We have to find a true TE body. Tony was special last year and we used it to our advantage. Not knocking Darrion, but can he hold up all season long at that weight? Tony wasn't much bigger but he was more elusive than Porter.

This is a full D1-A schedule starting this year.

PB Post

Dareus Dangston
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/content/sports/epaper/2005/08/14/a12b_faufoot_0814.html


Boca News

Owl's Defense
http://www.bocanews.com/index.php?src=news&prid=12349&category=Sports%20News






Sun-Sentinel

Wilson gives FAU stronger offensive line

– Ted Hutton
– The Orlando Sentinel Staff reports
Posted August 14 2005


BOCA RATON ? Stetson Wilson has the distinction of being the only player in Florida Atlantic's four-year history to play on the offensive and defensive line in the same game.

That was near the end of last season, when injuries had riddled the offensive line, leaving just two healthy backups.

So the versatile Wilson, who had started the season as a backup defensive lineman, started going from offense to defense during practices, and against Edward Waters he appeared on both sides of the line.

"They needed me, and I go where I am needed," said Wilson, who is a junior and now focused only on the offensive line.

Wilson (6 feet 6, 310 pounds) has added an inch of height and 20 pounds since playing as a backup on the offensive line as a freshman.

"He has the stuff to be a really good player," offensive line coach Dale Williams said Saturday. "We're working on his technique to make him more consistent."

Wilson is projected to be the starting right guard.

"We've improved a lot since the spring," Wilson said. "Everybody has always said the offensive line has been the weakest link at FAU. We are going to prove them wrong this year."

There already has been some shuffling on the line since projected starting left guard Brandon Jackson could miss up to a month after injuring his knee Wednesday. Redshirt freshman Zachary Wichner (6-4, 280) of Plantation has been moved from tackle to guard to replace Jackson on the first unit.

Senior fullback Aaron Sanchez pulled a right thigh muscle Saturday and is day to day. Sanchez started every game last season, rushing for 173 yards and three touchdowns. Linebacker Shomari Earls was held out of practice for the fourth consecutive day.

Injuries
Sun-Sentinel

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/college/fau/sfl-fau15aug15,0,7573622.story?coll=sfla-fau



1st scrimmage

Owls will focus on different pictures

By Ted Hutton
Staff Writer
Posted August 16 2005


BOCA RATON ? Florida Atlantic's coaches will be watching the same scrimmage today, but what they focus on differs.

For coach Howard Schnellenberger, the first scrimmage of the preseason will provide the big picture.

"It will give us a general idea of where we are – where we need to make improvements and where we have problems," Schnellenberger said Monday as FAU went through its second of the four three-a-day sessions scheduled for the preseason.

For offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Gary Nord, the scrimmage will be important on several levels.

"We want to be sharp, take care of the football and try and execute," said Nord, who is in his first season as a coordinator, replacing Larry Seiple, who had retired at the end of last season.

Nord will also be watching the many battles going on for open positions.

"This is a major scrimmage. It is very important for the depth chart. It is a big test in a lot of ways," Nord said.

Nord will pay particular attention to quarterbacks McKinson Souverain, a redshirt freshman, and sophomore Sean Clayton, who are fighting to see who will back up senior Danny Embick.

"Danny is the clear No. 1. The other two kids will get equal opportunities … to show what they have," Nord said.

Defensive coordinator Kirk Hoza will also be watching individual players.

"I just want to see who can operate at game tempo when the bullets start flying, who will separate themselves," Hoza said.

The 120-play scrimmage is to begin about 3:30 p.m. on the practice fields behind the Tom Oxley Athletic Center. It is free and open to the public.

Junior wide receiver Tito Pollice broke his hand Monday and is out indefinitely.

Pollice was second on the depth chart behind redshirt freshman Frantz Simeon.


__________________________

PB Post Article



Sophomores may get early shot at FAU
By Marcus Nelson, Edgar Thompson

Palm Beach Post Staff Writers

Monday, August 15, 2005

The backfield tandem of sophomore fullback Dominick Walker and sophomore halfback B.J. Manley that Florida Atlantic showed Sunday is what the Owls expect for the season opener.

However, it's the opener in 2006 when FAU is hoping Walker and Manley will paired together.


But with senior fullback Aaron Sanchez being limited with a quadriceps injury, having young backs prepared for the first game this season against Kansas may be the only option the Owls have.

"That's all we have is young guys, but no matter who we have back there they are going to be talented," said FAU running backs coach David Serna.

The Owls were hoping Sanchez, FAU's leading returning rusher, would provide stability, but after he missed all of spring practice with an ankle injury, FAU is preparing other players at fullback.

Walker took a majority of snaps with the first team Sunday and did well, but is still learning the position after playing in just six games last season.

"I'm kind of dragging out there in practice getting more reps," Walker said. "It's demanding a lot more out of me, but I'm studying the playbook and watching a lot of film."

