Owls rotating linebackers in camp

BOCA RATON — There may be fewer linebackers on the field for Florida Atlantic this season, but there’s still a question about which ones will earn playing time in 2017.

FAU defensive coordinator Chris Kiffin installed a 4-2-5 defense to combat Conference USA’s pass-happy spread offenses, removing a linebacker from a traditional 4-3 and replacing him with a fifth defensive back. The position has rotated through a handful of options at the two positions during preseason camp.

Azeez Al-Shaair, Hosea Barnwell and Kris Harris have all earned first- or second-team reps at middle linebacker. Al-Shaair, Rashad Smith, Khantrell Burden, Bradley Clement and Jacob Douglas have played meaningful snaps at weak-side linebacker.

“We just have a really, really talented group of linebackers,” Burden said. “Coach [Chris Kiffin] tries to get everybody out there. He has a lot of trust in all of us to get the job done, and just make plays.”

FAU has used three players as its scout team quarterback for Navy: QB Conor Miller during 7-on-7 drills, and receivers Denzel Houston and Kamrin Solomon during 11 on 11s. Houston, a freshman, played quarterback in high school at Daytona Mainland, where he scored 124 total touchdowns during his career. “Just trying to get someone similar to the guy at Navy,” FAU coach Lane Kiffin said.

FAU holds its Media Day today at FAU Stadium. The team also will be signing autographs at about 2 p.m. on the Hyundai Deck. The event is free.

First game: Navy at FAU, Sept. 1, 8 p.m., ESPNU