McCarthy, Snyder step up big for Owls
BOCA RATON — In one of his first spring camp practices, first-year Florida Atlantic coach Lane Kiffin called his defensive line “concerning” and the team’s biggest position of need.
Given that the defensive ends lost 2016 Conference USA Player of the Year Trey Hendrickson to graduation and wouldn’t be adding their new recruits until the summer, Kiffin’s frustration made sense. However, as the Owls celebrated an 11-3 record and a Boca Raton Bowl win, the defensive ends played a crucial role in FAU’s first winning season since 2008.
As there is much to discuss with the defensive ends and defensive tackle positions, each unit will be covered separately. Here is a review of FAU’s defensive ends in 2017:
■ MVP: Hunter Snyder was tied for the team lead in sacks (six) and had eight tackles for loss, but sophomore Leighton McCarthy slightly beats the rising senior out as the most valuable defensive end. Also playing a linebacker role in some sets, McCarthy had nine tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks — and even an interception against Wisconsin.
■ Biggest surprise: McCarthy’s emergence as a dangerous pass rusher. McCarthy should enter spring camp starting opposite Snyder at defensive end and might be the key to FAU’s defensive line improving in 2018. After watching Hendrickson — who, like McCarthy, hails from Apopka — come out of nowhere to become a star, could McCarthy be on the same path?
■ Who’s returning? McCarthy, Snyder, Ernest Bagner, Tim Bonner,and Anthony Bennett are among the notable names returning next season.
■ Who’s leaving? Haiden Nagel and Nick Internicola have both exhausted all years of eligibility.
■ Who’s arriving? Threestar defensive ends Devin Hayes (Orlando) and Franklin Jackson (Winter Garden) both signed with the Owls on Dec. 20.
■ Biggest offseason story line: Are Bagner and Bonner ready to take the next jump after struggling with the transition to Division I from JUCO? Both were brought in as potential dayone starters after Hendrickson’s departure, but Bagner was a passrusher on selective plays and Bonner made his impact felt more on special teams. With another year in the system and a strong training camp, both should see their snaps rise this season.