CFN: FAU PREVIEW

[Brad]

2005 PREVIEW: Florida Atlantic Owls

Pete Fiutak / CollegeFootballNews.com

It's all about the new with Florida Atlantic. A new status, a new place in the Sun Belt, and an almost brand new team. The Owls have made the move to D-I and are looking to instantly be a player in the Sun Belt race, but it's going to be a much, much harder road than it would've been last year.

The 2004 Owls were full of veterans able to shock the D-I world early on with wins over Hawaii, North Texas and Middle Tennessee State on the way to a 5-0 record before losing to UL Monroe. Not only does this year's team need to replace almost everyone, most of the new starters don't have a lick of experience. Even so, that doesn't mean this can't be a good first year in the D-I ranks.

The secondary is strong and the corners are fantastic leading what should be a decent defense. The offense is a concern with a small line and almost no proven playmakers among the skill positions. Making things worse is the schedule that doesn't have an Edward Waters, Northern Colorado or Illinois State on it. Don't expect miracles in the first season in D-I, but look for Howard Schnellenberger's team to make some serious Sun Belt noise if all the new young players come together early.

The Schedule: Welcome to D-I. FAU will get blasted by Kansas, Oklahoma State and Minnesota in the first three games before getting UL Monroe in the Sun Belt opener. The key has to be to get the young team some experience before facing the Indians. Making Sun Belt life easier are the next two conference games, UL Lafayette and MTSU, at home, as well as the North Texas game late, but three of the final four games are on the road.

Best Offensive Player: Senior FB Aaron Sanchez. Sort of by default, the do-it-all Sanchez is the best offensive player going into the season as a great run blocker, the team's best power runner, and a strong receiver.

Best Defensive Players: Senior CB Willie Hughley and senior LB Shomari Earls. The two have to be considered best defensive player No. 1 and No. 1A, and they'll be crucial to leading the defense through the early part of the year as two of the only returning starters with any experience and proven talent.

Key player to a successful season: QB Danny Embick. With so much youth and inexperience on offense, the longtime backup has to be a steady force for the attack. If Embick struggles, this will be a brutal season as the rest of the offense won't be able to pick him up.

The season will be a success if ... FAU finishes in the top four in the Sun Belt. That's asking a lot considering all the issues and problems with experience, but there's no reason the Owls can't win most of the conference home games and beat a FIU or Arkansas State on the road.

Key game: Sept. 24 vs. UL Monroe. After getting blasted at Kansas, Oklahoma State and at Minnesota and with at Louisville coming up, the Owls are going to desperately need something positive. A win over a decent UL Monroe team would do wonders for a 1-0 Sun Belt start to provide hope for the second half of the year.

2004 Fun Stats:

- Third quarter scoring: Florida Atlantic 106 - Opponents 45

- Penalties: FAU 113 for 1,017 yards - Opponents 75 for 680 yards

- Third down conversion percentage: FAU 41% - Opponents 27%

Basically ... It could be a long start to the season with almost no experience to rely on anywhere, and even less developed depth. New offensive coordinator, former UTEP head coach Gary Nord, has his work cut out for him. The hope is for a balanced offense needing the super-small line to use its quickness to open up holes for the running game. The receiving corps has some speedy potential and there's some flash in the backfield, but they're going to need a while to get their feet wet. New starting quarterback Danny Embick has been around long enough to be a steady influence.

Star of the offense: Senior FB Aaron Sanchez

Player that has to step up and become a star: Senior QB Danny Embick

Unsung star on the rise: Redshirt freshman WR Frantz Simeon

Best pro prospect: Junior OG Stetson Wilson

Top three all-star candidates: 1) Sanchez, 2) TE Dantson Dareus, 3) Wilson

Strength of the offense: Speed and quickness

Weakness of the offense: Experience

Quarterbacks

Danny Embick has waited forever to become a starter, and now he gets his chance with enough practice and backup experience to hit the ground running. Backup McKinson Souverain needs time to develop, but he's an exciting option with 4.4 speed. The key to the FAU passing game is efficiency; the fewer mistakes, the better.

Player to keep an eye on: McKinson Souverain, RFr. ... Quarterback Rating: 4.5

Projected Starter

- Danny Embick, Sr. - The former West Virginia transfer saw plenty of action last year in a reserve role throwing four touchdown passes and 641 yards last year, but he also pitched five interceptions. He isn't all that big, but he's a more mobile option than former starter Jared Allen and has been around long enough to be considered a veteran even though he doesn't have much in the way of starting experience.

