FAU quarterback Jeff Van Camp (12) is protected by his offensive line during practice last week. (FAUOwlAccess.com photo)
Van Camp likes his line
FAU quarterback Jeff Van Camp said the Owls offensive line has improved from the way it was playing early in training camp.
Originally published on
8/30/2010
by
Marcus Nelson
BOCA RATON – Florida Atlantic’s offensive line has made progress in the pre-season and will be ready when the Owls open their season Thursday vs. UAB at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala.
At least that’s the opinion of the player who needs the protection of the line the most. Senior quarterback Jeff Van Camp says the Owls offensive lineman have come a long way from the first scrimmage when even learning the plays was difficult.
“The guys are picking up on all the offensive line calls,” Van Camp said. “Which is great because during the first scrimmage nobody could get the calls right. They are doing a lot better. They are learning everything and they are going be great. A couple of games in, they will all be veterans.”
But FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger is trying to bring along the line slowly.
“The offensive line is young, so we have to keep it simple,” Schnellenberger said.
When pre-season training camp started, Van Camp said he thought the offensive line, which lost every starter from last season, would progress quickly and that’s just what happened, he said.
“They have made a huge amount of improvement and I can’t say enough about them,” Van Camp said. “A lot of those guys haven’t played yet, so they are pretty excited.”
Despite the bumps along the way, most notably the Owls using six centers during training camp due to injuries, Van Camp thinks the line will be up to task.
“We had some injuries, but we had a lot of guys step up and everybody’s making progress,” Van Camp said. “Especially at the center position. We aren’t having those fumbles snaps or bad snaps lately. We’ll be fine on Thursday.”
Quick Hooters: The Owls held a light workout in shorts and T-Shirts on Monday and will be without pads on Tuesday before leaving Wednesday for the season-opener.