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OwlBytes: 2021 FAU Fall Camp August 20th - Inside Linebackers & Notes

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OwlBytes: 2021 FAU Fall Camp August 20th - Inside Linebackers & Notes



After an early afternoon start, the 12th and final day of camp before classes begin brings preparation for Owls' first scrimmage tomorrow and the team has been ramping up for action. One of the position groups most primed for tomorrow's action is the inside linebacker group, which has some talented players up and down the depth chart.

"The thing we're looking for our linebackers is good instincts," inside linebackers coach Lance Thompson said. "After that, you're going to have explosive power, lateral quickness, and deliver coverage as a linebacker. They're the quarterback of the defense, so it helps that they have a lot of leadership skills."

Luckily for the Owls, they'll be gaining back on the team's biggest emotional leaders in the 5'11 235 senior Akileis Leroy. Expected to join him is 6'2 233 lb senior Caliph Brice, 6'2, 198 lb redshirt freshman Antarrius Moultrie, and 6'11, 200 lb sophomore Eddie Williams. 6'2, 206 lb freshman Justice Cross also adds more depth to the position.

Without camp officially in the books, here is the ninth rendition of the parliament Position Previews, looking over the outside linebackers, and insights from this afternoon's media availability.

On The Patrol

  • Expected to Lead Akileis Leroy: Keke is back and better than ever after missing all of last season. He is coming off of a 2019 season where he led the Owls with 101 total tackles and 55 solo tackles, adding three interceptions and a whopping four forced fumbles on top of that. During camp, Leroy hasn't lost a step, showing the same athleticism and coverage ability he had when he last took the field. "The first thing I had to work on was my mentality," Leroy (pictured) said when asked how he stayed sharp in his absence from the field last year. "I don't want my mentality to become weak. When your mind goes, your body goes, because your body does what your mind tells it to." He has become an emotional leader on this team both on and off the field, and the rest of the team will feed off of that mentality this season.

  • Keep An Eye On Caliph Brice: In Leroy's absence last season, Caliph Brice stepped up to play a crucial role on the Owls' defense last season, racking up 55 total tackles, five tackles for a loss, and 1.5 sacks. Brice is a talented pass rusher who can get to the quarterback and can track down running backs before they cross the line of scrimmage. The 6'2 233 lb senior will likely be another leader in that linebacker group alongside Leroy, making for it to be a deadly one-two punch.

  • Dark Horse Candidate Antarrius Moultrie: The redshirt freshman saw limited playing time in his first season at FAU, recording three total tackles and a pass deflection in the Montgomery Bowl. During camp, he has shown a lot of improvement, being a fast, physical linebacker who can work well in coverage and in stopping the run. Akileis Leroy said that he is likely a part of FAU's plans in their linebacker rotation, so look for him to be a breakout candidate next season.

OwlBytes for August 20th

  • QB Battle Seems Narrowed Down During practice today, the four quarterbacks were divided up between what looked like the first team of receivers and the second team of receivers. With the first team was N'Kosi Perry and Nick Tronti, who has really battled back into the battle this week. Today, he looked very poised in the pocket, completing passes with accuracy. Michael Johnson Jr. was also impressive while working with the second-team receivers, so it is still very much a three-man race heading into the first scrimmage tomorrow.

  • LaJohntay Wester Favorited At Slot Receiver When asked which of the receivers has impressed him the most, N'Kosi Perry said that Wester has been a very impressive piece at the slot position. He has been backing up Perry's comments all week, showing his blazing speed and elite route-running ability. He is very light on his feet and agile enough to burn past any defender on any route. Expect him to be utilized more in the receiving game next season.

  • Carter Odell Emerges As Safety Darkhorse Head Coach Willie Taggart had high praise for the freshman safety during today's media availability saying "he's out there making plays often and can win some games for our football team." He has been receiving high praise from his teammates all throughout camp and is close to being a crucial part of the Owls' defense, a huge turnaround for a guy who arrived on the team as a walk-on. He's a smart player who understands the playbook inside and out and is able to read the opposing offense, which is exactly what a coach is looking for out of the safeties group.

Video Play

Quarterbacks Willie Taggart Jr. and Nkosi Perry, outside linebacker Ahman Ross, and head coach Willie Taggart headline today's video play.



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