Francois Rioux: February 2009 Archives

Owl's Nest Scout Day Coverage

By Francois Rioux on February 26, 2009 5:20 AM | 2 Comments | No TrackBacks
Scout Day at the Oxley


FS00103.jpgIts time for the inspiring Owls wanting to play at the next level to show case their stuff for NFL scouts today. 

The Owls Nest will be providing some coverage to keep members informed.

Frantz Joseph was snubbed from participating in a NFL combine and will be a player to keep our eyes on, he has proven to be the type of player that rises to the occasion and gives his best performance when the pressure is on.

Check back during the course of the day, as I will be updating the Blog as things develop.





Coach Mac Victorious in his Debut

By Francois Rioux on February 21, 2009 9:19 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Photo by JC Riley
CoachMac.jpg

Owls beat Forham 8-6 in Season Opener


David Wilson's clutch hit, the go-ahead triple in the sixth inning, help secure the win as Florida Atlantic beat Forham 8-6 on Friday.

 

Whatever pregame jitters Coach Mac might have felt were short lived. Sophomore starter Mike Gipson provided a great start by retiring his first three batters - two by strikeouts.  

 

The Owls offense provide some relief of its own when Travis Ozga recorded the first hit of the season, followed by a three-run home run by Tom Hatcher in his first at bat, adding a second digger in his second at bat of the evening later on.


Forham answered with three runs in the top of the second to tie the ball game.

 

The few lapses by the Owls defenders did allow Forham to rally and chase the Owls starter in the fourth, after Gipson threw 26 pitches allowing the Rams to push three runs across the plate to take a short lived 6-4 lead.  Gipson pitched 3 2/3 innings, striking out six, while allowing five hits and six runs, two of them earned. 

 

Alex Pepe came on in relief to pitch three solid innings, shutting down the Forham offense by retiring all ten of the Rams batters he faced and the team seemed to finally settle down and play solid baseball the rest of the way.

 

Newcomer Nick DelGuidice could not have envisioned a better start as an Owl. He led all players with three hits and was inches of going 4-4 in his first game as an Owl, on a ball pulled deep into the left field corner, ruled fouled. 

 

Hugh Adams worked a scoreless ninth to earn a save and help preserve Coach Mac's first victory as a head coach after serving 18 years as an assistant for the Owls.


Final Stats

Will Block: A Competitor and Leader

By Francois Rioux on February 19, 2009 6:39 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
Photo by JC RileyWill_Block-01.jpg







#2 Will Block
Senior
5'10" 180
Infielder - 2nd Base
Nova - Pembroke Pines, FL


















A Shinning Star set to emerge from the Shadows

 

Don't let Will Block's quiet persona fool you.  Once he steps onto the diamond, he is one of the biggest competitors there is. And entering his final season as an Owl, there seems to have been a natural progression to becoming a team leader. 

 

 "I'm a pretty quite guy around the locker room and just go about my business. The biggest challenge [for me] was to be more of a vocal leader," he said. Block may also have to adjust being in the spotlight as opposed to staying hidden in the shadows of others.  


It's clear that Coach McCormack wants and expects Block to grab the opportunity to shine and showcase his ability.


"He plays hard. He's very aggressive and he gets the guys to play harder," McCormack said. As a senior who has not had the chance at post season play, McCormack hopes for Block to have a "good year, win a championships and play a regional."


As a junior, Block managed to maintain a .347 batting average, while hitting 12 home runs and totaling 47 RBI. 

 

For his career, he ranks fourth all-time at FAU with 173 runs scored; fifth in home runs (37), eight in hits (222) and 11th in RBI (138).   

 

With those type of numbers, you may wonder how he managed to duck the spotlight for so long.


Photo by JC RileyWill_Block-02.jpg

 

"He's a good player, a team leader and was voted team captain," said McCormack. "He's done a nice job transitioning from when he got here at third base over to second base."


Displaying the type of attitude willing to do what was best for the team that also impressed McCormack. 

