Returning:
William Dukes (979 yards, 4 TDs) – Junior
Daniel McKinney (492 yards, 2 TDs) – Senior
Jenson Stoshak (259 yards, 2 TDs) – Freshman
Marcus Cunningham (33 yards, 1 TD) – RS Junior
Robert Lohnes (5 yards) – Sophomore
DeAndre Richardson – RS Senior
Brian Sirmans – RS Senior
Hakeeme Ishmar – Junior
Jeremy Glinton – Sophomore
Derek Moise – RS Sophomore
Tony Thomas – Sophomore
Chris Gilchrist – RS Freshman

Newcomers:
Lucky Whitehead – Junior
Jay McCants (transfer) – RS Sophomore

On the Way:
Kalib Woods
Bobby Mitchell

-Stats are from last season.

Overview: The Owls gratefully return almost their entire receiving corp from last season with a few key additions. The unit is led by junior William Dukes, who had a breakout year in 2012. Dukes was the fourth leading receiver in the Sun Belt Conference g after racking up 979 yards and four touchdowns. The six-foot-four wideout constantly found separation from defenses and proved to be a playmaker for the offense. In addition to Dukes, FAU welcomes back senior Daniel McKinney and sophomore Jenson Stoshak. McKinney was the team’s second leading receiver and started seven games in the slot position. Stoshak, a former walk-on who was awarded a scholarship, emerged as a valuable pass-catcher after tallying 259 receiving yards and two touchdowns last season. Along with the trio of production, the Owls have a host of other players on the roster with game experience. Redshirt senior DeAndre Richardson, who led the team in receiving in 2011, was awarded a sixth-year of eligibility after missing last season with a leg injury. Marcus Cunningham, Derek Moise, Jermey Glinton and Hakeeme Ishmaer have all seen action, while the six-foot-six Chris Gilchrist redshirted last season. Junior college transfer Lucky Whitehead was expected to compete for playing time in spring camp, but a collarbone injury will most likely keep him sidelined until fall. FAU will benefit from the presence of Jay McCants, who transferred from Indiana and redshirted last year. Tony Thomas and Robert Lohnes are two walk-ons that saw limited snaps last season.

Player on the Spot: – Marcus Cunningham - After catching 18 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown in 2011, Cunningham’s production dropped off notably in 2012. The redshirt junior caught only four balls for 33 yards last season and started just two games. Cunningham is better suited as an inside receiver, but lacks the necessary size and speed. He will need to use this spring camp to show he can be a integral part of the rotation.

Name to Remember: – Jay McCants - McCants sat out last season after transferring from Indiana, but practiced with the team. At six-foot-four 215 pounds, the redshirt sophomore should give the Owls a vertical threat opposite of Dukes. McCants caught six passes as a freshman at Indiana and was a two-star recruit coming out of high school.

Key Stat: – 10 - FAU’s wide receivers pride themselves on being the “big play” factors of the offense, and that was the case last season. The team had 10 passing plays that went for 40 yards or more, which was a significant increase from 2011 in which they had zero. Expect that number to expand next season with this talented cast of players.

Forecast: While there are plenty of answers at wide receiver, there are still numerous questions. Dukes, McKinney and Stoshak are all expected to pick up where they left off from last season, but who will emerge to form the rest of the rotation? McCants, Richardson and Cunningham should have the inside track, with everyone else in the picture. Thankfully the spread offense allows for a high volume of repetitions in practice, and that should only help develop the growth of this unit.

Up Next: Tight Ends

Returning:
Jonathan Wallace (648 yards, 6 TDs) – Senior
Damian Fortner (313 yards, 3 TDs) – RS Senior
Martese Jackson (224 yards, 1 TD) – Senior
Travis Jones (80 yards) – RS Senior
Chris Jackson – RS Senior
Tony Moore – RS Junior
Antonio Washington – Junior
Jeremy Gaskins – Sophomore

Newcomers:
None

On the Way:
Jay Warren

-Stats are from last season.

