Football Returns to the Practice Fields to Begin 2021 Preseason

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Friday's first day of Florida Atlantic University football's preseason camp was the first opportunity for the 2021 squad to come together in full under the guidance of second-year head coach Willie Taggart.

Coinciding with practice opening, the 2021 camp roster – which may be fluid throughout the next couple of weeks – is online. Fans will also notice that, numerically, it begins at No. 10, as players will have to "earn" single-digit numbers throughout camp.

Sideline Celebrations

The first would-be score of the day was when N'Kosi Perry found BJ Alexander for a beautiful over-the-shoulder connection. During his run, Alexander exceeded the 20-mph threshold as well
On the other field, Ja'Marquis Johnson hauled in a tipped pass for a pick-six interception
Unsurprisingly, South Florida weather hit not long after, causing a 28-minute delay where the fields were cleared due to a heavy downpour
Returning outside, Perry was quickly accurate on the longball again, this time connecting with Jefftey Joseph for a wide-open score down the left sideline
Late in the sessions, "Smoke" Romain Mungin came away with a contested interception, ripping it away from the targeted receiver, and tapping a toe down before going out-of-bounds
On back-to-back plays, the shine was on the defensive side of the ball. Zyon Gilbert knocked down an outlet pass intended for a running back, followed by Jaylen Joyner recording a non-contact QB stop
One of the final snaps of the day saw Michael Johnson, Jr. hit Brandon Robinson in stride over the middle for a first down and more

Taggart's Take

The mood of the day:
"That first day is like Christmas for us, or say New Year's. Training camp, everybody's excited. You've got 100 All-Americans out there on the first day in helmets. You know the energy was good by everyone … I thought we got some good work in."

As you go into your second season, what are you looking forward to the most in 2021?
"I'm just looking forward to getting back to playing, and playing together. Now that we understand each other a lot better, going into this season compared to last season. I didn't know all of our players' names going into (last) season and that was tough … I know all of our guys' names now, they know me, and we know each other. Coaches, I think we take that for granted too. Last year, we didn't get a chance to really gel as a new staff because of COVID. This year, we were able to do that. We were able to have spring ball and go through those kinks that you usually go through. I just feel like we're better positioned than where we were last year, overall as a staff, as a team and as a family and knowing each other. It's tough to go to battle when you don't know guys well enough."

On earning a single-digit uniform number:
"You've gotta be a 'dude' to wear a single digit … I know growing up, single digits was the thing to have. We're going to make that something our guys earn, and represent the right way. When teams play us, and they go on the field, they know that guy is a dude … he's one of the guys that's going to be exciting to watch and you gotta keep your eyes on (him). We don't want a single digit sitting on the sideline. They will be awarded (at the end of camp), but they have to earn it. We're not giving things out anymore. You gotta do something to get something. You gotta do the work."

Video Highlights

Photo Gallery

Gallery: (8-6-2021) Football 8-6 Practice

What's Next

The first opportunity to view practice and talk to coaches and players this preseason – for approved media that have RSVP'ed – will be this upcoming Monday, Aug. 9. Media members will need to email Katrina McCormack at kmccormi@fau.edu to request access, as well as request coaches/players to interview.

2021 Season

The Owls open up the 2021 campaign on the road on Saturday, Sept. 4, in Gainesville against Florida. The home opener is the following Saturday, at 3:30 p.m., hosting Georgia Southern. For more information on season tickets, call 1-866-FAU-OWLS or visit HERE. Single-game tickets will go on sale next week.

Also scheduled for opening weekend at FAU Stadium is the Coach Howard Schnellenberger Celebration of Life, to be held the night before the game against GSU, Friday, Sept. 10, from 5-8 p.m.

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