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Fall Practice Notes for 08-24-10

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Fall Practice Notes for 08-24-10



Florida Atlantic returned to the Oxley center on Tuesday afternoon for work including preparation towards opening day against UAB. The players were both well rested and happy to be back on the fields while enjoying a spirited afternoon session under cloudy skies and unseasonably cool temps.

"They took on a new joy practicing football", said Coach Schnellenberger. "Recognizing we have a long way to go in preparation for our opponent, we are encouraged about this first day of preparation."

But he says there is still some consideration in play as to just who will take the field against the Blazers a week from Thursday, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

"There is light at the end of the tunnel. There are more players returning to the roster than leaving the roster", Schnellenberger continued. "It's hard to hypothesize about who will be ready to go, but as we get closer to the game we'll know better."

Perhaps the biggest news from today was the appointment of Graham Wilbert as back-up to Jeff Van Camp for the UAB contest in a move that may leave some folks surprised. But Wilbert turned in a better showing at this past Saturday's scrimmage and that had to factor into the equation as the coaches were looking for some separation.

This could change for upcoming games however, as both QB's will need some experience with Van Camp's being a senior.

Defensively the Owls picked up right where they left off Saturday with INT's from Marcus Bartels, Tarvoris Hill, Winfred Strickland, Ed Alexander, and Tavious Polo.

There were fewer highlights offensively, but two came from newcomer QB Stephen Curtis. Curtis, who got some extended work in team drills during scout work tossed a 30 yard TD pass TE Alex Fick, and another to WR DeAndre Robinson.

Graham Wilbert threw a 40 yard TD strike earlier to WR Avery Holley during 7-on-7's, and Jeff Van Camp found TE Rob Housler as well.

Practice concluded with special teams work.


Quick Hits

"Glad to see Van Camp, Houlser, Jean, Xavier, along with Fred (Morris) starting to make the plays again."

- Schnellenberger on what has encouraged him as of late

"That's been the highlight of training camp, the return of FAU defensive football."

- Schnellenberger


The Owls will return to the field tomorrow at 3:30 in a similar session to that of today before fully immersing in game day preparations on Thursday.
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Re: Fall Practice Notes for 08-24-10

Couple things Rick:

Seems like Polo is having an excellent off-season do you see any difference between him now and the past two years?
How did the O-line look today?

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Re: Fall Practice Notes for 08-24-10

owlmart said

Couple things Rick:

Seems like Polo is having an excellent off-season do you see any difference between him now and the past two years?
How did the O-line look today?

IMHO, Polo was a product of the scheme he had to consistently adjust to last year, and the year before - COMPLICATED.

Things have been simplified now, with more focus placed on technique, calling the play out, getting to the ball, and making the tackle.

The entire secondary, and defense for that matter, is better IMO. But one also has to consider who they are matching up against presently in practice as well.

Regardless, would expect to see a nice shave of 150 yards a game initially over last year's defensive showing across the board.

The OL presently has too many injury variables, of which are not fully disclosed, to comment objectively towards. But as far as today, would say that they did "OK" given who was actively practicing.


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Re: Fall Practice Notes for 08-24-10

If we shave ,150 yards off that would put us in nice company. Do you think the d scheems last year was a

little askew? Please explain,I think so, the player's were blamed, they are too fast and react to quick

to be blamed. They really look good out there. Dline, linebackers and the secondary, they also have depth

which will carry over to next season. :)
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Re: Fall Practice Notes for 08-24-10

I'm no D coordinator but it was pretty apparent that something was up. We have some great athletes on our squad and it's just mind boggling how we were so bad last year. I never got the aggressive feel from our defense that was their style years ago. That's the hardest thing to understand, I don't know if Hoza went to a different school of thought or what but in the early years, our teams had some great D.

This year, I expect to see us play simple d and let our athletes get the job done. I have a hard time believing that Michael Lockely ISN'T good, the guy is a freak…this year, let some of those boys loose and we'll see.
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Re: Fall Practice Notes for 08-24-10

Any good D EVER has been an attacking D!

You never could just let the O move and then react, you are always a step or three behind! And now with the spread, ouch! The weakness of the spread is, in IMHO, that it is VERY dependent on short quick throws, and to me, if the D knows this, the corners and LB's should jump the routes AT LEAST 7-8 times a game. We are talking about incompletes, picks and fumbles, all good things to ANY D!

I had to watch two truly awful D's last year, the Owls and UGA. They both played the same passive style and paid for it, the DC's with their jobs!
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