Overview: Florida Atlantic opened last season with a tailback-by-committee type of approach before Jonathan Wallace (pictured above) emerged as the workhorse of the unit. Wallace had his best game in November rushing for a career-high 111 yards and two touchdowns against Navy. The former walk-on finished the year with 648 rushing yards and six touchdowns, which was good enough to earn himself a scholarship at the conclusion of the season. Now a senior, Wallace should continue to anchor the backfield along with a trio of other upperclassmen. Damian Fortner, Martese Jackson and Travis Jones all saw extensive action last season and each will enter spring practice in the mix for playing time. Fortner ran for a career-high 81 yards against Georgia last season, which was highlighted by a 43-yard touchdown scamper. Wallace and Fortner often lined up in a “wildcat” formation which gave the offense an added dimension. Jackson and Jones are the more versatile backs in the group, as both poses the ability to catch the ball and make moves in space with their speed.

Player on the Spot: – Martese Jackson - Jackson signed with FAU out of junior college and splashed onto the scene in last year’s season opener against Wagner. The running back gashed the defense for 99 yards on 21 carries, but fumbled twice during key moments of the game. The turnovers along with nagging injuries hampered his workload for the remained of the season, but he still managed to finish third on the team in rushing. Jackson is one of the quickest players in the backfield and needs to use this offseason to work on ball security and durability.

Name to Remember: – Jeremy Gaskins - Gaskins was Carl Pelini’s first commitment when he was initially hired as the head coach of the program. The sophomore was talented enough to play special teams last season instead of taking a redshirt like a majority of the freshman. The Owls have a staple of veteran running backs, but Gaskins will have an opportunity to turn some heads this spring on the practice fields.

Key Stat: – 3 - For the first time since 2008, FAU returns three ball carriers that rushed for over 100 + yards. The last time that happened Charles Pierre, Di’Ivory Edgecomb and Willy Rose led the Owls to the Motor City Bowl. Wallace, Fortner and Jackson will look to duplicate the same success.

Forecast: Running back is one of the strongest positions for FAU heading into next season, as depth isn’t a concern. The priority this offseason will be exiting spring drills injury-free. With that being said, Wallace should continue to be the primary ball carrier for the offense, but look for Fortner, Jackson, Jones and Gaskins to all compete for some touches next fall.

Up Next: Wide Receivers

Returning: Stephen Curtis (14-31, 127 yards), Melvin German
Newcomers: Jaquez Johnson
On the Way: Greg Hankerson, DJ Juste
- Stats are career numbers.

Overview: For the third straight year Florida Atlantic will enter spring practice without a clear cut starter at quarterback. Graham Wilbert graduated after a solid senior campaign, leaving the Owls with plenty of questions about who will be taking snaps next fall. The coaches will look to either Stephen Curtis (pictured above), Melvin German or Jaquez Johnson to take control of the offense. Curtis, a redshirt junior, is the only player in the group to have seen game action while at FAU and started last year’s season opener before being replaced by Wilbert. German and Johnson both joined the program after productive careers in junior college, but neither have thrown a pass while at FAU. German was suppose to compete for the starting job last fall, but academic issues kept him sidelined. His eligibility status remains murky, but it is believed he could be contending for the starting position. Johnson is a junior college signee that is expected to provide instant depth and needed talent. He has the ability to pass and run the ball, which is vital to the Owl’s spread offense.

Player on the Spot: – Stephen Curtis - Curtis has played in 10 career games, and is the most experienced quarterback on the roster. His dual-threat capabilities allowed him to secure the starting job out of fall camp last season, but he kept that title for just one half of football. This will mark the second spring camp in the spread system for him, which should give him an edge over the other two quarterbacks. If he wants to be the starter, his time is now.

