Recently in Football Category

 

 

Photo courtesy: nationalchamps.net

 

 

As the FAU Football program develops with two bowl victories over Memphis and Central Michigan giving the Owls a 2-0 record in the post-season, there is one area which the school hasn't broken through.

 

The 2009 NFL Draft on April 25-26 had the potential to possibly see an Owl get selected but once again the school was shutout at the podium. Prior to the draft, ESPN aired a feature on FAU linebacker Frantz Joseph. It mentioned that Joseph accepted a scholarship to Boston College but was forced to drop out and he returned to South Florida to help out his family financially.

 

After becoming FAU's all-time single season and career tackles leader, it appeared as though Joseph would be the Owls best chance at getting drafted especially after having his own pro day in front of 19 scouts and 16 teams on February 25.

 

But this didn't happen. The most dysfunctional franchise in the NFL signed Joseph to a two-year $700,000 free agent contract a couple hours after the draft.

 

Over the years, the Oakland Raiders have gained a reputation for taking other players whom other teams have kicked to the curb and found a way to win with them. The best example was former Heisman Trophy winner Jim Plunkett, who was the top selection in the 1971 NFL Draft by New England and he played for the Patriots from 1971-75. Plunkett played for the San Francisco 49'ers from 1976-77 before joining the Raiders in 1978-86 where he would lead this franchise to a pair of Super Bowl titles when the team was located in Oakland and Los Angeles.

 

In 1980, Plunkett was named the MVP in the Raiders 27-10 Win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XV. In 1983, Plunkett was the Raiders back-up signal caller but an injury to Marc Wilson thrust him back into a starting role and he proceeded to lead the Raiders to a 38-9 waxing over the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XVIII.

 

But Plunkett is just one of many examples about how the Raiders and Owner Al Davis find away to give players and coaches opportunities to revitalize or start their careers. If the NFL Draft would have been longer than seven rounds, then Joseph's name would have been called. What's interesting about the Raiders 2009 draft class is that Oakland was ripped in the media for some of it's early selections.

 

Top pick wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey was the seventh overall pick out of Maryland. He was projected by draft experts as a late first round pick. Oakland's second round choice was safety Michael Mitchell out of Ohio University, the 47^th pick overall. He was projected as a second day selection.

 

Oakland finished the 2008 season with a 5-11 record. In 2007, the Raiders were 4-12 while in 2006 they finished 2-14. The 2005 season saw Oakland compile a 4-12 mark, in 2004, the Raiders were 5-11 and in 2003 they were 4-12. The last winning season for the Silver and Black was in 2002 when they finished 11-5 and lost to the Tampa Bay Bucs in the Super Bowl 48-21 on Jan 27, 2003.

 

Can Joseph help the Raiders out? Judging by the Raiders poor results since their last Super Bowl, he's definitely in the right place with a team that desperately needs him. During the 2007 New Orleans Bowl, Joseph recorded 10 tackles including six solo and two tackles for a loss of five yards. In 2008, Joseph was named to the All-Sun Belt Team after recording a school-record 154 tackles. In 2007, Joseph had 131 tackles in 13 games and in 2006, Joseph amassed 61 in 11 games.

 

The scouts who saw Joseph were aware that Joseph returned an interception for 26 yards and a fumble for 32 yards in an All-Star Game with the Nation versus Texas to set up scores giving the National Team a 27-24 win over Texas on Jan 31 in El Paso before 37,054 at the Sun Bowl.

 

While scouting departments are expected to get the higher selections correct, the hidden gems are found on the second day of the draft as well as un-drafted free agents. These are the players that have the most motivation to prove their doubters wrong. Now Joseph is in the right place to do this.

Hard work and dedication moves Paul Muse one step closer

It has been anything but a pleasant ride for Paul Muse during his time in Owl Country, since he transferred to FAU from Clemson back in 2006 - the same year Rusty Smith started his first collegiate game against the Tigers.  Back injuries have kept him sidelined for most of his time as an Owl. 

Staying focused and his willingness to work hard has moved him closer to realizing once again the passion for a game he was told he may never play again.  The drive to play was strong enough to offset the pain and anguish he had to endure during his rehabilitation of his back injury.  

