BOCA RATON, Fla. – The third practice of the 2023 preseason had three written all over it. Florida Atlantic University football is ranked No. 3 nationally by a recent ESPN article for production returning. On Saturday, the FAU Alumni Association celebrated the 20-year reunion of the 2003 team, a team that was just the third to wear an FAU uniform and a team that finished tied for third in the nation after hosting the 2003 semifinal game.
More than 70 former players began gathering for the weekend at a local restaurant and then rose early for the 8:15 a.m. practice. The Owl alum were on site marveling at the changes to the university as well as the new Schmidt Family Complex, but probably the most common comment was: “there is music at practice?” Following practice, the former Owls and families were greeted by current players and were treated to a facility tour, all before a scheduled evening event.
QUOTABLE
Graduate Student RB Kobe Lewis
On the differences between spring and fall camp
“It’s a lot faster now. The spring introduced what we were doing, and now that we are in camp time, it’s more reviewing and polishing. That’s what is going to make us a great team at this stage, a month-out from the first game. We are still learning as we’re going, but we’re moving a lot faster, coaches can teach a lot faster and we don’t have to slow down as much as we did in the spring.”
On the experienced offensive line unit
“They worked hard all summer. Shout out to them, I think they ended up being the best unit of the summer. The defensive line also competed with them, so they made each other better. Iron sharpens iron, the o-line got the d-line better and the d-line got the o-line better.”
Senior CB “Smoke” Romain Mungin
On how fall camp has gone so far as one of team’s veterans
“Camp is going great for me right now. [Practice] has slowed down for me with reading my keys, seeing the whole field, seeing where the dividers are, the splits to see what routes [the receivers] run. It was way slower than when I got here in my freshman year…I was coached by the older guys when I was younger, and now what I am doing is what they taught me and so I’m teaching it to the young guys.”
On team competition
“Every day, we compete against each other. As a group, we don’t care who’s the first string, who goes out second, who goes out third. We all compete because we know that we are going to push each other to the limit.”
On changes to the program
“We have more leadership groups and are doing more player-led things to bring the whole team together so that everybody knows everybody, we can be a whole family. Receivers can be my cousins and nephews, but the corners and defensive backs are my brothers.”
THE HIGHLIGHTS
- Junior defensive back Courtney Lamas-Lanier provided the defense’s first highlight with an interception
- Redshirt sophomore running back Zuberi Mobley had a 20-yard reception
- Donovan Giles, a redshirt freshman, collected a 30-yard pass before the defense earned a takeaway on the offensive six, ending a nice drive
NEXT UP
Following a Sunday day of rest, the Owls will return to the field on Monday morning for the fourth day of preseason practice.
The Owls will host the 2023 FanFest, presented by Duffy’s Sports Grill, on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 9:30 a.m. Football players as well as members from both cross country and soccer teams will be on hand for autographs.
GAME DETAILS
Saturday Sept. 2 – Monmouth at Florida Atlantic
- Time – 6 p.m.
- Television – ESPN+
- Radio – Ken LaVicka and Kris Bartels will have the call on FoxSports South Florida
- 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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