Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Robison, Johnson face off in QB battle
BOCA RATON — While no decision was made in the starting quarterback battle, FAU fans saw an extended preview of both De’Andre Johnson and Chris Robison in the team’s spring game.
Led by Robison, the Red team emerged victorious, winning, 20-14, at FAU Stadium. The former Oklahoma signee guided four scoring drives, throwing one touchdown and one interception. Johnson piloted the White team to a pair of scores on the afternoon. The former Florida State quarterback finished the day with one touchdown pass, one interception and one lost fumble.
“Today speaks volumes,” FAU coach Lane Kiffin said. “I saw throughout the spring, the energy. Great competition, very competitive, so that’s great to see. Just not the execution you want.”
“It was competitive and guys were really into it — seemed a lot different than a year ago. There were just too many mistakes, too many turnovers.”
Members of the Red squad will be treated to steak during the team’s luncheon on Monday afternoon, while the White team will feast on hot dogs and beans.
Star running back Devin Singletary was held out of Saturday’s game due to a lingering hamstring injury. The American HeritageDelray graduate, who rushed for 1,920 yards and a NCAA-high 32 touchdowns last season, tweaked his hamstring during a scrimmage on April 10.
In the quarterback showdown, Robison and Johnson were upand-down in their first extended action during a game atmosphere at FAU. Guiding the second-team unit against the second-team defense, Robison led the team to three scoring drives in the first half.
Two of his biggest pass completions came courtesy of two local products. On the game’s opening possession, Robison hit former Dwyer standout Dante Cousart, a walk-on receiver, down the seam for a 26-yard completion. Later in the half, the sophomore connected with running back Kerrith Whyte Jr. (Seminole Ridge) for a 61-yard pickup, thanks in part to some impressive yards after catch from the former Hawk.
Later in the second quarter, Robison put the Owls in the end zone on a 29-yard touchdown pass to tight end John Raine.
Robison missed a handful of throws on the afternoon — including a would-be touchdown to John Mitchell on an overthrow down the sideline — and tossed one interception to Cardinal Gibbons alum Diashun Moss.
On the other side, Johnson had a sluggish start. Johnson missed all but one game last season due to blood clots in his arm. After being held scoreless for the first 29:59 of the first half, his team got on the scoreboard, thanks to a one-yard touchdown run from Dwyer alum Gerald Hearns.
Johnson, who struggled with his deep throws, finally got into rhythm in the second half. Frequently targeting former West Virginia wide receiver Jovon Durante, Johnson developed a rhythm as the two hooked up for a number of big gains. The former FSU signal caller hit Durante, a Miramar alum, for a 12-yard touchdown strike to cut the lead to, 20-14.
Johnson said after the game his arm strength was around 80%, but expected to be fully healthy by the time fall camp begins.
Kiffin has long said the quaterback battle would likely go into fall and his opinion wasn’t swayed by Saturday’s exhibition. In terms of Saturday’s performance, the Owls’ coach said he would have to watch the film first before evaluating his two signal callers.
“Both guys have good energy about them, but too many mistakes,” Kiffin said.
Walk-on running back Silver Saunders (Calvary Christian) made a couple of nice plays during the scrimmage. Playing for the red team, the senior tight-roped the sideline for a 31-yard gain and later scored on a one-yard touchdown run. Senior kicker Tyler Gilley connected on two field goals, from 27 and 43 yards.
The reining Conference USA champions, FAU will open up its second season under Kiffin at Oklahoma on Sept. 1.