 

Introducing another one of  "Coach Mac's" new twists: "one thing that a lot of people don't know is that he's going to pitch a little this year." 


Pitching is something both have discussed over the summer and it's something McCormack is serious seeing what Block can do.  Block pitched a little in high school and has thrown some in the bullpen during his years at FAU.

 

This has the potential of being a real bonus for the pitching staff.

 

"As long as I'm out there and the team is winning that is all that counts," said Block. "As a competitor, I always want the ball in my hands. Being a pitcher and a hitter, it's pretty much the highest level that you can get to compete on the baseball field."

 

"With the schedule the way it is these days, the more good arms you have the better chance you have saving people and winning games," Block added.

 

With the success and reputation that Owl baseball has earned over the years,  the idea of post season play was expected.


With the recent three-year drought, fans are yearning to feel the aura once again. There is no doubt not playing in the post season has stayed on the players and coaches minds. 


Block puts it into perspective by saying: "your always working to be the best, to win games, to win the conference, make it to regional and then super-regional. So yes the expectations and  pressures are about the same. You just have to go out and play hard every day."

 

And win ball games.

 

As a competitor, you have to like Block's "just give me the ball" attitude .

 

Breaking Out with Travis Ozga

By Francois Rioux on February 16, 2009 6:12 AM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks



TravisOzga.jpg





Travis Ozga

Senior, Infielder

6'2", 215

Pope John Paul II

Boca Raton, Florida










A consistent and steady performer


Travis Ozga made great strides in his junior year as an Owl infielder, with a break-out type of season. He started 53 of the 60 games at first base, and one at third, posting a .357 hitting average for a good part of the season and holding on to a .330 average heading to the final week of regulation play, where his batting average never fell below .300 for the year.

 

Ozga's steady performance in 2009 allowed him to string together some impressive numbers for the season: finishing the year with 56 RBIs, which happen to be some of the best numbers in school history, and of those, he managed 16 multiple RBI outings with a .326 average with runners in scoring position and compiling 71 hits and 11 HR.

 

Entering his senior season, Ozga felt he had to work on his leadership skills.


"A lot of the kids look up to me and the rest of the seniors, so being a little bit more serious and energetic" will hopefully help the transition of a new ERA in FAU baseball, he said..

 

And as the team embarks on a new beginning, "a new twist," Ozga says, is part of a new approach Coach McComack brings as the team looks forward to returning to regional play.

 

The players are aware of the three-year drought of not making an NCAA regional, something Owl fans have come to expect.


Ozga adds that "we don't necessarily put additional pressure on ourselves, but it serves as extra motivation," striving to return to post season play. 

 

Heading into the 2009 season, Ozga mentions that "this year our team is a lot closer, we get along very well. We all are good friends and that helps a lot with the chemistry of the team. When you like each other you want everyone to do well," he said. Combined with "a new twist," hopefully that chemistry will help the team to a winning season.

 

Ozga's consistent play and outstanding performance of last season will no doubt be used as a barometer for the upcoming season. This can only be good news for Owl fans and a good indication what to expect not only form Ozga, but the rest of the team.

FAU Stadium: Still a possibility for 2010

By Francois Rioux on February 8, 2009 9:23 AM | 20 Comments | No TrackBacks
Stadium06.jpg


Is there still a chance to have the stadium ready for opening day in 2010?

 

The excitement has been building for a while now and what a better way to set the stage then having a BCS opponent help christen the start of a new era for FAU athletics and for the university. 




Even though the window of opportunity is shrinking, there is still hope that it can get done in time for opening day on 2010. 


"The train is roaring down the tracks toward opening [the on-campus stadium] in 2010, the architects are on board, the construction folks are on board and it [stadium] has been designed, but the piece that needs to drop into that fast moving train is that financing piece," said FAU Athletics Director Craig Angelos. 

