BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic University football players spoke to the media for the first time in 2022, on Wednesday. The overwhelming feeling is being more consistent and increasing the pace of practice and games.
The Owls, once again, moved through the paces while nearly 100 high school prospects watched. FAU also welcomed the return of recent Owl alumni John Mitchell and Zyon Gilbert, as well as Greg Joseph, who just completed his fourth NFL season.
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Quarterback N’Kosi Perry on his first spring with FAU football:
“It definitely feels more comfortable knowing that the season isn’t literally right around the corner and I’m able to build a relationship with the guys.”
On new offensive coordinator Brent Dearmon:
“It’s a little different. For the most part a lot of offenses are universal. It’s just the terminology that’s a bit different. We’re coming in every day, me and receivers, making sure we put in the work and the time to watch film together and learn it.”
On what he is trying to improve upon:
“It’s definitely consistency. I just want to be consistent every week in, every week out, and my completion percentage. I want to be above 70% or better all year long.”
On improving as a leader:
“I’m a little more comfortable. Coming in the summer [last season], not having a lot of time to get know the guys, I didn’t want to come in and just demand, demand, demand. Being here this spring after being with the guys for a whole season, it’s not much pressure on my back to lead these guys because they know how I feel about the game and I want to get them to where I’m at.”
On a new look receiving core:
“I think Jahmal [Edrine] is going to step up for us big this year. Last spring, I heard he put in a lot of work and he was one of the best guys. Unfortunately, he had an injury and couldn’t help us last year on the field, but I’m definitely sure he’s ready this year.”
On the offensive line and running game during spring practices:
“I like what I’ve been seeing so far. There’s a lot of intensity. We’re trying to be violent and fast at the same time.”
Defensive Lineman Evan Anderson on what to improve on:
“I’m looking at everything, but I’m mainly focusing on pass rush, because I could be way more productive when they throw the ball and not have to be taken out on third downs.”
On the new look defense:
“It’s much different. Since I’ve been here, I just stood in the gap and just take on two people. This year, I’ll be able to take on two people and stunt and rush and go different ways.”
On his relationship with the team:
“I have a really good relationship [with his teammates], on and off the field, because they know I’m going to work. And even when we’re not here, they know I’m in my room watching film. Me and some of my teammates, we watch film all night like it’s a movie. They just know it’s about business.”
On consistency:
“I feel like consistent has been the word of the season. Since the offseason, we said ‘consistency kills dreams’ because you have to be consistently good at something in order for it to work, but if you’re consistently bad, then you’ve been consistent, but it was all bad work.”
PRACTICE SUPERLATIVES
- Zuberi Mobley recorded a long run
- Jahmal Edrine made a nice catch
- Justin McKithen recorded a pass breakup
- Romain Mungin “Smoke” broke up a pass
- With the Owls’ offense backed up to their three, Kelvin Dean, Jr. rattled off a 40-yard carry and later he made a diving catch in the end zone
- Willie Taggart, Jr. found JeQuan Burton for an eight-yard TD connection
- Newcomer Robert Armes was credited with a TD run
- Javion Pose came down with a contested TD reception
- Jayden Williams had a pass breakup and Eddie Williams collected a fumble in the red zone
WHAT’S NEXT
FAU will open the 2022 season on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Athens, Ohio.
FOR SEASON TICKETS
To purchase FAU tickets, call 1-866-FAU-OWLS or click HERE. Stay informed by reading FAUSports.com, or through football’s Twitter and Instagram accounts @FAUFootball.
