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Owls Host 4th Annual Development Camp

mikemarsaillei06-13-10sliderii
Larger turnout, improved skill sets, and more early offers highlight event


It was a hot and sticky Sunday afternoon at the Oxley center today as Florida Atlantic hosted its 4th annual football development camp, and extended some more early offers.

In comparison to last year's event, FAU boasted an estimated 200 or so high school prospects from all across the state sprinkled with with some out of state talent as well.

“It was great, our largest turnout, and certainty had the most talent out of all of them", defensive coordinator Van Valkenburgh said at the conclusion of the sessions. "As they were coming through the door this morning it really struck you."

"There were a lot of good football players out here today, some that we have offered and some are very close to being offered."

Alex Fine, a safety from Lake Orion, Ohio, made the trip all the way down to Boca Raton just to work out in front of the Owls' coaches, and hopes he is one that will be receiving an offer.

“I like the campus and the weather down here,” Fine remarked. “It’s definitely a location, and FAU's at the top of my list."

Players worked out with FAU’s coaching staff, on the practice fields located behind the Oxley center, doing drills and working on techniques throughout the morning and into the early afternoon. Prospects were also given a birds eye view of the Oxley facilities.

“There was a lot of talent out there, a great group of offensive lineman to recruit, and were headed in the right direction,” camp director and offensive line coach Dale Williams said.

One prospect on hand, Mike Marsaille, stood out amongst the lineman group while coming in at an impressive 6-5, 300 pounds during weigh-ins. FAU’s coaching staff, noting his size and skills, extended a scholarship offer to Marsaille at the conclusion of the camp.

“I'm going to take it and really consider it", Marsaille said after meeting with the Owls' coaches. "It's close to home so my family really likes it."

Jeff Cameron, coach at Fort Pierce Central had nothing but high remarks about the lineman, offering that he can play all of the positions on the line - and on both sides of the ball.

“He played almost 110 snaps in the spring game,” said Cameron. "Last season he started at center and at the defensive tackle spot, but he likes to play on the offensive line."

One of the higher profile prospects on hand was Everglades running back Cedric Thompson. Son of the former West Virginia star Will Thompson, and brother of current Kansas State defensive back Courtney Thompson, the younger Cedric had already picked up four offers until the Owls extended a scholarship bid as well.

"I got offers from UCF, Western Illinois, Illinois State, James Madison and (now) FAU," said Thompson as he left the Oxley center. "They just offered me today, and I love FAU. I got to see some of the campus today at the camp, and it was a great experience."

It is likely that his family will prefer him to stick around the south Florida area. And that would be okay with him.

"Close to home sounds good, get to stay away from that cold," Thompson said with a smile on his face.

FAU will host its 2010 full contact Team camp next weekend, June 18-20th.

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