Five storylines heading into FAU training camp
BOCA RATON — In less than a month, the Florida Atlantic football team will play arguably the biggest game in school history when it opens the season Sept. 1 at Oklahoma.
It will serve as an indicator how far second-year coach Lane Kiffin has brought the program. After winning a bowl game for the first time in 10 years and capturing the Conference USA championship, the Owls have their sights set on an encore.
With training camp opening today, here are five key storylines to watch:
Will it be De’Andre Johnson or Chris Robison at quarterback?
This has been the hottest topic since last year’s starter, Jason Driskel, decided he no longer wanted to play football. Even if he returned, he would have been pushed by Johnson and Robison. Johnson missed most of last season because of blood clots in his arm while Robison had to sit out due to NCAA transfer rules. Both players were big-time recruits out of high school, with Johnson initially signing with Florida State and Robison with Oklahoma.
Whoever wins the competition will make his first collegiate start. Neither player created any separation during the spring, but Johnson was named the most valuable quarterback by the coaching staff. Still, ex-
pect Robison, who Kiffin compares to Johnny Manziel, to put up a strong fight.
How will Charlie Weis Jr. handle his new role?
At 24, Weis is the youngest offensive coordinator at the Division I-A level. Don’t let his age fool you. Although he looks younger than most of the players, he has years of experience. He’s learned from the likes of his father, a former NFL assistant and college head coach, Alabama’s Nick Saban and Kiffin. Now, Kiffin has to decide how he wants to handle the play-calling. Will he make most of the decisions? Or will he give full control to Weis? That will depend largely on how quickly Weis makes the adjustment.
Who will replace Antoyno Woods, Jakobi Smith and Roman Fernandez on the offensive line?
These three played a major role in running back Devin “Motor” Singletary rushing for a school-record 1,920 yards and a nation-best 32 touchdowns. If the running game wants a repeat performance, it will depend on their replacements. The Owls also will have a new offensive line coach in John Garrison. Senior tackle Reggie Bain has already accepted the role as leader and junior tackle Brandon Walton is expected to start for a second straight season. The Owls have a host of linemen in contention for the three remaining spots, including centers Tarrick Thomas, Junior Diaz and Zack Bennett and guards William Tuihalamaka, Nick Weber and Antonio Riles.
Who’s going to be the backup running back?
Although Singletary did most of the heavy lifting, he had plenty of help in the backfield. The Owls have to find a backup, with Gregory Howell Jr. now trying to land a roster spot with the Miami Dolphins. Howell rushed for 740 yards last season and finished his career with 2,419 yards and 22 touchdowns.
FAU thought it had solidified the backup role when former Alabama running back B.J. Emmons announced he was joining the program. That never materialized, so the Owls will have to find a replacement in the fall. Kerrith Whyte was used mostly in thirddown situations, but has impressed with his big-play ability. Former walk-on Gerald Hearns could figure into the mix after a productive spring. Receiver D’Anfernee McGriff, who had some backfield reps, is also an option.
How will the players adjust to so much turnover on the coaching staff ?
After the Owls’ breakout season, it was no surprise other programs raided the coaching staff. In all, they lost four assistants, including both coordinators. The seniors are playing for their third offensive and defensive coordinators in three years. After spending all last season adjusting to a new system, they will once again have to make a transition.