 

It's no mystery that the finances have been holding back the process, but it's the biggest piece of the puzzle left to be ironed out.  Angelos added that "the part of the puzzle trying to outsource the housing [part of the Innovation Village] for $12 million and that will be the first domino to fall and so we can use that $12 million dollars to help fund the stadium and then the housing will get going."

 

"The infrastructure is underway: the Alumni center across the street, the student recreation center, that mall going up on the south side is taking shape the way we anticipated, but the majority of the stuff we have been planning is going on the north side of the street, so everything is going to fall into place."

 

As the pieces of the puzzle continue to fall into place, Angelos remains positive that the financial aspect will fall into place in time by adding "we're hoping that [the finances] will drop in time for us to still keep that on track and keep that train moving quickly to reach it's destination in 2010."

 

"If that doesn't happen in a month or two then we will probably have to pull back on the speed of the train and maybe it won't make it by 2010 - maybe make it later on," he said.

 

How much later? 2011 or 2012? Angelos responded with "I would hope when we pull it back [speed of the train] that it will be a matter of months not years.


Stadium03.jpg

 

Angelos remains positive that it can still get done in time for 2010.


"Once we hit our financial numbers then we are ready to lock in. Right now I'm still optimistic for 2010 until I see otherwise."

 

The financial benefits of opening day would be a huge boost for the program, not only in turn of the being able to capitalize on what could be one of the largest crowds for an Owl game, but all the possible donors that this event could attract. 


Can Florida Atlantic afford to miss the opportunity on capitalizing on any possible momentum that this grand event would create - the grand opening of "FAU Stadium" on Opening Day 2010 against the Spartans? It has all the makings of a monster event that would surely benefit the Owl program on many levels, not quite the same effect if we open the stadium later in the year against a conference foe? Although, in all fairness, there is one out-of-conference game still to be scheduled in 2011.

 

Sure there is the potential of some short term losses if the stadium is not ready for opening day 2010, but the big picture is the future of the program- and in the long haul, the effect it will have on the program in general is what we need to look at.  It is a much needed piece of the puzzle to the continued success that has been unprecedented for a young program.

 

 

So regardless of whether it is ready for opening day 2010, the thought of having a place to call home in 2010 should not be under sold. The event, regardless on when it happens, will mark one more step taken, one more accomplishment completed on a road lined with a bright future as the university continues to grow by leaps and bounds.

Recruiting: FAU's 10th Class is in the Books

By Francois Rioux on February 4, 2009 5:55 PM | 9 Comments | No TrackBacks

What a day.

 

The day started early and at one point a phone war ensued - Nextel versus iPhone.

 

Nextel held the lead for most of the day, holding charge for a good part of the day, until it got caught in a heated argument with a tree and we all know who won that argument.

 

On the other hand, the iPhone worked a bit of overtime - needing several naps during the course of the day (six I believe it was), to regain some of its pep. The naps proved helpful as it finished the day strong and fully intact, guaranteeing its place on top.

 

This day does belong to the 25 recruits that make up the 2009 Class, marking the 10th signing class for a young ,yet successful, football program.

 

Once again the class features mostly players from the state of Florida, as 23 of the 25 hail from the Sunshine State.

 

This seems to be one of the strongest classes yet and it's apparent from the interest and offers some of these kids had to choose among.  Howard did say that we are now "recruiting at a different level then we have in the past," and "it used to be tough to get kids to come here and want to play" in the early stages of the program.


"It took courage to come and join in the mission to make it [the program to] where it is today. Now the mission is to carry it on and make it to a BCS conference," Schnellenberger said.

 

The on-field success and winning back-to-back bowl games in 2007 and 2008 has enabled the coaching staff to assemble another solid class.

 


Here are the young men that make-up the 2009 signing class.


