When Florida Atlantic takes the field on August 30th, a new man could be returning the opening kick against Miami.

Sources close to the program have confirmed that senior running back and returner specialist Travis Jones (pictured left above) is on the outside looking in for the 2013 season. Jones has run into some academic issues and would need to find the favor of an NCAA appeal to gain eligibility - should one be filed. They also stated that the Owls are preparing for the year without him on the roster.

Last year Jones was the Owl's primary return man and also served as a change-of-pace back for the offense. He averaged 20.09 yards a kick return and broke a key 48-yard punt return in FAU's win over Western Kentucky. Jones also tallied 117 receiving yards and added another 80 on the ground. He was selected to Phil Steele's 2012 Preseason All-Sun Belt Team as a 4th team punt returner.

FAU has a few bodies that can return kicks and brought in a handful of options in their recent signing class. Cornerback D'Joun Smith was a deep man last season on kickoffs and running back Martese Jackson also saw time. Cornerback Keith Reaser has fielded a few punts and wide receiver Lucky Whitehead was a shifty specialist in junior college.