Enrollee reunites Kiffin, ’Bama back

Emmons 1 of 5 players joining Owls in spring

Florida Atlantic coach Lane Kiffin and running back BJ Emmons are finally reunited.

And Emmons could help bring the firepower back to the Owls’ backfield after the team’s top two running backs declared early for the NFL draft this postseason.

Emmons, a former Alabama running back while Kiffin was offensive coordinator with the Crimson Tide, has made his longanticipated arrival in Boca Raton as FAU announced five early enrollees on Thursday. Joining Emmons are wide receiver Adrian Bryant, linebacker Diamante Howard, defensive back Dwight Toombs and long snapper Jonathan Sullivan.

Enrolling in classes this spring semester, the players are eligible to begin working with the football team during spring football practice.

Emmons, who was committed to FAU but took a season off from football last fall, played one season at Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College, where he rushed for 694 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Coming out of high school, he was rated as the nation’s No. 5 running back by ESPN in 2016. Emmons rushed for 173 yards his lone year at Alabama before transferring because of playing time issues.

He will be a welcome addition after the Owls had junior backs Devin “Motor” Singletary and Kerrith Whyte declare for the draft.

So too will Bryant, who comes in out of College of the Sequoias in California, after FAU leading receiver Jovon Durante also declared early.

Defensively, Howard brings versatility as he can contribute anywhere from linebacker to free safety coming out of Miami Southridge. The extra time ahead of his freshman season will be key in determining what suits him best in the Owls’ defense.

Toombs is a rangy, playmaking safety hailing from Port St. Lucie Centennial, who can also contribute at nickel cornerback if necessary.

Bryant, Howard and Toombs signed with the Owls during December’s Early Signing Period.