Name                          Pos      Hgt      Wgt     Hometown                  High School

Tyrie Allen                    RB       5-9       185      Davie , FL                   Western

Rockenson Angrand     LB       6-2       225      Port Saint Lucie , FL     Treasure Coast

Terrell Bradley           DB/RB   5-10    185       Gainesville , FL             Eastside

Christopher Chappell    DL       6-8       298      Callahan , FL               West Nassau

Jimmie Colley               OL       6-3       260      Pace, FL                      Pace

Jamal Davis                  WR      6-2       185      Fort Lauderdale , FL    Coral Springs

Nexon Dorvilus            TE        6-4       225      Miami , FL                    North Miami

Carlton Falconer           OL       6-5       255      Fort Lauderdale , FL     Dillard

Damian Fortner            RB       5-10     171      Miami , FL                    Everglades

Cory Henry                  DE       6-3       230      Miami , FL                    Carol City

David Hinds                 LB       6-2       215      Miami , FL                    Miami Edison

Treon Howard              DB       5-10     150      Fort Meade, FL           Fort Meade

Chris Jackson               FB       6-0       230      Panama City , FL          Arnold

Karl James                   DL       6-1       258      Miami , FL                    Miami Sunset

Randell Johnson            LB       6-3       210      Miami , FL                    North Miami

Travis Jones                 RB       5-10     175      Port Saint Lucie , FL     Treasure Coast

Matthew McLaughlin    P/K      5-10     190      Tampa , FL                   Tampa Catholic

Toney Moore               LB       6-2       210      West Palm Beach , FL   King's Academy

James Oboh                 TE        6-4       210      Brookeville , MD          Sherwood

Keith Reiser                 DB       5-10     165      Miami , FL                    Killian

DeAndre Richardson   WR/DB 6-2       180      Panama City , FL          Bay

Brian Sirmans               SS        6-1       160      Jacksonville , FL            Robert E. Lee

Winfred Strickland        DB       6-0       170      Cocoa , FL                   Cocoa

Andrew Stryffler           DE/TE  6-5       235      Sanford , NC                Lee County

DeAndre Williams        OT       6-5       265      Orlando , FL                 Oak Ridge

Jarred Williams             DE      6-3       215      Fort Walton Bch , FL     Fort Walton


 

 

Tyrie Allen

Freshman

Running Back

5-9, 185

Davie, FL

Western

 

High School: Played for Rashad West at Western High School where he rushed for 850 yards and tallied 1,250 all-purpose yards as a senior...earned second team All-County and was named Honorable Mention All-State...played in the Broward All-Star game...three-sport athlete (football, basketball and track).

 

Personal: Son of Lesly-Ann Allen...born June 20, 1991 in Plantation , FL ...brother Junior Allen played for both Valley College and University of Missouri .

 

Rockenson Angrand

Freshman

Linebacker

6-2, 225

Port Saint Lucie , FL

Treasure Coast

 

High School: Played for Bill Kelley at Treasure Coast High School ...had 79 tackles as a senior including 16 tackles for loss and four sacks...also forced three fumbles...played in the Outback All-Star Game.

 

Personal: Son of Marc Severe...born February 22, 1990 in Miami , FL.

 

Terrell Bradley

Freshman

Defensive Back, Running Back

5-10, 180

Gainesville, FL

Eastside

 

High School: Played for Kent Johnson at Eastside High School where he saw action at defensive back, running back and as a kick returner...earned third team All-State as a defensive back and was first-team All-Area...two-sport athlete (football and track).

 

Personal: Son of Victor Bradley and Karen Hutchinson...born August 13, 1991 in Gainesville , FL ...father Victor played football for the University of Florida .

 

Christopher Chappell

Freshman

Offensive Lineman

6-8, 298

Callahan, FL

West Nassau

 

High School: Played for George Nelson at West Nassau High School where he earned All-Conference honors and played in the Florida Shrine Game as a senior.

 

Personal: Son of Cynthia Chappell and Bruce Travis...born January 18, 1991 in Callahan , FL ...father Bruce played for Memphis State University .

