Owls linebacker grows, matures
Film study helps Al-Shaair become more productive.
At 19, Azeez Al-Shaair has developed into one of the top defenders for the Florida Atlantic Owls.
Through seven games, the 6-2, 220-pound sophomore linebacker has 59 tackles, including 23 unassisted and seven for loss. The Tampa native is coming off his best game of the season after recording a season-high 15 tackles against Marshall in the Owls’ last game.
While Al-Shaair has shown marked improvement, the Owls have strug gled as a team. After opening the season with a win, FAU (1-6, 0-3 Conference USA) has dropped six straight, and following a bye week, plays host Saturday to Western Kentucky. Kickoff for the Owls’ homecoming game is 3:30 p.m. at FAU Stadium.
Western Kentucky enters with a 5-3 record and is tied atop the C-USA East stand- ings with a 3-1 mark. Boasting a high-powered offense, the Hilltoppers are fresh Western Kentucky at Florida Atlantic, 3:30 p.m.
off a 59-24 rout of Bowling Green last week, and will present myriad challenges to Al-Shaair and the Owls.
“Azeez is playing well He just played his best game of the year,” defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni said. “He’s playing within himself, moving fast and cutting it loose and making plays. We need to keep him going in that direction.”
Al - S haai r s a i d he f e e l s more comfortable on the field this season.
“I am reading the offense and my keys much better. Last year I watched a lot of film, but this year I really see what is going on,” he said.
“I’ve learned more this season that any other in my life, being mentally tough, and overcoming obstacles, whether it’s coming from the media or the fans. But it’s really not about that. It’s sticking together as a team.”
Al-Shaair entered the season hopeful to put last year’s freshman struggles behind.
“Wha t h a p p e n e d l a s t year hurt me in a way, but you can’t beat yourself up,” Al-Shaair said. “You have 12 opportunities, 12 games to make things better. In life, you may not have that many chances.
“Last year I was trying to make others happy, but it really doesn’t matter. We have each other on this team. Most outsiders don’t understand what is really going on. They’re just not here.”
Al-Shaair said the challenge remains for him and his teammates to remain positive and leave mistakes behind.
“We all make bad decisions. Pointing the finger at each other is not good. Everyone is looking at themselves and asking, ‘What can I do better?’”Al-Shaair said.
“It’s really all about us, the players. What we do individually and for the team is what matters.”