Name to Remember: – Jaquez ‘Quez’ Johnson - Rumors have circulated that Johnson has already been penciled in as the starting quarterback, but thats simply speculation at this point. Offensive coordinator Brian Wright hand picked Johnson in the Owl’s latest signing class, and a lot will be asked of the sophomore. Johnson provides nice size (6’1″ 225 pounds), and a new face to the program.

Key Stat: – 1 - Thats the number of career FBS starts between the trio of quarterbacks on the roster. Game experience is a premium in college football and that means the Owls will need someone to step up and take leadership of the offense.

Forecast: While it would be nice for FAU to conclude spring practice with a named starting quarterback, it’s most likely not going to happen. Expect the three quarterbacks to take an equal share of snaps, with neither of them being able to secure the starting gig. It will be interesting to see the confidence level that Curtis has in the simulated game situations, while also monitoring the rate at which Johnson picks up the offense. German may be the most talented player of the bunch, but until his grades are in order he remains a question mark. The battle for the starting quarterback position should carry well into fall camp.

Up Next: Running Backs

Since the start of the season head coach John McCormack has stressed the importance of midweek games.

Tuesday night, the Owls (5-3) rallied for a 9-8 victory over No. 23 Florida Gulf Coast, to give the team a resume defying win.

“A win’s a win, especially on Tuesday night when anything can happen,” McCormack said. “When teams find themselves in theses situations they want to win, and we won.”

Having blown a late lead against Miami last week, FAU found themselves in a similar position against FGCU.

The Owls had took an early advantage on a two RBI single from catcher Mike Spano in the first inning, but quickly watched the edge on the scoreboard evaporate in the fourth inning when the Eagles tallied a four run frame to take a 5-2 lead.

Kevin Alexander made his first appearance of the season in relief of starter Brandon Rhodes, and gave up three runs on three hits.

The Owls looked keen for another disappointing loss, but the team would prevail.

With two-outs in the bottom of the sixth inning, the squad would string together four straight hits, which resulted in five runs. Sean Murrell doubled down the left field line to score two runners, as Nathan Pittman (picture above) singled to bring Murrell across the plate.

Pittman would then steal second, before Levi Meyer singled to add a run and give FAU a 7-5 lead.

“It seems like jumping out to an early lead and then giving it right back up has been our problem, but we finally were able to make something happen after that,” Pittman said.

The Owls would add two insurance runs in the seventh and eight innings to extend their advantage, which would prove to be crucial.

Michael Sylverstri tossed a scoreless eighth inning while Bo Logan stepped on the mound to close out the game. The senior managed to load the bases with no outs, creating a situation in which McCormack called upon closer Hugh Adams.

Adams would hit the first batter he faced to score a run and give up a sacrifice-fly that would in turn cut the Owl’s lead to just two. The Eagles tacked on another run, before Adams could record the final two outs to preserve a 9-8 win.

“After what happened last Wednesday and to see that tonight, Hugh made a huge pitch,” McCormack said. “It would have been nice to go one-two-three in the ninth, but Hugh came in and did what he was suppose to do.”

Rhodes (0-0) pitched four and a third innings, giving up just one run on three hits. Alexander (1-0) was awarded the win, despite his poor showing in the third frame, as Adams got the save.

Meyer finished the game 2-for-3 with two RBIs, while Pittman proved to be the spark for the offense. The leadoff man went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored to go along with a pair of stolen bases.

“This is definitely huge, we needed this win” Pittman said. “They where ranked in the top-25 and they where coming off the high horse of sweeping Florida, so there was no better time to jump on them and get a win than tonight.”

Game Notes:

- In the record books: Adams picked up his third save in his fourth opportunity of the season, making him FAU’s all-time career leader in saves. The senior has 17 saves, with that total projected to grow throughout the course of the season.

- Billy Endris pinch-hit in the bottom of the eight inning, marking his first career appearance for the Owls. The freshman outfielder reached base on a walk, then stole third, before scoring on a sacrifice-fly from Meyer.