Top Backups- McKinson Souverain, RFr. - Groomed for the 2006 starting job, the lightning fast Souverain is more than just a good runner, he has decent passing skills that need time to develop. If Danny Embick struggles at all, Souverain will be a bolt of excitement when he comes in.

Running Backs

Doug Parker was the offense at times last year, and he certainly was the running game with 227 of the team's 471 carries. The other top tailbacks are gone meaning young, but fast backs like B.J. Manley and Charles Pierre should be able to pick up the slack. Durability will be the main question. Fullback Aaron Sanchez is good enough to be a workhorse and will power the way for the two speedsters.

Player to keep an eye on: B.J. Manley, Soph. ... Running back rating: 4

Projected Starters

- B.J. Manley, Soph. - Manley spent most of his time last year on special teams, but he saw a little bit of work rushing for 83 yards averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He's a quick back who has to prove he can be a workhorse to replace what former starter Doug Parker provided.

- Fullback Aaron Sanchez, Sr. - The 220-pound returning starter to the backfield was a strong blocker and has become the team's best short yardage runner finishing second on the team with 173 yards and three touchdowns. He's a fantastic safety-valve receiver as well with 24 catches for 200 yards and two scores.

Top Backups

- Charles Pierre, RFr. - Pierre spent last year getting used to college life seeing practice time, but he'll be a big factor this season with his speed and home-run hitting ability. Even though he's only 5-9 and 195 pounds, he's extremely strong. He averaged 10.1 yards per carry as a high school senior.

- Fullback Dominick Walker, Soph. - At only 203 pounds, Walker isn't going to be the blocker or the powerback starter Aaron Sanchez is. However, he's fast and could be used in two back sets to use his athleticism. He'll also be used some as a kick returner.

Receivers

This could be the team's biggest weakness early on with the top returning wide receiver finishing eighth on the team in catches. No one else has caught a pass yet. There's good speed and some great potential in Frantz Simeon and Casey McGahee, but they're not very big. Tight end Danston Dareus will have to be a major contributor early as a receiver.

Player to keep an eye on: Frantz Simeon, RFr. ... Receiver rating: 4

Projected Starters

- Tito Pollice, Jr. - The 6-3 Pollice has to be a steady starter after spending the last two years primarily on special teams. He has a little bit of starting experience, but he has yet to make a catch.

- Thomas Parker, Sr. - Parker missed all of 2003 after getting hit in a car accident. He returned last year to make an impact catching 14 passes for 206 yards and a touchdown regaining his status as a deep threat. Now he'll need to lead the young group of receivers and be the go-to guy from the start.

- Tight end Dantson Dareus, Sr. - Dareus overcame a knee injury to be a tough all-around factor making 23 catches for 306 yards averaging 13.3 yards per grab. At 6-5 and 238 pounds, he's a solid blocker as well as a physical receiver.

Top Backups

- Frantz Simeon, RFr. - A good all-around receiver, the 5-9 Simeon has the potential to be the star of the receiving corps in a hurry. He's a must-watch, home-run hitter every time he touches the ball.

- Casey McGahee, Jr. - Used as a kick returner and defensive back, the 155-pound McGahee is a speedy player who could turn out to be a factor as a deep threat now that he moved over to the offensive side. He adds a much needed dose of flash to the receiving corps.

- Tight end Darrion Porter-Isom, Sr. - More of a big wide receiver than a tight end, the 6-2, 193-pound senior will be used as a big target more than a blocker in the running game.

Offensive Line

This will be an issue. FAU lacks size and has no experienced depth whatsoever, but it's an athletic line that hustles. The right side has the bulk, while the left side has the small, quicker players. A rash of injuries would be devastating without any numbers to fall back on. If Stetson Wilson and/or Antes Perkins get hurt, there will be big, big problems.

Player to keep an eye on: Stetson Wilson. ...

Offensive line rating: 3.5

Projected Starters

- Tackle Jarrid Smith, Soph. - One of two returning starters to the line, the 6-2, 258-pound Smith has played center and guars. Because of his size, or lack thereof, he's better suited to the outside where he can use his quickness. He's a good competitor and a nice pass blocker.