 

 

Jimmie Colley

Freshman

Offensive Lineman

6-3, 260

Pace, FL

Pace

 

High School: Played for Mickey Lindsey at Pace High School...served as the team's captain as a senior the year that he earned second team All-State, first-team All-Area and first-team All-North Florida...played in the PSA Regional All-Star Game and the FACA North vs. South All-Star Classic...two-sport athlete (football and weightlifting).

 

Personal: Son of Rina Rutherford and Jimmie Colley...born June 26, 1991 in Pensacola , FL.

 

Jamal Davis

Freshman

Wide Receiver

6-2, 185

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Coral Springs Charter

 

High School: Played for Robb Wilgoren at Coral Springs Charter...ended his senior campaign as No. 1 in Broward County in receptions with 62 receptions...tallied 784 yards and seven touchdowns...named All-County and second team All-State...played in the Broward All-Star Game and the Broward vs. Dade All-Star Game...three-sport athlete (football, track and basketball where he averaged 19 points per game)...holds a 4.0 G.P.A. and is Academic All-State.

 

Personal: Son of Andre and Dawna Thorton...born November 3, 1990 in San Jose , CA .

 

Nexon Dorvilus

Freshman

Tight End

6-4, 225

Miami, FL

North Miami Senior

 

High School: Played for Leonard Graham and Horane Allison at North Miami Senior High School...recorded 28 receptions and tallied 437 yards scoring five times...on the defensive side of the ball, had 37 tackles, including six sacks as a senior...also credited with two forced fumbles...earned All-Dade Honorable Mention and played in the Miami Dade North vs. South All-Star game...three-sport athlete (football, basketball and track)...3.0 G.P.A. Student Athlete Club member.

 

Personal: Son of Choisilia and Soine Dorvilus...born October 27, 1990 in Miami , FL ...also considered Purdue University , Middle Tennessee State University and Colorado State University .

 

Carlton Falconer

Freshman

Offensive Lineman

6-5, 255

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Dillard

 

High School: Played for Keith Franklin at Dillard High School ...earned second team All-County and played in the Broward All-Star game...three-sport athlete (football, basketball and track).

 

Personal: Son of Janet Smith and Karlton Falconer...born June 12, 1991 in Fort Lauderdale , FL.

 

 

Damian Fortner

Freshman

Running Back

5-10, 171

Miami, FL

Everglades

 

High School: Played for Josh Shapiro at Everglades High School where he rushed for 920 yards and recorded 25 receptions for 120 yards...earned first team All-County and second team All-State...two-sport athlete (football and track...runs the 100 in 10.8 and also competes in the 200 and long jump).

 

Personal: Son of Shermon Fortner and Grandson of Claretha Timmons...born November 22, 1991 in Miami , FL.

 

Cory Henry

Freshman

Defensive End

6-3, 230

Miami, FL

Carol City

 

High School: Played for Harold Barnwell at Carol City High School where he recorded 60 tackles, including 14 sacks as a senior...also credited with five forced fumbles and two fumbles recovered, one for a touchdown...earned first-team All-State and first-team All-County...played in the Dade vs. Broward All-Star Game, a game that he blocked a field goal to preserve the Dade County win.

 

Personal: Son of Melissa Phillips...born June 25, 1990 in Miami , FL ...considered Syracuse University , Marshall University and Florida International University .

 

David Hinds

Freshman

Linebacker

6-2, 215

Miami, FL

Miami Edison

 

High School: Played for Coach Hiedelburg at Miami Edison High School where he tallied 107 tackles, including 17 for a loss...had three sacks, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, one recovery and scored once as a senior...played in the North and South All-Star Games...three-sport athlete (football, basketball and track).

 

Personal: Son of Karlene Hinds and Marcel Gabriel...born February 25, 1990 in Kingston , Jamaica .

 

Treon Howard

Freshman

Defensive Back

5-10, 150

Fort Meade, FL

Fort Meade

 

High School: Played for Hayde at Fort Meade High School where he recorded 10 interceptions and 18 pass break-ups...credited with 60 tackles and touchdowns...earned All-County as a defensive back, was named MVP of defensive backs at Cal Camp as well as All-State...three-sport athlete (football, basketball and track).

