Xavier Stinson has the nickname, “8-ball” for two reasons. The 5’9” 229 pound fullback wears the jersey number 8, and he also looks like a pool ball when he bangs off of defenders down the field.  With arguably the lowest center of gravity on the team, Stinson has been a power-runner ever since he got to Florida Atlantic; however that was a long process.

Signing with FAU out of high school, Stinson got hurt before he had enrolled in school, and decided to wait a year to heal and then sign back with the Owls. As a redshirt freshman, Stinson played as the backup fullback last season, and carried the ball 30 times for 94 yards while catching 9 passes for another 82 yards. Having already secured the starting fullback position in spring practice, Stinson looks poised to have a big season carrying and catching the ball out of the backfield.

A three sport athlete while at Chaminade-Madonna High School in Hollywood, Florida, Stinson played football, ran track, and wrestled for his high school. Opting to stay home in South Florida and play for the local Owls, Stinson turned down offers from other programs like Iowa, Pittsburgh, Colorado and Wisconsin. Stinson isn’t the only fullback in the family, as his Uncle is former NFL fullback Tim Lester.

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

Quick Hits

What is your favorite food?

“Shrimp scampi.”

What is your pet peeve?

“Leaving my windows down when it’s raining.”

Who is your current off the field role model?

“My mom. She works the hardest.”

What are you most proud of?

“How far I came, and how long it took.”

What is your major?

“Criminal Justice. I want to work with some Criminals.”

What is your Faith?

“Christian.”

Line of scrimmage

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

“I feel it’s my ability to do different things like run the ball, catch the ball, and block.”

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

“Get my speed work up. Speed kills.”

Down the field

Besides football, what brought you to FAU?

“It’s close to home; I go home whenever I want. My family comes out a lot.”

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

“To win every game, and contribute to the team as much as I can.”

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

“We’ve been talking about that in the weight room. I would say Texas. I’ve heard how big it is, and how loud it gets. I’m ready for it.”

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

“I’m a big guy on sleeping. So whenever I get some spare time, I like to sleep and catch up on some Z’s. I rather sleep than play video games or anything.”

Touchdown

Coming up, our next player always gets a reaction when people hear his name.

Discussion