Rusty SmithQuarterback #11Sophomore
Photo Provided by Ralph Notaro
The redshirt sophomore has entered “quarterbacking 202” this season according to Coach Howard Schnellenberger. The same kid that faltered early last season and lost the starting job to Sean Clayton has emerged as the leader of the team and the future of FAU Football. Smith broke nearly every record in the FAU book in the win over Minnesota and secured his place as the greatest QB in Owls history by orchestrating FAU’s greatest triumph. He guides the offense with a steady hand while showing poise and making mature decisions. He is an invaluable asset to the success of the team.
Jason HarmonTight End #88Junior
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The most talented of a young group of receivers, he leads the Owls in receiving yards with 424 and catches with 27. He also has a penchant for making important catches under tight coverage on third down, becoming Smith’s go-to guy in tenuous situations. Harmon’s highlight reel features the “Harmon Hurdle,” executed in the season opening win over MTSU and again versus South Florida. In the “hurdle,” Harmon catches a pass and leaps over a defender that goes for a low tackle.
Frantz JosephLinebacker #56Junior
Photo Provided by Ralph Notaro
The junior outside linebacker leads the team in tackles with 59 and forms an intimidating tag team with senior middle linebacker Cergile Sincere. Joseph covers the whole field and has become an emotional leader in the void created by the loss of senior defensive end Josh Pinnick. Joseph has a sack, an interception and 4.5 tackles for loss, which leads the team. He also leads the team with three fumble recoveries. He is a valuable run stopper behind an often overmatched defensive line.
Corey SmallCenter #26Junior
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Tavious Polo gets all the recognition, but the reason Polo has been able to get all of those interceptions is because opponents try to pick on him. And the reason opponents pick on Polo is because they are afraid of Corey Small, who routinely guards the opposing team’s best receiver. Small has two interceptions of his own and tied a team record with 18 tackles against Kentucky. He has 49 tackles this season, 40 of them solo, meaning he is the last line of defense between the offensive player and the end zone.
