FAU’s Road to Signing Day 2014: Running Back
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Running Back
The Skinny: FAU returns it’s leading rusher from last season in quarterback Jaquez Johnson, but losses a pair of running backs in seniors Jonathan Wallace and Damian Fortner. Fortunately Jay Warren - a late addition to last year’s signing class - was able to see action as a freshman, but the Owls are in need of depth, as they currently have no running backs committed. New assistant coach Roger Harriott and the staff will have to find a prospect that they believe can adjust to the collegiate game quickly and compete for playing time like Warren did last year. FAU has four-star running back Jordan Scarlett committed for the Class of 2015, but he’s still two years away from playing. Adding at least one - it not two - running backs this recruiting cycle will be critical.
Committed:
None.
The Targets:
Gregory Howell - Coral Gables Senior (Miami, Fla.) - It’s assumed that Howell is FAU’s top target at the position. The three-star running back was on campus for a developmental camp last summer, but never gave the previous staff much consideration. His high school coach has ties to Partridge, which is why he’s in the picture. Howell has already taken an official visit to Minnesota, but the Gophers appear to be full. He will visit FAU on January 17th.
LaJuan Hunt - University School (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) - If Howell is the staff’s top choice, Hunt is a close second. The two-star running back played for Harriott at U-School, and frequently spelled Scarlett in the backfield. While it’s rare to find a pair of FBS running backs at one school, Hunt deserves more credit than given for his talent. The one-time Air Force commit, will visit FAU on January 31st and is also hearing from the likes of USF and Wake Forest.
Henry Bussey - Hialeah (Hialeah, Fla.) - The first real ‘scatback’ on the list, Bussey is dangerous with his speed on the outside and could factor into the receiving game. He is currently committed to FIU, but that pledged appears to be wavering as the days pass. Bussey plans to visit FAU on January 17th and then see FIU on the 24th. He was offered by Wake Forest in November.
Alonzo Smith - Dwyer (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) - Smith (pictured above) is a late-bloomer, who excelled in a Dwyer offense that won a state title. He recently picked up his offers from FIU, Miami (Oh.) and FAU, after flying under the radar for months. Smith will take an official to FIU on January 17th and visit Miami (Oh.) on the 31st, but this appears to be a back-up plan as of now.
Alex Gardner - Raines (Jacksonville, Fla.) - A former Western Michigan commit, Gardner re-opened his recruitment before his senior season and claimed a lot of offers. The interest appears to have died from a majority of the schools, but Harriot and offensive coordinator Brian Wright recently reached out to Gardner. He will visit Middle Tennessee State on the January 24th and FAU on the 31st.
Trey Rodriguez - Mainland (Daytona Beach, Fla.) - His name has been tossed around before, but Rodriguez hardly speaks about his recruitment. The three-star running back camped at FAU over summer, and there is interest from the new staff. His only scheduled official visit so far is Southern Miss on January 17th.
Others to Watch:
DeQuan McGriff(Pope John Paul II, Fla.); Akise Teague (Iowa Western C.C., Council Bluffs Ia.); Cory Colder (East Coast Prep, Mass.); Jamaal Eveillard (Coco Beach, Fla.); EJ Elien (Seminole Ridge, Fla.); Marlon Mack (Booker, Fla.); Krysten Hammon (Dickinson, Tx.).
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New FAU RB commit Trey Rodriguez tells me he will take his official next weekend. Plans to still visit Southern Miss this weekend.
— Andrew Ivins (@andrewrivins) January 16, 2014
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Andrew said
LaJuan Hunt - University School (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) - If Howell is the staff’s top choice, Hunt is a close second. The two-star running back played for Harriott at U-School, and frequently spelled Scarlett in the backfield. While it’s rare to find a pair of FBS running backs at one school, Hunt deserves more credit than given for his talent. The one-time Air Force commit, will visit FAU on January 31st and is also hearing from the likes of USF and Wake Forest.Posted On: Jan 13th 2014, 10:09 PM #326098
In home visit at 7
— LaJuan Hunt Jr (@LHunt_Jr3) January 22, 2014
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