With 501 yards receiving last season, Lester Jean is the Owls' leading returning receiver. (Ralph Notaro photo)
Major reconstruction
FAU isn’t completely rebuilding, but it’s close. The first steps for FAU to prepare for the 2010 season begins with spring practice, where plenty of players will compete for starting jobs.
Originally published on
3/29/2010
by
Marcus Nelson
> Players to watch: 5 players to keep your eye on
> Spring Schedule: Dates, times for workouts
BOCA RATON - There have been other times that FAU has gone through spring drills with so many new players at new positions as they will this year.
For instance, in their first spring practice no player was returning and in 2005, after the first class graduated, virtually every position was open.
But this year’s spring drills, which open Wednesday, may be close to those practices when there seemed to be more questions then answers.
On Wednesday, the Owls will begin three weeks of practices with an entire new offensive line and a defense with a new coordinator and almost every position up for grabs.
So much for a predictable spring.
“We don’t have many incumbents,” said FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger. “But we do have plenty of candidates.”
In addition to replacing all five offensive linemen, the Owls will also feature a new fullback, tight end and wide receiver.
“They need to take a major step in being ready to be starters,” Schnellenberger said. “This is the only time to do it.”
The defense only lost three starters from 2009, but since that defense gave up 453 yards per game and was ranked No. 112 in the nation, the Owls don’t want more of the same.
The biggest change on defense will be at the top with Kurt Van Valkenburgh assuming the role of coordinator after Kirk Hoza was fired at the end of last season.
“We’ll have a different outlook, but there will be some new energy,” Schnellenberger said. “The attitude is, we’re starting over with an emphasis on physical toughness and knowing our assignments.”
FAU Spring Football 2010: Five players to watch
FB Xavier Stinson
Stinson will be counted on to fill the big shoes of the graduating Willie Rose. From what we’ve seen, he’ll be ready. Stinson has been a tireless worker throughout his career, and the hard work should start paying off now. It will be interesting to see how much Stinson, who is a lethal blocker, will be utilized to carry the ball. Whatever role the staff picks for Stinson, he should do well.
LB Michael Lockley
While Lockley lost his starting spot late last season to true freshman David Hinds, he did receive plenty of playing time in the last few games. Lockley performed well enough that he will have a chance to win his spot back in the spring. From what we have heard, Lockley will be prepared this spring and perhaps will benefit from the competition with Hinds, a pretty good linebacker as well.
TE Rob Housler
After red-shirting last season, Housler should come out hungry for his last spring practice. Replacing Jason Harmon and Jamari Grant will be no easy task, but Housler should be up to the task as he prepares for his senior year.
DT Andy Czuprynski
Czuprynski was slowed by knee injury early in pre-season training camp but worked hard to get back on the field and was a factor late in the season. He needs to keep the momentum going and have a good spring where he could replace the departing Josh Savidge.
DE Kevin Cyrille
Cyrille and RB Alfred Morris were the unquestioned stars of last year’s spring drills. Unfortunately, only Morris carried that success into the fall. Cyrille needs to not only come out and have another good spring, but work on his conditioning. He has the physical tools to be a force in 2010 and that starts with having a good spring.
FAU Spring Football Schedule: Schedule of workouts
All workouts are open to the public. Schedule subject to change
Wed. March 31: 3:30– 6:30 p.m.
Fri. April 2: Practice, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Sat. April 3: Practice, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. (First practice in pads)
Mon. April 5: Practice, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Wed. April 7: Practice, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Fri. April 9: Practice, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Sat April 10: Scrimmage, TBA
Mon., April 12: Practice, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Wed., April 14: Practice, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Fri., April 16: Practice, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Sat. April 17: Scrimmage, TBA
Mon., April 19: Practice, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Wed., April 21: Practice, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Fri., April 23: Practice, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Sat., April 24: Spring game, TBA