- Guard Brandon Jackson, Soph. - The former defensive end will move over to guard to use his strength and tenacity. The problem is his size at only 245 pounds. He's not going to be a bulldozing run blocker.

- Center Nello Faulk, Jr. - The former guard took over in the middle and came through with a strong season. He's only 245 pounds, but at 6-6 is able to use his frame and long arms to be an effective pass blocker.

- Guard Stetson Wilson, Jr. - At 310 pounds, Wilson adds some desperately needed size to the line and is going to be the team's top run blocker. He spent most of his time on defense, but he's needed more in a full-time role at right guard.

- Tackle Antes Perkins, Jr. - Perkins went from 265 to 285 pounds and should be a more powerful all-around blocker at right tackle. He has good feet and should blossom into a consistent starter.

Top Backups

- T Jarrett McDonald, RFr. - At 287 pounds, McDonald is a bigger option on the left side than Jarrid Smith. He's a technically strong blocker who'll quickly make his way into the lineup.

- G Zachary Wichner, RFr. - Able to play tackle or guard, the 260-pound Wichner will be the team's most valuable reserve early on. He'll start out pushing for time behind Stetson Wilson on the right side.

- G Peter Pantelakos, Soph. - While only 235 pounds, the sophomore will need to be a contributor in the guard rotation on the left side behind Brandon Jackson.

Basically ... The defense doesn't have much experience, but it should be good as the year goes on led by a strong secondary with tremendous corners. The front seven has several good young players, but the leader is senior MLB Shomari Earls who'll be a near lock for All-Sun Belt honors. The key early will be to find steady pass rushing threats among the ends.

Star of the defense: Senior LB Shomari Earls

Player that has to step up and become a star: Junior DE Josh Jenkins

Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore DT Jason Flemming

Best pro prospect: Senior CB Willie Hughley

Top three all-star candidates: 1) Hughley, 2) Earls, 3) CB Lawrence Gordon

Strength of the defense: Cornerback

Weakness of the defense: Proven pass rushers

Defensive Line

Experience is a problem without anyone to rely on at any spot, but there should be a decent rotation of players with several good prospects. There's decent size in the middle and good speed on the outside, so the question is time. How long will it take for this group to come together? Last year's line was strong against the run and better at getting into the backfield. This year's front four will need a while to get to that level.

Player to keep an eye on: DT Jason Flemming, Soph. ... Defensive Line rating: 3.5

Projected Starters

- DE Josh Pinnick, Soph. - 14 tackles, 1 sack ... Pinnick turned into a starter early last year, but he got lost in the shuffle at times and wasn't much of a pass rusher. After a year of experience, the 235-pound sophomore needs to grow into a regular in opposing backfields.

- DT Jason Pugh, Sr. - 11 tackles, 1 sack ... Still recovering from a 2003 knee injury, Pugh wasn't quite 100% all of last year and didn't make the impact expected. At 265 pounds, he needs his quickness to make plays.

- DT Jason Flemming, Soph. - 2 tackles, 1 tackle for loss ... Knocked out in the first game, Flemming missed the entire season. Now the 292-pound sophomore is ready to roll and should be one of the Sun Belt's best all-around tackles with good strength to go along with his size.

- DE Josh Jenkins, Soph. - 6 tackles ... The 210-pound sophomore has to use his speed to be a pass rusher. He has the speed and athleticism to become a top playmaker, and he has a little bit of experience seeing time in three games.

Top Backups

- DT Jervonte Johnson, RFr. - At 280 pounds, Johnson provides more size than Jason Pugh at one of the tackle spots. He's a strong interior pass rusher who'll quickly find his way as a factor in the rotation.

- DT Mark Chase, Sr. - Chase lost over 20 pounds due to a bout of mono and missed all of last year. He's back in the mix now and should finally be due for some good luck after a rough start to his career.

- DE Vinny Henderson, RFr. -  The 252-pound redshirt freshman will move around from end to tackle playing wherever needed. He'll start out as a bigger option at one end spot behind Josh Jenkins.

Linebackers

The linebacking corps was one of the team's strengths, and it should be decent in time revolving around Shomari Earls in the middle. There's a little bit of returning experience and some decent looking backups, but it all has to funnel through Earls. Kinyumba Mutakabbir and Cergile SIncere will quickly become top tacklers on the outside.