The time away from the field allowed Muse to work with the coaches on all facets of the game, easing the transition form playing tight-end to the defensive line. His hard work has been rewarded with playing time this spring, and Muse has made the most this opportunity. 

Muse has been part of a the defensive group that have generated a much better pass rush during the scrimmages this spring.
 




Paul Muse had been a forgotten player lost in the mix of injuries, and his renewed health and presence should give the Owls much needed depth on a line that lost two starters. 

Here are a few comments from Coach Howard Schnellenberger on the play of Paul Muse and the pass rush.

Crowd of 2,011 watch the Owls Spring Game on April18

Not long ago, a few bleachers and a handful of die hard fans would gather to watch a Spring Game. On Saturday, Howard Schnellenberger took notice of the larger than usual crowd and mentioned that this was the "largest crowd to ever assemble for a Spring Game," after taking a few moments at halftime to acknowledge the 2,011 Owls fans on Saturday at the Oxley Center.

After having been embarrassed in the previous scrimmage games during the spring sessions, the defense started out strong, but eventually fell short.

Erick McIntosh intercepted a Rusty Smith pass on the third play of the game, followed by a  fumble recovery by the defense on the next play.

The offense did find life after a series of miscues on their first two possessions, assembling a nine-play, 60-yard drive, sealed with a three-yard touchdown run by Alfred Morris. 

Morris finished the day with 131 yards on 18 carries, leaving a good impression on Owls fans in attendance.  Jason Harmon made a huge grab to convert an early third down to keep the drive alive, the type of clutch plays Owls fans came to expect of Harmon after the 2007 season.

The defense did mange to put some pressure on the quarterbacks, recording a couple of sacks during the course of the game. The defense also forced one more interception, this time by Marcus Bartels, who continues to show the same type of playing qualities of his older brother Chris Bartels.

The strong play of the defense continued for most of the day, even though they got edged-out by the offense on the scoreboard 35-25. Schnellenberger was pleased by the overall performance of the scrimmage.

Scout Day at the Oxley


Its 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.

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.

 

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.

 

Talented Wide Receiver Adds Depth To Owls Roster

 

DeAndre Richardson, a 6'-2' 180 LB WR from Bay High School in Panama City, is one of the latest additions to the talented recruiting corps Howard Schenellenberger and staff have put together.

 

Richardson wasn't always so sure of his football ability in the early going as a youngster, but he stuck with it, and it paid off:  "At first, when I was young I didn't think I could play at that level.  Now it's a blessing from God knowing I'm moving on", he said on national signing day this past Wednesday.

 

Like many other talented recruits in the Sunshine State, he wanted to stay close to home.  "DeAndre likes FAU's brand of ball, and he wanted to stay in state", offered Bay High school Coach Mike Healey. 

 

Healey said that FAU, who was faithful in its pursuit, has been recruiting Richardson for the last few years.  The relationship he was able to forge with the FAU coaching staff helped him feel comfortable and at home with his decision.

 

Bay had a tough season this year, going 0-9, but that didn't stop Richardson from excelling both on the field and off the field.  He has had to play several roles due to a youthful line-up on the roster, and rose to meet the challenges presented to him .  "DeAndre is a hard working guy.  Tremendous work ethic.  He's a leader both on and off the field.  His best skill attribute is that he really goes up for the ball", said Healey.

 

"My team was young and I knew I had to step up and be a leader," Richardson said. "Every time I came to practice or played in a game I knew I had to work hard."

 

He is likely to make a significant contribution to the owls receiving corps given his exceptional leaping ability, but also looks to learn as well:  "They focus a lot on separation from the cornerback," Richardson said. "Me, I go on my route then go up for the ball. It will be good for me to learn separation."

 

Last season, he led his area with 559 yards receiving, had nine touchdowns, and received first-team All-County and All-District honors.

 

Richardson's fellow Team mate, defensive tackle Khyri Thornton, has committed to South Florida for the 2009 season.  They are both looking forward to meeting on the field once again when Florida Atlantic takes on the Bulls in Tampa during the 2010 season.

