Solomon expected to boost pass offense
BOCA RATON — In a short period of time, the difference is already notable.
After Florida Atlantic played its first two games without receiver Kamrin Solomon, his return last Saturday against BethuneCookman showed what the team had been missing.
Solomon was back in the lineup after serving a twogame suspension, catching four passes for 26 yards in the 45-0 victory. Although the impact appeared minimal, it is only expected to increase once he regains the comfort he lost watching from the sideline.
“I just thought when we had spring, he was by far our best receiver,” FAU coach Lane Kiffin said. “That would have been the plan all along if he was here. He had some touches, so it’s good to have him back.”
A senior, Solomon was suspended for his role in an off-campus fight that involved teammate Kalib Woods. Solomon was never arrested or charged, but Woods remains suspended indefinitely for an altercation that left another FAU student with a broken jaw.
Solomon missed the first 14 preseason practices before rejoining the team after he was barred from campus. The regular-season punishment was handed down by the university.
“That [the suspension] came from above,” Kiffin said. “That was from the school. We followed that … That was part of his punishment.”
Kiffin has yet to make Solomon available to the media since his reinstatement. Solomon has already made an impact in his short time back. He is one of the older players on the team, so his leadership skills are a bonus.
Solomon has already taken on the mentor role for younger receivers such as sophomores John Raine and D’Anfernee McGriff.
“I think he helps that room,” Kiffin said. “He practices really hard. His personality is pretty much alpha.”
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Solomon provides a solid combination of size and speed on the field. His presence also will help a passing game that Kiffin has criticized through the first three games because of the lack of conversions on vertical routes.
“He’s really good in space,” quarterback Daniel Parr said. “He’s got great hands. He’s one of those guys who can go up and make plays over the top of [defensive backs] and linebackers. Getting Kam back for us is huge because that opens space up for everyone else. It helps the [running] backs, too.”
Making up for his offseason mistake is just part of the redemption for Solomon. Last year he saw a dip in production when he caught just 12 passes for 69 yards and no touchdowns.
It was supposed to be a breakout year, after he had 22 receptions for 382 yards and two scores in 2015. Thus far, it seems Solomon reverted to his sophomore form. He has flourished in offensive coordinator Kendal Briles’ system that moved him from outside to slot receiver.
Solomon was so impressive in the role he earned the praise of several during the spring, including being named MVP of one of the scrimmages.
“I think Kam Solomon has had a fantastic spring,” backup quarterback Jason Driskel said recently. “He’s been a talented guy and he’s made plays for us in the past, but I think he’s been really impressive.”
srichardson@sunsentinel .com or on Twitter @shandelrich