Driskel settling into his starting QB role
BOCA RATON — Florida Atlantic quarterback Jason Driskel calls it one of the best pieces of advice he has received from a coach.
The Owls’ strength coach, Wilson Love, often tells players they have to be “comfortable being uncomfortable.” The motto is especially important to Driskel this week. Rather than relaxing now that he is the full-time starter, Driskel plans to stay on his toes even more.
He makes his third consecutive start Saturday at Old Dominion.
“I think that’s true, so your preparation should never waver,” Driskel said. “You should never feel safe, especially playing football. You’re one play away at any point.”
Driskel, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound junior, unexpectedly replaced sophomore Daniel Parr after the second game of the season He has a chance to move his record above .500 after going 1-1 in his first two starts. Driskel, who has been in and out of the starting lineup the past two seasons, is looking to finally solidify the position.
He said this is the most comfortable he’s felt in the new offense under firstyear coach Lane Kiffin.
“I was pretty comfortable coming out of the spring,” Driskel said. “Obviously, the more reps you get, the better you’re going to feel and the better you’re going to play.”
Driskel is the key cog if the Owls are going to turn around their struggling pass offense. They have relied heavily on running backs Devin “Motor” Singletary and Gregory Howell Jr. FAU had more rushing than passing yards in the last three games.
Kiffin said defenses eventually adjust if passing game doesn’t
“It’s the middle- to down-field throws that either the protection is not there or we don’t run the route right or we miss a throw,” Kiffin said. “Those are three bad things to happen. We’ve got to get it fixed because games are going to get tougher. People are going to start playing more people in the box and force you to throw the ball.”
Driskel accepts that the responsibility mostly falls upon him. He’s made an effort to work more with the receivers. The problem is he’s still adjusting to the unit because most are relatively new to the program.
Leading receiver DeAndre McNeal transferred in the offseason while John Franklin III continues to learn the position after playing quarterback most will the improve. of his career. The Owls are also waiting for Kamrin Solomon to catch up after missing the first two games due to suspension.
“I’ve got to throw the ball where it needs to be,” Driskel said. “My team, my coaches, they trust me with the ball every single play, so it starts with me.”
Kiffin has made it no secret he wants Driskel to serve as a game manager. The Owls have no plans of going away from their strong running back tandem but the coaching staff wants to know it can depend on Driskel when needed.
“I look at myself in terms of wins and losses,” Driskel said. “This week, if we go 1-0, I played quarterback well enough for us to win. Whether we score seven points or 100 points, if we win the game, that’s all that matters to me. That’s all that matters to our team.”
srichardson@ sun-sentinel.com; On Twitter @shandelrich