Defense determined to deliver
BOCA RATON — Florida Atlantic defensive lineman Steven Leggett at times can be a man of few words. On Thursday, he was asked if the Owls could be the best defense in Conference USA.
“Yes,” Leggett responded.
After a few seconds of awkward silence, Leggett further explained why FAU is expected to be dominant even though they have a new defensive coordinator in Tony Pecoraro.
“Him bringing the system to us, I know we really fit his scheme,” Leggett said. “We can really jell together and be one of the best defenses in the conference.”
The Owls return 10 starters from last year’s team that finished 11-3 and won the Boca Raton Bowl. After relying mostly on the offense, the defense feels it can contribute more in its second season under coach Lane Kiffin.
“I think our defense is going to be one of the best in our conference at least,” defensive end Hunter Snyder said. “In the country, we’ll be one of the best.”
Much of that has to do with how well they adjust to Pecoraro, who was at conference rival Southern Miss last season. Replacing last year’s defensive coordinator, Chris Kiffin, won’t be easy.
Kiffin, the younger brother of the Owls’ head coach, took a job with the San Francisco 49ers. Last year, FAU led the conference in sacks with 38 and interceptions (20). They also ranked third in scoring defense, allowing 22.7 points a game.
“That’s a hard act to follow,” Lane Kiffin said. “Chris’ strength was player relationship, player motivation. He’s [Pecoraro] come in and done a great job.”
Lane Kiffin simplified the adjustment by keeping the same terminology. Most of the schemes are also similar.
“The majority of the terminology, we kept the same,” Kiffin said. “You always want to make one person change instead of making the whole team change. He’s really transitioned well.”
The Owls return two of the top two defenders in the country in linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and safety Jalen Young. Al-Shaair has led the team in tackles the last three seasons. Young was second in the nation a year ago with seven interceptions.
The Owls are also expecting an improved Snyder. A senior, he played in 13 games but battled nagging injuries. He has been fully healthy through the spring.
“Hopefully, he’ll make some plays for us. He’s with our third-team now,” Kiffin said jokingly. “When healthy, he was really as productive as any of our players.”
Right mindset
Among the things Kiffin has praised the players the most for is moving past last season’s success. He said it’s gotten to the point the coaches don’t even have to worry about motivating them, especially in the weight room.
“They do self-coach themselves, which makes it pretty easy for us,” Kiffin said. “There’s not as much screaming and yelling … It’s very impressive.”