after sitting out the fall season, as well as 16 signees, who began classes and conditioning in January.
FAU also welcomes new coordinators on both sides of the ball who are assessing everyone under a new and fresh eye as they begin developing the best systems for the speedy and talented Owls.
OF NOTE
- Receiver Jefftey Joseph was the first to draw praise with a long reception during half line pass drills and five minutes later it was TJ Chase and company celebrating
- LaJohntay Wester hauled in a 40-yard pass during 7-on-7
- “Smoke” Romain Mungin recorded an interception during 7-on-7, which drew a chest bump from defensive coordinator Mike Stoops
- Minutes later, Jordan Helm made a diving interception that was spectacular but drew very little fanfare, primarily because it is commonplace for the senior safety
- Fellow safety Armani-Eli Adams had a huge pass breakup exciting the defensive sideline
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, Je’Quan Burton became the first to break the 20 mph plateau in back-to-back practices. Wester joined the club with a route down the Atlantic Coast sideline.
WHAT’S NEXT
Friday is the next day the Owls are scheduled to practice and they will have their first back-to-back days of practice when they hit the field again on Saturday. To follow the team socially, visit @faufootball or for the most up-to-date information go to www.fausports.com.