              

Personal: Son of Jynean Howard...born December 3, 1989 in Bartow , FL ...relative of Sammy Silas, a retired NFL defensive lineman.

 

Chris Jackson

Freshman

Fullback

6-1, 230

Panama City, FL

Arnold

 

High School: Played for James Hale at Arnold High School...carried the ball 104 times as a senior for 832 yards...added five receptions for 200 yards and a total of 12 touchdowns as a senior...earned All-County and All-District honors...three-sport athlete (football, track and weightlifting).

 

Personal: Son of Melissa and Robert Jackson...born August 9, 1991 in Panama City , FL.

 

 

 

Karl James

Freshman

Defensive Lineman

6-1, 258

Miami, FL

Miami Sunset

High School: Played for Jason Malkin at Miami Sunset High School where he recorded 56 tackles, including eight sacks as a senior...had 10 tackles against South Miami...earned All-County honors and played in the North vs. South Dade All-Star Game.

 

Personal: Son of Vayra Duhaney...born November 28, 1991 in Savannah , GA.

 

Randell Johnson

Freshman

Linebacker

6-3, 210

Miami, FL

North Miami Senior

 

High School: Played for Horane Allison at North Miami Senior High School where he recorded 99 tackles, including seven sacks and two interceptions...on the offensive side of the ball credited with 11 receptions for 117 yards...earned All-Dade Honorable Mention honors and played in the North vs. South All-Star Game, as well as the Dade All-Star game...two-sport athlete (football and basketball).

 

Personal: Son of Sherry and Randy Johnson...born March 23, 1991 in Miami , FL.

 

Travis Jones

Freshman

Running Back

5-10, 175

Port St. Lucie , FL

Treasure Coast

 

High School: Played for Bill Kelley at Treasure Coast High School where he accounted for 24 touchdowns (22 rushing, two receiving) and 1,601 yards of total offense (1,404 rushing, 197 receiving) as a senior...named All-Area by the Palm Beach Post...played in the Outback All-Star Game...named three-sport athlete in high school (football, basketball and track).

 

Personal: Son of Melanie O'Neal and stepfather Benny O'Neal, father Timothy Jones ...born on January 11, 1991 in West Palm Beach , FL.

 

 

James Oboh

Freshman

Tight End

6-4, 210

Brookeville, MD

Sherwood

 

High School: Played for Al Thomas at Sherwood High School where he had 400 receiving yards and four touchdowns as a senior...earned second team All-State in the Maryland big school classification...served as Sherwood's captain in 2008...two-sport athlete (football and basketball)...member of the 3.0 Honor Roll.

 

Personal: Son of Sonny and Sandra Oboh...born August 22, 1991 in Washington D.C.

 

Matthew McLaughlin

Freshman

Punter/Kicker

5-10, 190

Tampa, FL

Tampa Catholic

 

High School: Played for Bob Henriquez at Tampa Catholic High School...made 11 of 18 field goals as a senior with a long of 41 yards...placed 11 punts inside the 20 with a 40-yard average...named first team All-Hillsborough County and second team All-State honors as a punter...named honorable mention All-St. Petersburg Times as a punter....two-sport athlete in high school (football and soccer).

 

Personal: Son of Terrence and Elizabeth McLaughlin...born on October 10, 1990 in Tampa , FL.

 

Toney Moore

Freshman

Linebacker

6-2, 210

West Palm Beach, FL

Kings Academy

 

High School: Played for Craig Dobson at King's Academy...recorded 50 tackles with two interceptions...returned an interception for touchdown....also recovered a fumble for a touchdown...on offense, had six catches for 119 yards and two touchdowns.

 

Personal: Son of Toney and Keisha Moore...born on April 2, 1991 in West Palm Beach , FL.

