Owls battle illness
Key FAU players miss workout as home opener vs. ULM approaches.
Originally published on
9/22/2009
by
Marcus Nelson
BOCA RATON – As if Florida Atlantic doesn’t have enough to worry about this week playing its Sun Belt Conference opener, now the Owls are contending with players missing practice because of flu-like symptoms.
Several key players including running back Alfred Morris, wide receiver Lester Jean and tight end Jason Harmon missed practice on Tuesday as the Owls began preparation for Louisiana-Monroe, the Owls’ opponent on Saturday.
“It’s circulating around,” said FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger. “So we are trying to be a field hospital - like a MASH unit and get those guys well on time.”
Schnellenberger said he didn’t know if the players had symptoms consistent with Swine Flu, but expects the ones that are sick to recover quickly.
“I am real worried about it but we are doing everything that’s possible,” Schnellenberger said. “I’m not sure if it’s the Swine Flu or not because we can’t tell the difference, but it doesn’t last long. It’s the ones that get sick on Thursday or Friday…”
FAU also practiced without tight end Jamari Grant and Xavier Stinson, who have ankle injuries.
Attention to defense: In a break from his normal routine, Schnellenberger spent a large portion of the practice watching his defense working out.
“I was interested to see what their emotional situation was and how demoralized – if they were demoralized – they were,” Schnellenberger said. “I explained to them we have been in this situation every year about this time. We have been here.”
PracticeBrowser: A look at Tuesday’s practice
Making plays: Running back Avionne Rolle had a good practice running with the first team in place of RB Alfred Morris, who was sick. Rolle has rushed for 10 yards on seven carries this season, but had 149 yards on seven kickoff returns.
Stepping up: True freshman LB David Hinds is running with the second-team ahead of Tony Walding and is picking up the defense rapidly.
Instant message: “We have to be absolutely confidence in what we do so we can play without thinking and turn it all loose. If we do that we’ll start intimidating our opponents and start being a much better defense.
- FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger on the mindset of his defense
Worth a Re-Tweet: One player that has made a huge leap in the last few weeks is WR Avery Holley
- From Twitter post during practice. Follow us at Twitter.com/FAUOwlAccess