Published On: Thu, Aug 25th, 2016

A Mix of the Old and New for FAU

Photo by: FAU Sports

Photo by: FAU Sports

By: Stephanie Fonseca

The second week of preseason practices come to a close for FAU Football as they prepare for their season opener.

The beginning of week two had some issues with the weather, delaying a morning practice on this past Wednesday. But the weather took a turn for the better bringing sunshine and heat for the rest of the week.

With the weather out of the way, the FAU Owls went back to routine practice, focusing on the areas that needed growth. Although there was flashes of FAU’s potential passing game last season, that was an area that the coaches had to go back and hone in on.  During this preseason, the coaches made this their main focus while also enhancing and maintaining their strong running game.

As some key players left this past season, the ones who remained stepped up to the plate along with a good level of new talent that came in. With a good mix of old players and new talent stepping up and showing up, FAU football is hopeful for a good season. During last Tuesday’s practice, as Offensive Coordinator Travis Trickett was coming off the field with the rest of the coaching staff he saw that “…most position groups stayed out on their own to try and get better. When your kids are starting to do that you have something. We are excited about that.” Not only is the talent showing up this season but so are the players’ determination to make this season memorable.

One thing that is still up in the air is the quarterback situation. But with both potential starting quarterbacks, Driskel and Parr, being used during practices, receivers are learning to be flexible and are adjusting to both players. Observing last Saturday’s scrimmage, Head Coach Partiridge said “[I]  love the quarterback battle and love where that is at. They both continue to push each other.” Coach Partiridge also disclosed that in the next week the starting quarterback could be named.

On Monday, Coach Partridge announced the players who will make up this seasons five team captains. Three of them being offensive players Tyler Cameron, Kalib Woods and Dillon DeBoer, and Trey Hendrickson and Azeez Al-Shaair were the two defensive players appointed as team captains.

Preseason practices continue until this Thursday, as the FAU Owls get ready for their season opening home game against Southern Illinois on Sept. 3 at 6 pm. Tickets are available at http://www.fausports.com/tickets/football-tickets.html

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