When you look at Florida Atlantic’s offensive linemen group, one player instantly stands out from the others. At 6’6”, 280 pounds, Troy Niblack is not only one of the biggest linemen on the team but also carries a unique style of his own that he claims is “off the wall”.

After redshirting his first year, Niblack’s size and talents earned him playing time in eight games last season as a backup. However, he enters the 2010 slate competing for a starting position on the line.

A product of Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida, Niblack earned Second-Team All-County honors his senior year before signing with the Owls. Having other offers from South Florida and Purdue, Niblack is one of the most recruited linemen FAU has on its roster. Niblack’s brother, Tyler Niblack, signed last year with St. Olaf College to become the second member of the family playing college football.

Often seen wearing neon colored Muppet hats or sporting a unique hairstyle, Niblack says coaches and teammates think he is the “oddball” of the team. During a road trip last season, strength coach Rod Payne banned Niblack from wearing different colored hats that didn’t match the team’s all navy blue travel attire.

Niblack recently sat down with us for “Up Close”.

Quick Hits

What is your favorite food?

“Moe’s burrito, Coach Payne allows them if they're chicken.”

What is your pet peeve?

“When people can’t use the words there, their and they’re.”

Who is your current off the field role model?

“My grandpa Jack Jackson, just because of the stuff he has been through. He is a war veteran and always provides for my mom and dad.”

What are you most proud of?

“My little brother Tyler Niblack, because he just got a scholarship to play football at St. Olaf College.”

What is your major?

“Business Management. I want to own my own business.”

What is your Faith?

“Christian.”

Line of scrimmage

What aspect of your game do you feel is your strength?

“My feet, I got quick feet.”

What aspect of your game do you feel is your weakness?

“Run blocking.”

Down the field

Besides football, what brought you to FAU?

“The area, it’s close to home, but far enough so I’m on my own.”

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

“To help the team win.”

What game are you looking forward to the most next season?

“Texas, because I didn’t get to go my freshman year.”

What do you want FAU fans to know about you personally?

“I write poetry and music in my free time.”

Touchdown

Coming up, our next player changed his number during the off-season and had to ask for special permission from a former Owl first.