 

 

Owls Continue to Improve in Secondary Recruiting

Florida Atlantic continues to build an impressive incoming class within the Secondary despite not meeting the industry web standards of "stars" to go along with the rapidly growing list of quality talent it is collecting.

Hands down, this is shaping up to be the best Secondary class FAU will have enjoyed to date.  And with the continued defensive line concerns, which we hope will enjoy the same success in recruiting, is a welcomed addition to the roster.

One of the recent additions to this growing list is Keith Reaser, the first cousin of the late and great Sean Taylor who died tragically at the hands of senseless violence.

Reiser is truly a talented "diamond in the rough".  FAU seems to have a keen eye for picking up this caliber and type of player; although Reaser did not go unnoticed having received full ride offers from a number of Sun Belt schools and also NC State of the Atlantic Coast Conference.  

Here is a highlight video of the skills Reaser brings with his recent verbal commitment to FAU.

 

 

You can also check out an ESPN grading and a full write up on Keith from Florida Football here.

Thanks goes out to our newest Owl's Nest Team Member and Recruiting Corespondent, Jared Bordin, for this information.

 

 

Cerge Sincere is a player I always enjoy having a conversation with. I had a chance to talk with him after the basketball game against Florida International, the annual "Bury the Burrow in Red" game, and it seems like he has been busy keeping his dream alive of playing football after college.  

One of the most memorable talks I had with Cerge was on Bourbon Street in Dec., 2007 after the New Orleans Bowl victory. Cerge exemplifies the character of what a true ambassador of a growing program should be and the experience of watching the players and how they conducted themselves on Bourbon Street that night brought a great sense of pride in the program. These young men where representing their school and how they (the players) are true ambassadors for a growing program in a positive manner.

His hard work has paid off as he finds himself on a roster of a new development league, the United National Gridiron League, playing for the Ohio Bulldogs ( Team Ohio Roster).

He is joined by a few Sun-Belt conference members: LB Marcus Richardson (Troy)  and DT Marcus Pittman (Troy).

 

Here is an article on the new league: Story

The league kickoff date is set for a February 8, with training camp opening on January 23.

 

Sincere isn't the only ex-Owl on a UNGL roster. Former kicker/punter Mike Brown, who will be playing for Team Texas (Team Texas Roster), will also be teammates with former Sun-Belt members LB Keyonvis Bouie (FIU) and LB Romanique Lewis (Troy).

And former Linebacker Quentin Swain will be lining-up for Team Georgia (Team Georgia Roster), along with FB Keronna Henderson from North Texas.

 

With NFL Europe now defunct, it's not a surprise that another league found a way into existence. Hopefully, the league stays intact long enough to give guys like Sincere, Swain and Brown an opportunity to show off what they are capable of doing as they continue to pursue their dream of  playing in the NFL.

Press release from FAU media Relations:

Some of you have been faithful members from the very beginning when this web site started out as a message forum (only) set up by OG Owl and has now grown to be much more.

The  vision I have for this site started as far back as  '04-'05, early stages of this forum and when OG Owl was still around.  I remember the day I brought a few of my ideas to the table and the reaction I got from OG, "you have your work cut out for you".  So much truth in that statement. 

Part of that vision included, recruiting information.  This is something that has been in the works for a couple of years now & finally coming to fruition. 

Yesterday, marked the first step for the Owls Nest stepping in the play ground dominated by the big boys.  This will be a work in progress, but regardless it comes down to providing The Owl Nest members with reliable and accurate information.

Acting like a little kid yesterday, I found it hard to contain and withhold the information on our two latest verbals - RB Tyrie Allen and OL Chris Chappell, without much supporting information (with Owls Nest members doing some leg work of their own).

Further information on both players will soon follow and probably include something on the other recruits as the members of  The Owls Nest team continue to expand the coverage of FAU athletics.  Hopefully, by weekend ends, all information will be up on the main site with links to supporting information on each individual players. 

The Site itself is a work in progress, as we continue to grow the Owls Nest Team and continue to develop the site to provide the wealth of information fans seek.


Francois Rioux
President of Anthem Sports
"The Owls Nest" Team member