 

 

 

 

 

Keith Reiser

Freshman

Defensive Back

5-10, 165

Miami, FL

Killian

 

High School: Played for Steve Smith at Killian High School where he recorded 40 tackles, two forced fumbles, and four interceptions, including one for a score...earned second team All-State and played in the Dade vs. Broward All-Star Game...two-sport athlete (football and track specializing in the 4-by-1 and the 200-meter).

 

Personal: Son of Keith and Carlene Reiser...born July 31, 1991 in Miami , FL ...also considered both Western Michigan University and Central Michigan University , the team FAU defeated in the 2008 Motor City Bowl.

 

DeAndre Richardson

Freshman

Wide Receiver/Defensive Back/Kick Returner

6-2, 180

Panama City, FL

Bay

 

High School: Played for Mike Healy at Bay High School where he earned first-team All-County and All-District honors...three-sport athlete (football, basketball and track)...member of the National Honor Society.

 

Personal: Son of Ed Richardson, Catrina Garrett and stepfather Tommy Garrett...born March 14, 1990 in Panama City , FL.

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Sirmans

Freshman

Strong Safety

6-1, 160

Jacksonville, FL

Robert E. Lee

 

High School: Played for Myrik Anderson at Robert E. Lee High School where he recorded 49 tackles, including five for a loss as a senior...also had nine pass break-ups and two interceptions...earned All-Conference honors...played in the Florida Shrine Bowl...two-sport athlete (football and track)...four-year member of the honor roll.

 

Personal: Son of Vera Sasberry and Westley Sirmans...born December 30, 1990 in Jacksonville , FL.

 

Winfred Strickland

Freshman

Defensive Back

6-0, 170

Cocoa, FL

Cocoa

 

High School: Played for Johnny Wilkinson at Cocoa High School, Division 3A State Champions...recorded 49 tackles, 10 interceptions and had more than 600 all-purpose yards as a senior...earned first team All-State honors as a defensive back and was named first team All-Space Coast...three-sport athlete (football, basketball and track).

 

Personal: Son of Dominque DeVoe and Winfred Strictland, Sr...born June 9, 1991 in Cocoa , FL.

 

Andrew Stryffler

Freshman

Defensive End/Tight End

6-5, 235

Sanford, NC

Lee County

 

High School: Played for Jody Stouffer at Lee County High School where he had 32 solo tackles, 10 were solo, five for a loss and four sacks...played in the 2008 Shrine Bowl featuring North Carolina vs. South Carolina All-Stars...three-sport athlete (football, basketball and track)...member of the National Honor Society...three-year member of the Academic All-Conference in three sports.

 

Personal: Son of Harry and Laura Stryffeler...born December 4, 1990 in Durham, NC...Grandfather  Jim Heinike played for Syracuse University and professionally for the NFL's San Francisco 49ers.

DeAndre Williams

Freshman

Tackle

6-5, 265

Orlando, FL

Oak Ridge

 

High School: Played for Keith Council at Oak Ridge High School where he earned All-Central Florida honors as a senior tackle...played in the Central Florida All-Star game...four-sport athlete (football, track and field, basketball and weightlifting).

 

Personal: Son of Anthony and Cynthia Williams...born December 18, 1990 in Orlando , FL.

 

Jarred Williams

Freshman

Defensive End

6-3, 215

Fort Walton Beach, FL

Fort Walton Beach

 

High School: Played for Mike Owens at Fort Walton Beach High School...recorded 75 tackles, including eight sacks...earned All-Area honors...played in the Pensacola All-Star game...two-sport athlete (football and track).

 

Personal: Son of Cedric and Wanda Williams...born August 29, 1991 in Fort Walton Beach , FL.

Recruiting: Carlton Falconer

By Francois Rioux on February 3, 2009 6:04 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Carlton Falconer

Offensive Lineman - 6' 4" 280lbs

Dillard High School, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

 


When Carlton Falconer gave a verbal commitment to play at Florida Atlantic, the Owls got a versatile player - one that can play multiple positions including guard, tackle or center.  And with his versatility and size, he should be a boost to a line known to be on the small side. 

