Florida Atlantic University's first student-run news source.

UNIVERSITY PRESS

Florida Atlantic University's first student-run news source.

UNIVERSITY PRESS

Florida Atlantic University's first student-run news source.

UNIVERSITY PRESS

Unfamiliar faces

Despite two consecutive bowl victories, FAU’s football team sees this season as a pivotal one for the program as they make the transition into a new academic year.

Expectations are up for the Owls this season, but they’ll be relying on a defense with many new faces.
“Almost every group we’ve had in past school years has raised the bar. I don’t think we’ll rest on our laurels,” says defensive coordinator Kirk Hoza.

Hoza will be in charge of a unit that will have nine new starters on opening day.
“That’s going to determine where we’re at and how far we get. It’s the maturation of those kids,” he said on April 4 after the team’s first scrimmage.

To boost the defensive line’s production, the Owls have brought in Rod Payne, who played on the 2001 Super Bowl-winning Baltimore Ravens, as the new defensive line coach. He brings a much-needed toughness to a group that recorded only 4.5 sacks last season.

The line will also feature Western Michigan transfer Kevin Cyrille, who had to sit out last season per NCAA regulations for transfer students. Cyrille amazed spectators at the April 4 team scrimmage by harassing the quarterback all day long and constantly being in the backfield.

Quarterback Rusty Smith, a junior, returns along with his favorite target, tight end Jason Harmon, but all the talk was about Cyrille.
“I can’t wait to see [Cyrille] out there,” says Smith. “He has everything.”

The Owls are trying to win their second Sun Belt Conference title in three years, but they’ll have to avoid another slow start. They open the season at Nebraska and then travel to South Carolina to battle legendary Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks.

Linebacker Yourhighness Morgan, a freshman, says he is ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
“It’s a new, young athletic team, and we’re anxious because we play big teams and we want to win,” says Morgan.

Defensive coordinator Kirk Hoza says he is optimistic about the season but wary about the amount of youth on defense.
“From a leadership standpoint, experience breeds confidence,” says Hoza. “If we can get these players to play at their highest potential, then we can lay our heads down at night and feel good about ourselves.”

The Owls will host their first spring game on April 18.

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