WR McNeal remains positive

BOCA RATON — Florida Atlantic junior DeAndre McNeal started the season as the team’s top offensive threat.

A recent slump has him searching for ways to regain his early-season form. McNeal has just four catches for 25 yards in the past three games.

Through four games, McNeal was the Owls’ leading receiver with 18 catches for 298 yards and two touchdowns. A Texas transfer, it appeared he would be a perfect fit in his first season at FAU. Coach Lane Kiffin said the reason for the decline is the staff’s ability to get more players involved.

The Owls (4-3, 3-0 Conference USA) have grown into a run-based offense, including more carries for quarterback Jason Driskel. Offensive coordinator Kendal Briles has also altered things to utilize tight end Harrison Bryant. Running backs Devin “Motor” Singletary and Gregory Howell Jr. are also a bigger part of the passing game.

“At the beginning of the year, probably 90 percent of our passes were going to receivers,” Kiffin said. “Now, you see it’s more of the tight ends. You saw a screen to Motor for 40 yards last week. The plays got to come from somewhere, so those are kind of coming off the receiver numbers.”

Kiffin said he’s spoken to McNeal about the offensive changes. McNeal, who isn’t frustrated, hopes to work his way back into the offense. “I guess working hard after practice, during practice,” he said.

FAU at Western Kentucky, Saturday, 4:30 p.m., ESPN3, WTCN

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