 

According to Falconer's high school coach, "[Falconer] is fast and brings a good presence to the line," said Coach Franklin. Franklin also added that Falconer possesses "a good head on his shoulders."

 

Like many other prospects, having a chance to play close to home was a big part of his decision to play at Florida Atlantic.

 

Falconer said he was "excited to be part of building a program - [an] up and coming program and help them be on the map." He feels that Florida Atlantic was a good fit for him by saying, "[players and coaches] treated me good and felt like I was at home."

 

He will join two former Dillard players on the roster:  Offensive lineman Lavaris Williams (redshirt senior) and line backer Edward Bradwell (red shirt senior).

Recruiting: Travis Jones "The Natural"

By Francois Rioux on February 1, 2009 1:32 PM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks

Travis Jones

RB - Athlete, 5'10" 150

Treasure Coast High School

Port St. Lucie, Florida


Travis Jones is of these kids that might have escape the grasp of larger programs because of his size. But when you find someone with his skills, it's hard to pass up.

 

One thing is for sure, Florida Atlantic coaches are not afraid to take a chance on any player - regardless of size.  It seems to allow them to find great athletes other school will overlook merely because their size, or lack there of.

 

 "I'm really excited for Travis. They [Florida Atlantic] are getting an athlete," Coach Kelley said. "He was a ridiculous amount of our offense... about 60% of our offense and in [my] nineteen year of coaching, I haven't had a kid that could make people miss as well as he could. He has the ability to make people miss."

 

The natural ability Coach Kelley talks about allowed Jones to grind out over 1,400 yards with an impressive total of 24 touchdowns.

 

"He has a God given ability to make people miss and watching him on film doesn't do it justice [on Jones abilities]. Watch it in person and you will literally see Travis make three cuts in space in the second level and I couldn't tell you which direction he ends up going - his cut ability is fantastic, as good as I've seen," said Kelley. He adds that with his best skill is making people miss, which is proportional to Jones "quickness, tremendous quickness, tremendous change of direction, there is no waste of steps when he changes direction."

 


And when you hear Coach Bill Kelley talk about Jones, it's hard not to get excited to have an opportunity to watch Jones in action.

Recruiting: Terrel Bradley "A Gifted Athlete"

By Francois Rioux on February 1, 2009 10:37 AM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks

Terrel Bradley

CB - 5'10", 185

East Side High School

Gainesville, Florida



Deciding on where to get an education and play college ball is never an easy decision for a young man.


When part of the requirement is to play for a reputable coach - your choices seem to narrow a bit.

 

On a recruiting trip to East Side High School in Gainesville, Fla. last year, Terrell Bradley caught the eye of Florida Atlantic; and when your Head Coach is Howard Schnellenberger, it surely satisfies the wish to play for a reputable coach. 

 

Plus, having the chance to play for an up-and-coming program also enticed Bradley; along with the chance to compete with other talent in the state.

 

Bradley's high school coach Kent Johnson said he started both on offense and defense and that "he's an all around outstanding athlete."


"He's super quick and he's got great athletic abilities. He can make people miss," added Johnson.


On Bradley's offensive talents, Coach Johnson said he possesses "good hands and outstanding moves on offense, " which allowed him to average 110 plus yard of total offense per game in his senior year.


His versatility showcases emphasizes his athleticism as he played multiple positions; on defense - he logged some playing time at free safety and corner back and on offense saw time as a running back, slot receiver and even started a few games under center when their starting quarterback went down with an injury (in his junior year).

 

And on special teams, he was the teams top punt returner and even pulled some punting duties.

 

No question that Florida Atlantic has landed another gifted athlete in Terrell Bradley and 

Schnellenberger's proven track record and legendary aura still seems to be paying dividend when it comes to recruiting Florida talent.

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