No QB has yet to make a case for starting job
Kiffin: Decision-making needs improving
BOCA RATON — Through two weeks of fall practices, there has yet to be any separation in the Florida Atlantic starting quarterback competition.
Coach Lane Kiffin said junior De’Andre Johnson and freshman Chris Robison are still even in the race. Johnson, however, did start in Saturday’s scrimmage at FAU Stadium.
“Some good plays on time, which is what we’re looking for,” Kiffin said of both candidates. “Both guys made out-of-rhythm plays [and], we’ve been stressing them to make plays on time so we don’t get negative plays trying to make too much happen.”
Neither player has started a game at the Division I-A level. Johnson, in his second year at FAU, missed most of last season because of blood clots. Robison sat out last year after transferring from Oklahoma.
Although Johnson is the most experienced — he played one season at East Mississippi Community College — Robison has made great strides. Kiffin said both need to show improvement on making safer throws instead of taking risks that lead to turnovers.
“I thought Chris made a lot of really good plays,” Kiffin said. “… We’ve been trying to stress them to make plays on time, in rhythm, so we don’t get negative plays try-
ing to make too much happen.”
The Owls recently added SMU transfer Rafe Peavey just in case Robison and Johnson struggle. Peavey arrived on campus last week and has been given a chance to compete for the starting spot.
Although it’s unlikely Peavey will win the starting job, he could vault to No. 2 on the depth chart if he continues to impress during practice.
He threw two touchdowns in Saturday’s scrimmage.
“Being a veteran and being around different systems and different things you can tell that he’s got a good understanding of the position,” Kiffin said.
Another WR goes down
Add receiver John Mitchell to the latest list on injuries in the unit. He sustained an undisclosed injury during warmups for Saturday’s scrimmage.
The position has been one of the most injured in the preseason. Jovon Durante, DeAndre McNeal, Willie Wright and Pico Harrison are all dealing with minor nagging injuries.
Kiffin said the issues have slowed the growth of the quarterbacks because of them unable to get familiar with the receivers.
Hearns emerging
Senior Gerald Hearns is becoming a threat to unseat Kerrith Whyte as the backup running back behind Devin “Motor” Singletary. A former walk-on, Hearns has been impressive in camp. He was also named the most valuable running back during the spring.
The coaching staff likes that the 208-pound Hearns can be a change-of-pace back to complement the speedy Singletary.
Tight end tandem excelling
While the quarterback competition is grabbing most of the headlines, there is also a growing battle at tight end between Harrison Bryant and John Raine.
Bryant was the team’s leading receiver before an ankle injury ended his season last year, but Raine is making progress because of his ability as a blocker and pass-catcher.
“He’s really a true tight end,” Raine said of Bryant. “I can do a little of both. We really do blend in together nicely. That’s my best friend. We’re brothers. We love to compete against each other. We’re always pushing each other.”