CB Tooley an early defensive star

BOCA RATON — Florida Atlantic cornerback Chris Tooley insisted he wasn’t upset about being passed over for the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week award. After all, wins always trump individual accolades. “I’m not a big social media guy, but a lot of people said I should have gotten it,” said Tooley, who intercepted a pass and returned for a fumble last week against BethuneCookman. “It is what is what it is.”

That’s not to say Tooley won’t spend the rest of the season trying to capture the honor. He has been one of the breakout stars for the Owls’ defense thus far.

“Oh, yeah, I’m going to get it,” Tooley said. “I told myself that, being that I was that close. I’m working toward it. That’s a goal.”

A sophomore, Tooley has already made a case for more playing time. He leads the team with two interceptions. Tooley has given Owls coach Lane Kiffin no choice but to get him on the field.

“We’ve been trying to,” Kiffin said. “I think he played 28 snaps in the [Bethune] game … He’s just made plays in everything, scrimmages, games. The guy makes plays.”

Tooley said the goal now is avoiding complacency. The Owls have just four cornerbacks on scholarship, so his continued development is needed.

“I feel like I did [prove myself ] but at the same time still like it’s more for me to do,” Tooley said.

Next game: FAU at Buffalo, Saturday, 7.p.m., ESPN3

Shandel Richardson