Florida Atlantic has a lot of speed in the cornerbacks on the roster, but Curtis Cross could be the fastest of them all. A high school track star while at Glades Central High School in Belle Glade, Florida, Cross claimed the Palm Beach Post Track Athlete of the Year after winning the state championship in the 100 high hurdles and 300 intermediate hurdles.

Heading into his redshirt junior season, Cross has been in the Owls' defensive back rotation for two years, and had his best games last year against Arkansas State and Middle Tennessee State in which he recorded three tackles in each. This season, Cross is looking to compete for a starting spot and use his skills to get on the field.

Cross’s speed could be a product of his environment, as he was born and raised in Jamaica, the home of many track stars such as the famous Usain Bolt. Living in Jamaica for seven years, Cross then moved to the Belle Glade area, and eventually started playing football. His high school senior year, the football powerhouse Glades Central won the state championship, and Cross claimed 45 tackles with two interceptions in the process.

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

Quick Hits

What is your favorite food?

“It would have to be a Jamaican dish, curry chicken.”

What is your pet peeve?

“Annoying people.”

Who is your current off the field role model?

“My big brother Omar Cross. He’s in the Navy, but he got me started playing football.”

What are you most proud of?

“Being the second person in my family to attend college.”

What is your major?

“Graphic Design. I want to become a web site designer.”

What is your Faith?

“Christianity.”

Line of scrimmage

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

“Speed. A lot of it.”

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

“I need to get bigger. I’m currently 160 pounds, and I need to be at least 175-180.”

Down the field

Besides football, what brought you to FAU?

“The surroundings. I was approached by some very nice coaches, who got me interested in coming to FAU.”

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

“To win the championship, and go to a bowl game. Hopefully its the New Orleans Bowl, because it was great the last time we went.”

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

“All of them. Each game is a chance for me to get better, and I’m trying to get a starting spot, so each one is a chance to get better.”

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

“I like playing with Photoshop. I create and edit a lot of pictures.”

Touchdown

Coming up, our next player likes to talk like Donald Duck...