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Florida Atlantic University Athletics
8/12/2024 12:48:00 PM | Football
BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic football team enjoyed a Sunday away from the practice fields but returned to work Monday morning with corrections and a full slate of practice, the first this fall at the Schmidt Family Complex.
The pace remained the same as the squad becomes more and more accustomed to the August South Florida heat. During the team sessions, the Owls worked on team situations, then moved into red zone work and two-minute drills.
On the safety room
"Since I've been here, this is probably the most talented group we have had. I'm going to start with Jayden Williams, he is taking the game to the next level. I'm excited to see what this year will bring for him."
On what he expects out of the safeties
"Verbal communication, getting guys lined up, and just eliminating explosives."
On building off the scrimmage
"The things that we need to work on from that scrimmage we went over today in our individual period."
Redshirt Sophomore DB Jayden Williams
On transitioning to safety
"It has been extremely tough, but I accept the challenge because my coaches trust me enough to put that pressure on me. I just take it as a complement and continue to work, continue to study my plays, because that's where it starts, it starts in the playbook. I try to harp on our guys that we have to study and get into our playbooks. I accept the challenge and I love it."
On which of his skillsets translates to safety
"My physicality, my fearlessness. I feel like I have good ball skill, so when I'm back there and reading the quarterback, I can make more plays on the ball."
On seeing the game as a safety
"You are able to see the whole field, the motions, and everything that's going on. You are able to read the quarterback, so you have more freedom to make plays. As a safety, you are basically the leader of the backend. The two safeties back there really run the whole defense. It starts with us and it trickles down to the linebackers and the D-line. It's a big role, but it's a role we take pride in."
Junior DB Phillip Dunnam
On his transition to FAU
"The transition feels good. I'm comfortable. I like everybody around here. They make me feel like family like I'm at home."
On what he brings to the program
"I'm going to lay it all out on the line for the other ten guys around me. I'm going to do my job to the best of my abilities; I'm a competitor, and I want to win. I'm ready to get started with the guys around me."
On facing different offenses
"I like to see all types of looks. Coming out of the same look as a defensive back, if you have football intelligence, you know what play is coming, so it's good to see all types of different looks."
Freshman Safety C.J. Heard
On his mentality entering camp
"I came here wanting to train like a 10-year vet[eran]. When you are a freshman, you don't have chances to mess up if you want to play early. Every day, I'm in a routine. I wake up at 4:30 a.m., brush my teeth, read my bible, stretch, and get in my boots. I stay on a disciplined routine throughout camp, and it has helped me keep progressing."
On taking first-team reps
"It was a grind for sure. I have really good guys in the room with me. It was a grind, just staying disciplined, doing my job, and not trying to do too much. Just doing your job is going to get the job done. Some guys try to do too much sometimes, but coaches keep telling me to do my job, and everything is going to fall in place."
On DB veterans, he is looking up to
J-Will [Jayden Williams] and Daedae Hill. When we're on the field, they make sure I over communicate because if you over communicate at DB, it's harder to bust coverages, so it makes my job easier by over communicating."
Gallery: (8-12-2024) Preseason Practice #11
Recent alumni and Florida Atlantic faculty/staff can access discounted season tickets as low as $50. To learn more, submit your info HERE or visit HERE to make a purchase today.
VIP group experiences with discounted tickets are available now, including pre- and post-game field access, halftime team tunnels, fundraising opportunities, and more. If you have a group of 15 or more who are interested, sign up HERE.
FAU Alumni and Community Engagement will host two away events. The first is October 19th, when the Owls travel to San Antonio to face host UTSA. The second will be before the November 16th game versus Temple in Philadelphia. For more information, email alumni.affairs@fau.edu.
The pace remained the same as the squad becomes more and more accustomed to the August South Florida heat. During the team sessions, the Owls worked on team situations, then moved into red zone work and two-minute drills.
QUOTABLE
Safeties Coach Derrick GibsonOn the safety room
"Since I've been here, this is probably the most talented group we have had. I'm going to start with Jayden Williams, he is taking the game to the next level. I'm excited to see what this year will bring for him."
On what he expects out of the safeties
"Verbal communication, getting guys lined up, and just eliminating explosives."
On building off the scrimmage
"The things that we need to work on from that scrimmage we went over today in our individual period."
Redshirt Sophomore DB Jayden Williams
On transitioning to safety
"It has been extremely tough, but I accept the challenge because my coaches trust me enough to put that pressure on me. I just take it as a complement and continue to work, continue to study my plays, because that's where it starts, it starts in the playbook. I try to harp on our guys that we have to study and get into our playbooks. I accept the challenge and I love it."
On which of his skillsets translates to safety
"My physicality, my fearlessness. I feel like I have good ball skill, so when I'm back there and reading the quarterback, I can make more plays on the ball."
