QB arm strength vital in system

BOCA RATON — Florida Atlantic coach Lane Kiffin has often recited his criteria for the Owls starting quarterback. He needs to have timing, accuracy and decisionmaking. On Wednesday, Kiffin mentioned another part of his rubric: arm strength.

“I think it’s a pretty big factor in this system that we’re in now,” Kiffin said. “You got wider splits, you got wider throws. I think with this system, it’s harder to hide lack of arm strength.”

FAU offensive coordinator Kendal Briles brought an up-tempo spread offense that pushes receivers nearly to opposite sidelines. That means even on a short route, the ball will travel farther in the air.

Kiffin said the velocity of throws was especially important because of the distance between quarterback and receiver.

“You’re talking about being on the hash and you got receivers lined up 2 yards from the sidelines,” Kiffin said. “You’ll get exposed pretty quick if you can’t get it out there.”

Kiffin hasn’t named a starting quarterback — the candidates are De’Andre Johnson, Jason Driskel and Daniel Parr — with the season opener against Navy approaching. Kiffin said all three were similar in arm strength.

“I think they’re similar,” Kiffin said. “I don’t think it’s a very big difference. I think all three can play in this system.”

Kiffin said Johnson didn’t throw on Wednesday expects him to during FAU’s mock game on Friday.

Next game: Navy at FAU, Sept. 1, 8 p.m., ESPNU

Matthew DeFranks but