FAU begins spring practice March 20

BOCA RATON — After a record-breaking season in his first year, Florida Atlantic football coach Lane Kiffin now begins the preparation for Act Two.

The Owls open spring practices March 20 as they attempt to better what they accomplished a year ago. Last year they finished 11-3, won their first Conference USA championship and defeated Akron in the Boca Raton Bowl. It was their first postseason win since 2008.

FAU returns two of the nation’s top players in running back Devin “Motor’ Singletary and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. A junior, Singletary ran for a schoolrecord 1,920 yards and scored a nation-leading 32 touchdowns last year. AlShaair, a senior NFL prospect, led the team in tackles (147) for a third straight year.

Camp concludes with the Spring Game April 21 at FAU Stadium. The event is open to the public.

Among the biggest offseason storylines is the quarterback position. Jason Driskel, who started most of last season, decided to quit football so he could focus on academics. His backup, Daniel Parr, also left the program.

That leaves Oklahoma transfer Chris Robison and De’Andre Johnson as the top two candidates. A year ago, Robison was used on scout team, while Johnson’s season ended after the first game as blood clots were discovered in his arm.

srichardson@ sun-sentinel.com; On Twitter @shandelrich