Coach Howard Schnellenberger said Manley, Walker and redshirt freshmen Charles Pierre and DiIvory Edgecomb are performing at about the same level.

"That would be something if we could have four producing backs back there," Schnellenberger said. "All those guys were heavily recruited. They all are in a wad right now. I'd like them all to improve."

Injuries: Starting defensive tackle Vinnie Henderson missed Sunday's workout with a hip flexor and senior linebacker Shomari Earls missed another day with a sore hamstring.

? Marcus Nelson

Sun Sentinel
Coach pleased

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/college/fau/sfl-fau17aug17,0,491137.story?coll=sfla-fau

Edgecomb rises to No. 1 tailback

– Ted Hutton
STAFF and wire REPORTS
Posted August 18 2005


BOCA RATON ? DiIvory Edgecomb has emerged as the likely candidate to fill the shoes of Doug Parker, who graduated last year as Florida Atlantic's leading rusher.

"Edgecomb has separated himself," Owls running backs coach David Serna said Wednesday. "He's shown he is a good all-around back who can score from anywhere and can catch the ball as well."

Edgecomb, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound redshirt freshman from Pembroke Pines who played at American Heritage, got the attention of coaches in the spring, but was still third on the depth chart when preseason camp opened Aug. 8.

With Edgecomb's strong showing, B.J. Manley, who had been the No. 1 tailback, has been moved to fullback, and Edgecomb has moved past Charles Pierre, another redshirt freshman.

Pierre and Edgecomb both performed well in Tuesday's scrimmage, and Serna said they are both running with more authority.

"They have been a lot more physical than in the past, and that is what we are going to need with the schedule we face," Serna said.

"We are just trying to do our best. It's up to the coaches to decide who plays," Edgecomb said.

"We treat each other well and are friends off the field. It is competition, we all know that, and there are no grudges," said Pierre, who is from Orlando.

Senior Aaron Sanchez is expected to be the starting fullback, though he has been slowed by a pulled thigh muscle and sat out Tuesday's scrimmage and Wednesday's practice.

The backups are Manley and Dominick Walker, both sophomores.

The youth of his unit has Serna excited.

"There is a lot of talent there, and we'll have them for many more years. They will only improve with time," Serna said.

Low-key coach has O-line listening up

By Ted Hutton
Staff Writer
Posted August 19 2005


BOCA RATON ? The past two seasons, it wasn't hard to figure out where Florida Atlantic's offensive line was when the team was on its two practice fields.

All someone had to do was listen for the coach who was shouting the loudest.


But more than just listening is required this season, as former offensive line coach John Bock has gone into private business.

"The screaming is down, but he gets his point across," said offensive lineman Antes Perkins about Dale Williams, who replaced Bock.

Williams is one of FAU's two new assistants, the other being David Serna, who is handling the running backs.

Both Williams and Serna were given tough tasks, since their units were hit hard by the exodus of seniors last season.

Both have made good progress since the spring, and the line and backs were the surprise of Tuesday's scrimmage as the running game was the highlight of the offense.

"I try and keep things simple for them," the low-key Williams said about his approach. "We don't want to overload them with a bunch of things. This way they can build their confidence."

Before FAU, Williams was the offensive coordinator at Division II Findlay in Ohio for five years, so this is a step up for him as well as the players he coaches. FAU will complete its transition from Division I-AA to I-A this season and play its first season against all I-A opponents.

"I'm using the same drills here I used at Findlay. The difference is here these guys pick things up a lot quicker because they are better athletes," Williams said.

Serna came to FAU via connections with Gary Nord, who is FAU's quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator.

Serna played for Nord when Nord was an assistant at the University of Texas El-Paso and was an assistant for Nord when he became UTEP's head coach.

"We have I-A talent here, it's just the fact they are young. They have a ways to go, but they'll be a good group," Serna said.

Injury update

Senior linebacker Shomari Earls participated in contract drills for the first time since he aggravated a hamstring injury on the first day of camp. Senior fullback Aaron Sanchez remained sidelined with a pulled thigh muscle. Freshman linebacker Orlando Deschapell was taken to the hospital for heat-related problems. Deschapell was treated and released and was back in the dormitory Thursday night, team officials said.

I haven't seen this many Ted Hutton posts in one thread without some kind of angry FAU mob after him. I'm glad he's come to his senses and is writing articles of interest instead of focusing on the negative…

Transfer fills in for injured tight end
By Marcus Nelson

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

BOCA RATON ? With starting tight end Dantson Dareus out with a sore knee until at least Wednesday, Florida Atlantic has been looking for other players to help at the position.

The Owls think they might have found a tight end who can contribute immediately in junior Demetrious Murray, a transfer from Garden City (Kan.) Community College.


Murray is improving as he learns the Owls' offensive system.

