When the Owls finally storm the field to kick off their 2009 season, fans may need to look twice at their roster sheets to see exactly who the new defensive starters are.
Long gone from FAU are regulars such as linebacker Frantz Joseph, who was second in the nation in tackles last season, cornerback Corey Small and defensive lineman Michael Hancock, leaving a heavy burden on the shoulders of the incoming starters.
The new faces expected to step in include defensive end Kevin Cyrille, a transfer from Western Michigan University who had a productive Spring Game, linebacker Michael Lockley and cornerback Tavious Polo. Lockley played under Joseph’s tutelage the past two seasons and is ready to show he can have just as big an impact, while Polo, who struggled in 2008 after being named a freshman All-American in 2007, wants to prove that his initial season was no fluke.
With so many new players as starters, the defense will need to gel quickly. The season opener is a Sept. 5 road game against the Big 12 Conference Nebraska Cornhuskers in Lincoln, Neb. Two weeks later, the Owls hit the road again to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks and legendary head coach Steve Spurrier.
With leaders like Joseph gone, going on the road for consecutive games against teams from major conferences will present quite the challenge. The few experienced defensive players remaining will have to step up and provide leadership if the Owls are to avoid an 0-2 start.
“Leadership is critical for a young team. Our schedule is strong, with the first two games against Nebraska and South Carolina, and you have to have leadership from the veterans to guide the younger players,” says Kirk Hoza, FAU’s defensive coordinator.
Hoza mentioned defensive tackle Josh Savidge as one of those leaders.
“Josh is a four-year starter and we’re blessed to have him back this season,” says Hoza. “He is a guy [who] leads by example on the field.”
Savidge and the rest of the defensive linemen will have the opportunity to learn under new defensive line coach Rod Payne, who played in the NFL from 1997 through 2002 and won a Super Bowl as a member of the Baltimore Ravens in 2001.
“He is a great coach because he breaks down our technique and coaches us on how to be mentally tough,” says Savidge.
The Owls could use Payne’s NFL experience, as their defense ranked a dismal 112th out of 119 teams nationally in quarterback sacks in 2008.
A player being looked at to provide the defense with more sacks is Kevin Cyrille. The redshirt sophomore is listed at 6’ 4”, 275 pounds, and is expected to have a big impact in 2009.
At the linebacker position, Michael Lockley has some big shoes to fill since he is replacing Frantz Joseph, the face of the defense last season. Lockley played behind Joseph for the past couple of years and is ready to get on the field and make an immediate impact.
“I just want to be a team player and do whatever I can to help the team win,” says Lockley, who will also get help from senior Edward Bradwell in leading the linebacking corps.
At cornerback, three-year starter Tavious Polo is not a new face, but he does have something to prove. Polo was named a freshman All-American in 2007 after snatching seven interceptions, but in 2008 he only managed one.
“I think Tavious was a much better football player in 2008 than 2007, but a couple other players stepped up at [cornerback] last season,” says Kirk Hoza. “Sometimes early success can be a challenge, but Tavious sets high goals for himself and his effort is outstanding.”
If Polo and the rest of the Owls’ young defense can accomplish some of their goals and impress in their first two games of the year, then perhaps fans will not need their roster sheets for the home opener against University of Louisiana at Monroe on Sept. 26.
New faces in new places
Young defense looks to impress in 2009
Published: Monday, August 24, 2009
Updated: Tuesday, August 25, 2009
 "Photo: UP file photo")
UP file photo
Michael Lockley
 "Photo: UP file photo")
UP file photo
Kevin Cyrille
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