- The win marked just the third all-time against FGCU, who was coming off a sweep of Florida. The two instate schools have played a total of 10 times, but the Owls trail in the series 7-3. The teams will meet later again this season in Fort Meyers.

- FAU will travel to Myrtle Beach, S.C. this weekend for the Caravelle Resort Tournament. The schedule won’t lighten up, as the Owls are set to face Costal Carolina on Friday before taking on West Virginia and NC State.

In only his fourth career appearance Jeremy Strawn gave Florida Atlantic just what they needed.

The redshirt-junior tossed eight scoreless innings Sunday afternoon, as the Owls beat Alabama 5-3 to salvage a win in the weekend series and snap a three-game losing streak.

“It’s exactly what we needed,” head coach John McCormack said. “Strawn stepped up and pitched huge. I thought today was a big time gut check for us, and we passed.”

After dropping back-to-back games to Alabama, FAU needed a solid performance from Strawn (pictured above) to redeem themselves in the series, and that’s precisely what he delivered.

The redshirt-junior, who missed a majority of last season with a back injury, attacked the plate all afternoon and tallied six strikeouts to just four hits. He retired the leadoff batter in all but one inning and didn’t allow an opponent to reach second base until the eight frame.

“We really needed this, coming off of three losses in a row. We have been working on forcing contact and getting quick outs in order to go deeper into games, and that’s pretty much what I sat on,” Strawn said.

The effort was good enough to given Strawn (1-0) his first career win, which came in only his fourth outing on the mound for the Owls.

Strawn used five pitches to retire the side in the bottom of the first inning, which set the pace for the rest of the contest. He was efficient and effective against the Crimson Tide’s lineup, and was able to keep his pitch count low.

FAU took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning when Mark Nelson slapped an RBI single to left field to score Nathan Pittman.

The Owls would extend their lead in the fourth inning, when freshman designated hitter Brendon Sanger stood in the box for the biggest bat of his young career. With the basses loaded, Sanger would drive in two runs to make it 3-0 with a two-out single down the right field line.

“Sometimes you need a little spark off the bench, and he had been swinging the bat well in batting practice,” McCormack said.

The hit was the first of Sanger’s career and came courtesy of just his second plate appearance of the season.

Closer Hugh Adams relived Strawn in the ninth inning and picked up his second save of the year. The appearance was a stout one for Adams, who had blown a save in his last outing.

FAU moved to 4-3 on the season, but more importantly were able to win a contest with their backs against the wall.

“This is an unbelievable day for our guys in terms of being able to step up and play a flawless game, get the timely hit, and make the pitches when we needed to. I thought this was a big time victory for our guys,” McCormack said.

Game Notes:

- Last year FAU was able to sweep Alabama in Tuscaloosa to open the season, but this time around the Crimson Tide took the series by a 2-1 margin. The Owls where competitive in all three games, but it appears Alabama has improved as a ball club.  “They’re a good team,” McCormack said. “Last year what hurt them in the first two games of the series was defense – and they played flawless defense this weekend. They didn’t help us at all this weekend and they pitched better than last year.”

- Fans may be asking why McCormack went to the bullpen in the ninth inning, instead of allowing Strawn an opportunity to pitch a complete game, but there is a reason behind the decision. “That’s a save situation, that’s what Huge (Adams) is here for. Jeremy did his job plus more. I was thinking with the bullpen today we could get four or five innings out of him, but he went eight.” The duo combined for a four-hit shutout.

- Outfielder Corey Keller picked up his first hit since breaking his nose on Friday night when he was hit by a pitch. It’s apparent that Keller is able to play with the injury and should be in the Owls lineup for the remainder of the season.

- The schedule won’t get any easier for FAU as they will host Florida Gulf Coast on Tuesday night. The Eagles shockingly swept #13 Florida this weekend and are 5-1 this season. “If you want to be good, you have to play good people, McCormack said. First pitch is schedule for 6:30 p.m under the lights.