April 4, 2005

Boca Raton, FL - The Florida Atlantic football team took the field on the fourth day of spring practice with a goal of seeing improvement, and they succeeded in that regard. Playing against a basic front in ideal weather conditions, the offensive line was given extra reason to succeed, and for the most part it did.

"A lot of young guys on the offense have a lot to learn, and they've been going against one basic defense, so that gives them the best chance to look good," head coach Howard Schnellenberger said. "They looked sharper than they did on Saturday, particularly in the Oklahoma drill and in some of our other group work. We're starting to determine who the bulls are."

Still, sophomore defensive lineman Josh Pinnick really made the group work at times, shedding blockers and disrupting running plays with his penetration. He stood out for the fourth straight practice and will be counted on to lead the defensive line into the fall.

"He's got a really high energy level, and that's why he just can't seem to put any weight on," Schnellenberger said. "He'll be a good player, and he's going to be a leader on the team."

The Owls practice again Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. The FAU Athletic Department and coach Fred O'Connor will again provide beverages and refreshments for interested fans in the Founder's Lounge at the Tom Oxley Center. This service will be provided Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 4:00 p.m., and all fans are encouraged to attend.

Notable: Working in pads for the second straight practice, today's session mirrored Saturday's in structure, with several hitting drills and some scrimmaged plays. Sophomore Chad Wilkes had the best hands of the receivers today with several nice grabs. Senior Danny Embick completed several good passes, including a beautiful post to senior wide receiver Darrion Porter-Isom over the outstretched arms of a linebacker.

Injuries: Junior wide receiver Casey McGahee struggled off the field after a rough landing on a deep incompletion, but was fine running patterns later in the day. Offensive lineman Peter Pantelakos' injured foot is now classified as a high ankle sprain, and he may not make it back onto the field by the end of spring drills.