Player to keep an eye on: Cergile Sincere, Soph. ... Linebacker rating: 4.5

Projected Starters

- Kinyumba Mutakabbir, Sr. - 12 tackles, 1 sack ... Mutakabbir spent two years trying to come back from an Achilles tendon tear and was a solid backup. He's a great athlete who finally appears to be 100% ready to be a strong all-around player on the strongside. He'll be a good factor in pass coverage.

- Shomari Earls, Sr. - 81 tackles, 4 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 4 broken up pass ... One of the team's only returning players with any proven production, Earls led the team in tackles and was a strong defender in pass coverage. He's big enough to be a regular factor against the run, and quick enough to get into the backfield.

- Cergile Sincere, Soph. - 6 tackles, 1 sack ... Mostly a special teams performer, Sincere will use his speed and big hitting ability on the weakside. He's a safety playing linebacker, and runs like it.

Top Backups

- Erik Benson, Sr. - 10 tackles, 1 sack ... A decent backup middle linebacker last year and even better special teamer, Benson provides some much needed experience in a backup role behind Shomari Earls.

- Andre Clark, RFr. - Clark was a tackling machine in high school making 173 stops as a senior. He's a strong player with good athleticism at a 205-pounder on the weakside.

Defensive Backs

The secondary will be the team's strength with two All-Sun Belt caliber corners and a star in Willie Hughley. The safeties were good reserves in the past and should be good starters. There's good depth at corner, one of the few areas on the team with some quality backups, and enough speed and skill to grow into the Sun Belt's best secondary if there's a bit of a pass rush to provide some health.

Player to keep an eye on: FS Taheem Acevedo, Jr. ... Secondary rating: 5.5

Projected Starters

- CB Lawrence Gordon, Sr. - 63 tackles, 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 7 broken up passes ... A strong tackling and experienced corner, Gordon was third on the team in tackles. He'll be tested a bit with Willie Hughley on the other side and he must make more plays when the ball is in the air.

- FS Taheem Acevedo, Jr. - 24 tackles, 2 broken up passes ... Acevedo got the starting nod early in the year, but he couldn't stay healthy and ended up as a strong reserve. He's always all over the field and is a good tackler in run support.

- SS Christian Amaya, Sr. - 16 tackles ... Amaya overcame a torn ACL in 2003 to become a strong reserve as last year went on. While not all that big, the former South Florida transfer has enough experience in the system to be a dependable performer.

- CB Willie Hughley, Sr. - 43 tackles, 6 interceptions, 11 broken up passes ... The star of the secondary, Hughley will be one of the best all-around corners in the Sun Belt with good size and unbelievable athleticism. He's a shut-down corner who'll need to be a steady leader all season long.

Top Backups

- CB Quincy Skinner, Sr. - 29 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 9 broken up passes ... A strong backup and special teamer, Skinner is a great third corner to have in the mix and a quality defender when the ball is in the air. He'll play behind Lawrence Gordon, but will see plenty of action in nickel and dime packages.

- CB Rickey Bethel, Sr. - 3 tackles ... The JUCO transfer saw a little bit of time last year, and will be a quality backup behind Willie Hughley. He's a quick defender who'll be a top special teamer.

- FS David McDowell, Jr. - 3 tackles ... McDowell has battled injuries throughout his career to be a key special teamer. He'll need to be a steady backup behind Taheem Acevedo at free safety.

Special Teams

The kicking game should be decent if Daniel Kenard can come through as a consistent kicker from midrange. Mike Brown should grow into one of the nation's best punters. The return and coverage units need more production.

Special Teams rating: 6.5

- Placekicker Daniel Kenard, Soph. - Kenard is a good-sized kicker with a big leg, but he has some big shoes to fill needing to replace Mark Myers who hit 20 of 28 field goals last year with four getting blocked.

- Punter Mike Brown, Sr. - Brown will be one of the Sun Belt's best punters coming off a big season averaging 41.9 yards per kick putting 16 inside the 20.

