Offensive, defensive line depth next focus
BOCA RATON — When Florida Atlantic coach Lane Kiffin arrived last season, there was no concern about the players at the skilled positions.
There was plenty talent in those areas, but Kiffin realized that wasn’t always the case at the “meat and potatoes” spots. So he made it a priority to bulk up on offensive and defensive lineman during his second recruiting class.
“When we came here, there was a lot of really good skilled players,” Kiffin said on National Signing Day. “Some good lineman, some older ones, too, especially the three seniors in the middle of the offensive line. There was some depth issues there. I think we addressed some needs there.”
Nine of the 17 players they signed Wednesday were either offensive or defensive lineman. They grabbed a 10th when Lakeland tackle Dacoda Weaver made it official on Thursday.
Last year the Owls were considered somewhat a finesse team because of their fast-paced offense. Despite leading Conference USA in rushing, most of it was attributed to scheming.
Kiffin said the program eventually needs to prove it can overpower opponents. He says only then will FAU be able to compete with some of the heavyweight teams outside the conference.
“We’re still working on it now, but definitely some needs there,” Kiffin said. “To kind of go to that next level of football — we have the skilled guys — if you want to match those Top 25 programs, we need to start building up front so we look like those guys do.”
The Owls added juniorcollege prospect Zack Bennett and Tulane transfer Junior Diaz at center. Both are expected to vie for the starting job vacated by Antonyo Woods, who graduated after last season. They grabbed more size by signing high school linemen Marquice Robinson (6-foot-4, 315 pounds), Doug Johnson (6-6, 325), Devin Hayes (6-6, 255) and Weaver (6-5, 320).
“Really big guys, especially the offensive line,” Kiffin said.
Junior-college transfers Marcel Southall, and Charles Cameron highlighted the defensive line additions. Freshman Jaylen Joyner and Franklin Jackson also could contribute.
While Kiffin has no problem playing recent high school graduates — receiver Willie Wright and defensive back Zyon Gilbert were freshman starters a year ago — he prefers to play more seasoned players up front.
Southall played one season at Texas before spending last year at Tyler Community College. Cameron, who had offers from Louisville and Kansas, played two seasons at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Mississippi.
Attracting players with so much interest from major programs is also part of Kiffin’s immediate plans. He said the Owls are done with the days of competing against other Conference USA teams for recruits.
They are thinking much bigger.
“It was a lot more Power Five schools that we’re battling,” Kiffin said. “There wasn’t a lot of inner-conference battles. No disrespect, not saying anything than just what it was. That’s a good place to be.”
Kiffin made it clear that he is nowhere near being done for this recruiting season. They will likely add more players up until the summer.
“It’s an ongoing process,” Kiffin said. “Everybody talks about Signing Day. Signing Day is just the first day of Signing Day. Kids can sign all the way up until they come to camp. We’re in a process of trying to get different people in. By the time we open camp, you will see more additions to the list for sure.”