Upcoming Event: Football versus Friday Night Showcase on April 17, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
Football
vs. Friday Night Showcase
Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Receivers Shine at Football’s Saturday Practice
8/8/2020 2:11:00 PM | Football
BOCA RATON, Fla. – When you see an outstanding catch made to look easy, your first thought is "Wow." When you see it a second time, you begin to take notice. When you see it a third time – You Believe.
Newcomer LaJohntay Wester and the Florida Atlantic University receivers had that kind of day at Saturday's football practice. The receivers provided one highlight clip after another. Defensively, the Owls continued to cover their man and made the quarterbacks want the pass back or at least question their decisions. After individual drills and nearly an hour of 7-on-7, the skilled players gave way to the lineman and their scheduled portion of the day.
Sideline Celebrations
- The first pass of the day was broken up by Korel Smith, seemingly setting a tone, and the second play saw the defense recover a fumble along the sideline. It looked to be a long day for the Owls' offense
- John Mitchell turned that thought around with a diving catch across the middle for a 25-yard gain and then it became a day for the highlights
- Mitchell's diving catch was followed by a 50-yarder collected by BJ Alexander, then by Wester's first nice catch of the day, also a 50+-yarder
- Senior receiver Willie Wright kept the defense honest with a catch and run
- Jordan Helm, who continues to be a vocal defensive leader, recorded his second pass breakup of the day
- After a defensive shift, the fresh legged Owls held tight coverage forcing the play to end
- The Owls broke for water, then returned to the field and continued with their quarterbacks sharing snaps, this time seeing Justin Agner first in the rotation. Agner twice opted for BJ Emmons for his outlet pass
- Senior Caliph Brice recorded an interception
- TJ Chase caught a pretty pass that floated over his shoulder into his waiting hands and mimicked the same play about six snaps later
- Ashton McNeal broke up a pass, nearly had an interception and would have had a clear sideline to travel
- Jordan Merrell met the ball at its height to out-jump his defender for a goal line catch
- The next play saw the defense blanket the receivers for a no pass
- Coaches called the last play, and the final play was the nicest of the day, with Wester ripping the ball of double coverage for the score
Defensive Outlook
RS-Jr. Ahman Ross (Linebacker/"Owl" position)Last season the defense was one of the best in the nation for creating turnovers. How do you keep that momentum?
"We just continue to emphasize turnovers every day in practice. We know we have the mentality of taking the ball away. We just want to maximize as many opportunities as possible to get the offense back the ball."
What are your impressions of the defense with new players and a new defensive coordinator?
"I'm a fan of the defense. As a defensive player you like to switch it up. You don't like doing the same things. As long as we get different looks and calls, everything is working out."
Senior Zyon Gilbert (Safety)
What is the environment at practice and how does it compare to this time the year before?
"Practices are really competitive, really intense (and) fast-paced. The only difference is that we probably would have been in pads by now…but we are probably going to hold off with the pads until further notice. Everything has been going great. Everything has been going good. Everyone is trying to get back into the grove of things and trying to stay safe."
Do you anticipate your role stepping up to a larger role?
"I just have to come in every day stay focused, listen to the coaches, try to be that leader for the young guys. We have a lot of young guys with us right now, during this camp period. (I'm) just trying to give those young guys a great role model to look up to and to become the best player they can be."
Video Highlights
Tickets
Tickets for the 2020 season are on sale and can be purchased by calling 1-866-FAU-OWLS or online HERE.
Players Mentioned
QB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
LB
/ Football
CB
/ Football
S
/ Football
CB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
WR
/ Football
OLB
/ Football
CB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
WR
/ FootballDominique Henry Mic'd Up
Saturday, April 04
Practice #8
Thursday, April 02
Wilky Denaud Mic'd Up
Tuesday, March 31
Inside the Owls Burrow 2025-26 Spring Show #6
Monday, March 30