"The practices move kind of quick," said Murray, who reported to FAU a few days after training camp started. "I've learned a lot faster by getting in the practices instead of just watching. They are moving me along pretty fast."

At 6-feet-2, 210-pounds, Murray makes a good target for FAU quarterbacks in an offense that utilizes the tight end position extensively.

"He's a mature kid," Owls coach Howard Schnellenberger said. "He's lifted a lot of weights, is strong and fits right in with our offense."

Murray, who has clocked a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, played receiver at Miami-Carol City High before going to Garden City, where he practiced but didn't play, and was planning to play at Kansas State before deciding to transfer to FAU.

"I heard FAU was looking at me, so I just decided to come home, because I was hearing about this program on the rise," Murray said. "There's nothing like being home."

Steel will: With so many players injured, the Owls have been busy implementing ways for players who don't practice to stay busy.

Monday's workout introduced a different line of exercise equipment ? beer kegs.

Several players who were held out of practice spent their afternoon hoisting two empty kegs on the Oxley Practice Fields.

"They (will) get well faster that way or they might end up on a beer truck," Schnellenberger said.

Noteworthy: Several players missed practice or were late Monday because it was the

FAU's changes include wardrobe
By Marcus Nelson

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Monday, August 22, 2005

BOCA RATON ? Florida Atlantic's new look this season won't be limited to the young players in the lineup.

The Owls will debut an updated helmet design and uniform this season, beginning at Kansas on Sept. 3.

The design on the helmet will feature one of FAU's changed logos, which were adopted this spring.

The uniforms are a result of FAU's partnership with Nike, which will outfit all of the Owls' athletic teams this season.

Players like the look.

"I'm not into looks, but I like it," said FAU senior linebacker Shomari Earls. "We're upgrading. They changed it up and it looks good."

FAU had had the same helmets and uniforms since the team's first game in 2001 and sold most of the old uniforms at its spring game.

Still banged up: FAU had a short practice Sunday after a scrimmage was postponed Saturday.

While some of the players who were banged up made a return to the practice field, starting tight end Dantson Dareus did not practice and will be held out until Wednesday because of a sore knee.

Starting fullback Aaron Sanchez ran on the sidelines during practice and is day to day with a thigh bruise.

Even with the players injured, FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger expects a to hold a final pre-season scrimmage this week and to begin preparing for Kansas by Friday or Saturday.

"We've actually got a lot accomplished, but we'll have to get more work done at another time when we have the scrimmage later in the week," Schnellenberger said.

Noteworthy: Freshman receivers John Jones and Terence Hall were running plays at running back Sunday. … The Owls began working on kickoff coverage with sophomore Daniel Kennard and freshman Nick Lomartire split the duties of kicking off.

FAU's rebuilt lineup is shaping up

By Ted Hutton
Staff Writer
Posted August 22 2005


BOCA RATON – Near the end of last season, Florida Atlantic's senior defensive linemen gathered the unit together.

"They told us we would have to do it this year, that we weren't babies anymore," said Josh Jenkins, who was completing his freshman season.


Jenkins said that is when he and the rest of the underclassmen starting growing up fast, knowing they would have to fill the vacancies left by departing seniors.

Jenkins, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound sophomore now, is expected to start, along with 12 others who will be making their first starts as FAU rebuilds.

With less than two weeks before the Owls open at Kansas on Sept. 3, FAU's lineup is taking shape, though injuries could be a factor, depending on how quickly players heal.

Expected to join Jenkins on the defensive line are redshirt freshmen Vinnie Henderson (6-5, 270) and Jervonte Jackson (6-3, 290) and sophomore Josh Pinnick (6-5, 222), the only returning starter.

Linebackers are expected to be seniors Shomari Earls (6-4, 250) and Erik Benson (6-3, 230) and sophomore Cergile Sincere (6-0, 213). Earls is the returning starter.

The cornerbacks are seniors Lawrence Gordon (5-11, 175) and Willie Hughley (6-0, 170), and the safeties junior Troy Pindell (6-3, 193) and sophomore Kris Bartels (5-10, 190). Gordon and Hughley started last season.

Senior Danny Embick (6-1, 215) is the quarterback, with redshirt freshman DiIvory Edgecomb (5-10, 185) at tailback and senior Aaron Sanchez (5-10, 220), a returning starter, at fullback.

Wide receivers will be redshirt freshman Frantz Simeon (5-10, 172) and junior Casey McGahee (5-9, 155). Senior Dantson Dareus (6-5, 238), a returning starter, will be at tight end.

The offensive line has three starters back: sophomores Jarrid Smith (6-2, 258) and Antes Perkins (6-4, 285) and junior Nello Faulk (6-6, 270).

Newcomers are expected to be junior Stetson Wilson (6-6, 310) and redshirt freshman Zachary Wichner (6-4, 280).