Starting last season at the middle linebacker position, redshirt senior Michael Lockley is one of the most experienced Owls on the Florida Atlantic defense entering the 2010 season. Playing in 36 career games, Lockley has recorded 107 tackles throughout his four years on campus while also managing 7.5 tackles for a loss. Lockley’s best game last season came when he recorded 13 tackles against Louisiana Monroe.

Lockley finished 8th last season in the Sun Belt in total tackles with 94, but would like to improve an Owls defense that finished 7th in the conference in total defense. Set to start again at the middle linebacker spot, Lockley hopes his leadership and athletic ability can revamp the defense.

A three sport athlete while at Olympia High School in Orlando, Fl, Lockley was Olympia's Athlete of the Year after earning All-Orange County and All-District honors in football his senior season. Lockley also competed in track and field finishing 7th in the state in discus and 9th in the state in shot put, while also running hurdles.

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

Quick Hits

What is your favorite food?

“It would have to be chicken, I like chicken.”

What is your pet peeve?

“People not working as hard as they can.”

Who is your current off the field role model?

“My dad, James Lockley first, and the sports person I look up to would have to is Kobe Bryant because he’s a champion.”

What are you most proud of?

“Sticking it through and about to be graduating college.”

What is your major?

“Sociology. I’m going to stick with the football thing and see how it goes, and then go from there and probably come back here to get my masters.”

What is your Faith?

“Christian.”

Line of scrimmage

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

“Athletic ability and being able to do some things that people can’t do. Like if there’s a play somebody can’t make, I feel like I can make it.

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

“I need to learn how to slow down and read defenses better.”

Down the field

Besides football, what brought you to FAU?

“I like the area. It’s a nice good area and I like the people here.”

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

“Obviously to win the Sun Belt Championship again and basically team goals.”

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

“The first game, always looking forward to the first game.”

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

“When I’m not playing football, I’m still just working out. I like to go to the beach and hanging out with my friends. I work out all the time.  It’s something that my dad instilled in me.”

Touchdown

Coming up, our next player has one of the more difficult majors on the team.