Team Unites in Monday’s Practice

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic University’s football team opened camp working in groups with new players in one and experienced players in another. On Monday, the team united to work as one.
TAGGART’S TAKEHead Coach Willie Taggart on the first three days of camp:
First three days of practice were really good. We had separate practices, where we bring in a first and second group. It was really good because there were guys getting reps that wouldn’t probably get that many if we threw them together. We have been able to see a lot more from the young guys. Typical first three days. First three days were helmets, and we had a lot of All-Americans. Then the shoulder pads and helmets come on an you have some Americans, not all, but Americans. It has been good.

On the advantages of having an experienced team:
It is always great when you have the experience, and they can help the young guys navigate those early years of college. It is different for all of them. We have guys who have been through it all, not only football. When you have guys like our players who have not only experienced college life, but football and winning championships. They get to show and tell the whole experience with all of our young guys and to show them the example of where we want our football program.
SIDELINE CELEBRATIONSThe squad’s entrance to practice was weather delayed and the team worked through much of the day with a threat of rain, which came in the closing minutes, but not enough to slow down the celebrations.

  • During the inside run work, Johnny Ford took advantage of a gap for a 10-yard gain
  • The defense’s focus appeared to be takeaways and the first to receive praise from Coach Taggart was Eddie Williams
  • Rayquan Berry used his elusive abilities to work through the crowd at the line for two big gains
  • The defense recorded two more fumbles before the session would end, and on the second field it was Zyon Gilbert coming away with a big pick

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WHAT’S NEXTMedia members will have the opportunity to speak with first-year tight ends coach Jon Bills and associate head coach and outside linebackers coach Raymond Woodie, as well as selected tight ends and OLBs on Tuesday, Aug. 10. We ask that all members to help us keep our team safe by wearing a mask to both the interview session and during the on-field observation period.
2021 SEASONThe 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. Single-game tickets will go on sale this week.

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.