On seeing the game as a safety
"You are able to see the whole field, the motions, and everything that's going on. You are able to read the quarterback, so you have more freedom to make plays. As a safety, you are basically the leader of the backend. The two safeties back there really run the whole defense. It starts with us and it trickles down to the linebackers and the D-line. It's a big role, but it's a role we take pride in."
Junior DB Phillip Dunnam
On his transition to FAU
"The transition feels good. I'm comfortable. I like everybody around here. They make me feel like family like I'm at home."
On what he brings to the program
"I'm going to lay it all out on the line for the other ten guys around me. I'm going to do my job to the best of my abilities; I'm a competitor, and I want to win. I'm ready to get started with the guys around me."
On facing different offenses
"I like to see all types of looks. Coming out of the same look as a defensive back, if you have football intelligence, you know what play is coming, so it's good to see all types of different looks."
Freshman Safety C.J. Heard
On his mentality entering camp
"I came here wanting to train like a 10-year vet[eran]. When you are a freshman, you don't have chances to mess up if you want to play early. Every day, I'm in a routine. I wake up at 4:30 a.m., brush my teeth, read my bible, stretch, and get in my boots. I stay on a disciplined routine throughout camp, and it has helped me keep progressing."
On taking first-team reps
"It was a grind for sure. I have really good guys in the room with me. It was a grind, just staying disciplined, doing my job, and not trying to do too much. Just doing your job is going to get the job done. Some guys try to do too much sometimes, but coaches keep telling me to do my job, and everything is going to fall in place."
On DB veterans, he is looking up to
J-Will [Jayden Williams] and Daedae Hill. When we're on the field, they make sure I over communicate because if you over communicate at DB, it's harder to bust coverages, so it makes my job easier by over communicating."
VIDEO RECAP
COMPLETE SCHEDULE
Click HERE.TOUCHDOWN IN THE TROPICS
Get ready for a night of tropical elegance at "Touchdown in the Tropics" to support the upcoming Florida Atlantic University football season and its student-athletes. Join us at the Boca Marriott on August 22, 2024, from 6-9 PM at 5150 Town Center Cir., Boca Raton, Florida 33486. Doors open at 5:30 PM. Indulge in amazing food, enjoy live music, and hear from Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Tom Herman. This tropical casual affair promises a fun and unforgettable evening as we kick off the season in paradise with your hometown team. All proceeds from this event directly benefit our FAU football student-athletes. For more information, click HERE.ON SOCIAL
Scrimmage One goes to the Defense!😤#TriCountyTakeover#WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/2X4AiXQauc
— Florida Atlantic Football (@FAUFootball) August 10, 2024
HIGHLIGHTS
- Nicolas Venezia collected a pass and had his scoring hopes dashed at the two-yard line
- CJ Campbell Jr. recorded a TD reception, followed by a Cam Fancher keeper
- Zuberi Mobley walked into the end zone while Wyatt Sullivan collected a pass in heavy traffic for a score
- Lawrence Johnson recovered a fumble before Jayshon Platt scored
- Zeke Moore opened the two-minute drill session with a diving catch followed by a leaping Jayden Williams interception
- Tyriq Starks found Milan Tucker 20-yards downfield while Leon Washington Jr. worked his way open for the scrambling QB
MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY
Florida Atlantic's football home opener is set for Saturday, Sept. 7, at FAU Stadium versus Army West Point. The Owls will celebrate Military Appreciation Day as the Black Knights come to Boca Raton. For more information, click HERE.PHOTO GALLERY
SEASON TICKETS
2024 season tickets are available for as low as $75. To purchase season tickets, click HERE.Recent alumni and Florida Atlantic faculty/staff can access discounted season tickets as low as $50. To learn more, submit your info HERE or visit HERE to make a purchase today.
VIP group experiences with discounted tickets are available now, including pre- and post-game field access, halftime team tunnels, fundraising opportunities, and more. If you have a group of 15 or more who are interested, sign up HERE.
FAU Alumni and Community Engagement will host two away events. The first is October 19th, when the Owls travel to San Antonio to face host UTSA. The second will be before the November 16th game versus Temple in Philadelphia. For more information, email alumni.affairs@fau.edu.
BROADCAST
Television outlets are listed on the schedule page. Wire-to-wire radio coverage will air on Fox Sports South Florida 640 AM. Ken LaVicka and FAU alum Chris Newbold will have the call, while Mike Mreczko will host the pre and post-game with added on-field coverage by FAU and long-time South Florida television personality Frank Forte. To listen live, click HERE.FOLLOW THE TEAM
Stay informed by reading FAUSports.com or through football's Twitter and Instagram accounts @FAUFootball.
Players Mentioned
DB
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QB
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DB
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CB
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RB
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TE
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WR
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QB
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TE
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WR
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DB
/ FootballSaturday, October 17
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