With a fresh set of downs…

1st and Ten – One Giant Step for Man, One Giant Leap for the Owls – For many decades, the only college football in the state of Florida was at the supposed ‘Big Three’ – Miami, FSU and Florida.  UCF came into existence in the early 1980s, but didn’t make a splash until some QB named Culpepper arrived in Orlando.  But, that’s only four programs in a state that produces close to 300 Division 1A football players on an annual basis.  Why is this important, and even more so for a school like FAU?  Well, when top notch Florida high school players weren’t recruited by the Big Three or other major ACC or SEC schools, those players ended up going North.  Big Ten schools.  Louisville reaped the benefits (and still does to a degree).  But, the option of going to a viable program within their home state is huge for kids from South Florida, in particular, who now don’t have to go to out of state.  And, don’t think that Howard Schnellenberger isn’t reaping the benefits down in Boca Raton (okay, so is it fair to be going to school and playing college football in that town?).  Having those kids stay home becomes even more important as the Owls venture into Division 1 conference football in 2005.  The rise to success has been a rapid one – a rise that was thought to be reasonable, but, perhaps, not to this degree.  2003 – D1AA semifinals.  2004 – 9 and 3 record, including three straight wins on the road to open the season.  Moving into the Sun Belt conference, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Owls make some major noise this year.  They beat four time Sun Belt champion North Texas in Denton, so what or who’s to say that this team isn’t ready for a bowl game in its first year?  Imagine that, this youthful infant of a football program heading to a bowl game (they started play in 2001)?  That’s one giant leap for the Owls.

 

2nd and Seven – The Natural – When QB Danny Embick was a senior at Dwyer High School, word of his exploits traveled throughout the state.  Everyone in the state knew who this kid was and the natural ability he possessed.  He finally gets his opportunity to take the QB reins, as record setting QB Jared Allen has graduated.  Embick is a much better pass/run dual threat, but he doesn’t have the touch and accuracy that Allen displayed throughout his career.  Regardless, the Natural gets one final shot at collegiate greatness.

3rd and Three – Fire and Ice – The Owls may possess the best duo of CBs in the Sun Belt, and, perhaps, in the entire state.  Returning starters Lawrence Gordon and Willie Hughley don’t leave opponents feeling good when they attack the perimeter.  Gordon is the Fire, the physical star, third on the team with tackles last year, while Hughley is the Ice, the cool corner, picking 14 passes over the last three years.  This diverse duo is more than ready for the best the Sun Belt has to offer through the air, and/or on the ground.      

4th and One – Rush to Judgment – The Owl running game didn’t strike fear into many last year, as they only registered 127 yards per game.  But, this year could be that much worse if the Owls don’t find a replacement for Doug Parker.  The former starter was the running game for FAU, and finding an able bodied replacement is task number one for new offensive coordinator Gary Nord.

Link

[ucfknights04]

I noticed they didn't mention USF in the "First and 10" - as much fun as that is to poke fun at - its a huge oversight on their part.

[Brad]

Right, CFN has not been considered an expert source by Bulls fans.. They are often wrong and omit key points...

Previews on other teams sound good to me because I do not follow them closely enough to know if CFN is full of ___. I am waiting for the USF preview to see if they know anything at all, as I am sure other Bulls fans are...we aren't looking for a rah-rah piece, but something that shows this guy has an idea.  

How do you rate his UCF preview?

[TripleB]

I noticed they didn't mention USF in the "First and 10" - as much fun as that is to poke fun at - its a huge oversight on their part.

What's "First and 10"? I didn't see it on the CFN home page .......

[ucfknights04]

It's in the original article above:

1st and Ten – One Giant Step for Man, One Giant Leap for the Owls – For many decades, the only college football in the state of Florida was at the supposed ‘Big Three’ – Miami, FSU and Florida.  UCF came into existence in the early 1980s, but didn’t make a splash until some QB named Culpepper arrived in Orlando.  But, that’s only four programs in a state that produces close to 300 Division 1A football players on an annual basis.

I thought the UCF article was pretty on point.  He seemed to be giving GOL a little more credit that the norm.  I know he's accomplished a lot, but it was a while ago now.  

4 wins and I think most Knight fans will be happy.  And they should be.  But we didn't get blown out too much last year, and the MAC is a much bigger conference in the trenches normally.  If Moffet is improved and consistant, we COULD push 5 or 6 wins.  But yea, pretty solid write up, and maybe a little over-cheerleader on O'Leary.

[TripleB]

It's in the original article above:

Got it .............. The guy's obviously from down there. Funny how he didn't even lightly touch on the possible attendance problem for going 1-A.

[KNIGHTTIME]

How do you rate his UCF preview?

I think it was pretty fair.  Our players are still really young.   It will take until next season to recover from the loss of all the scholarship players.    Mike Walker will be a great player...Much depends if Moffett can step up at QB.   Adding an extra year of development and added scholarship depth should have some improvements.