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Florida Atlantic University Athletics
2003 Football Under Way
8/4/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 4, 2003
Florida Atlantic University's football team took to the field in the program's third pre-season camp some 90 strong. It was a marked improvement from the first squad, 2000, which held its first practice, due to rain, in a community college gymnasium that squeezed in more than 164.
"This is a year we can take a major step," said Schnellenberger at a press gathering prior to practice. "We now believe we can match-up with those on our schedule. A lot of the players have 21 games of experience, not many teams, even at the highest level can say that."
Unlike the first three years of practice where nearly everything was coordinated and orchestrated by the coaching staff, the 2003 squad took to the field with leadership. The incoming freshmen, which were 14 deep, followed FAU juniors who didn't miss a step, picking up right where they left off in spring drills.
The first day of the 2003 season also marked the first time the team has been limited to one practice a day and the first time in the program's history that upper classmen reported the same day as the incoming freshmen.
All players who were expected to attend reported. The three players who missed the spring drills due to back surgery in the fall, participated. Those players were Joel Fosselman (QB), William McDonald (OL) and Dave Richards (OL). Kevin Ketchum who did not under go back surgery but withstood a difficult rehab program is also considered among the three offensive line members who missed part of 2002 due to a back injury.
"The spot to expect the most improvement will be the offensive line," added Schnellenberger. The three who had back surgery feel better than they have ever felt. We will ratchet it up for them and if they can hold up we will have a lot more depth than we have ever had. There is a lot of size with great potential in the five incoming offensive lineman which will also be a great asset."
The players were in helmets only and under NCAA rules will add shoulder pads on Wednesday and will move into full pads on Friday. Practice this week will be from 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. Three-a-day workouts will begin on Saturday.
Players Mentioned
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