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Persistence Pays Off for Richardson

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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.

 

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

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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

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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"

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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"

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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.

Recruiting: A Diamond in the Rough

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Tyrie Allen

Running Back, 5' 9" and 185lb - Western High School - Plantation, Florida


Tyrie Allen seems to be a very determined young man - one that will not shy away from working hard to achieve a goal of going to college.  After talking to Allen, it's clear that family and education played a big part in him making a commitment to play football at Florida Atlantic.

 

 "I really don't care where I go as long as I get a good education," he said.

 

Upon his recent visit on campus, Allen made a connection with the FAU coaches and players.  "It's a family oriented team. That's really a plus for me and is really what I want; a home away from home - a family away from my family."

 

Allen's high school team was loaded with youth and he was one of the few seniors on a team with a new head coach. Coach Rashad West was looking for leaders to step up and help with the transition, and Allen answered his call.

 

 "I was looking for someone to step into that [leadership] role. He naturally fit in and became an offensive leader and team leader," West said.

 

Allen took it upon himself to become the leader the team needed and helped the younger players grow, always making sure they worked hard.  

 

"This was my last season and I had to make sure everything was OK," Allen said, as if he was a big brother to his younger teammates.

 

At the beginning of the season, Allen knew he still had plenty of hard work ahead for himself if he wanted to be recruited to play college ball. "I knew I had to work for something and I had to prove something. That's what fueled me the most - the determination to prove to anybody what I could do."

 

Allen grew into the role of team captain and the "biggest offensive treat down the stretch," said West.

 

Allen's team was re-building and didn't always match-up with tough competition, but that didn't deter Allen from giving it his all. "He competed hard week in week out," said West.

 

With his verbal commitment to play at FAU, Allen is looking forward to his next set of challenges.  "[I'm] starting a new chapter now. I'm now at the bottom and have to work my way up to the top," Allen said. "I really like the program and I want to be part of building the program."

 

West is happy that Allen's determination paid off. "He worked very hard on a goal of playing college ball. He deserves it and he did all he could to put himself in this position and I'm glad he has the opportunity," said West.

 

And he concluded by saying this - something that FAU fans should be familiar with. "FAU found a diamond in the rough and found someone that will surprise some people once he gets there."