April 7, 2008

The Florida Atlantic University football team returned to practice on Monday as the countdown begins to the Owls' spring game on April 19. The practice was in full pads and, in terms of format, more closely resembled a regular season practice than some of the previous workouts this spring season.

Monday's practice was more focused on improvement of the offensive and defensive sets. Individual unit drills started off the workout, with Head Coach Howard Schnellenberger working with his offensive line unit on individual blocking technique. The first unit got more reps on offense today during seven-on-seven drills as well as in the team scrimmage. Rusty Smith and the offense showed marked improvement, as Smith looked sharp in the team portion, hitting Chris Bonner twice on short routes, and then finding Conshario Johnson for a decent gain. William Rose was praised by his coaches after he threw a block which cleared the way for DiIvory Edgecomb to see a big gain.

The defense continued to work on improving after Saturday's good output in the spring season's first scrimmage. Defensive Coordinator Kirk Hoza stressed getting two hands on the ball to make a play after George Allen and Frantz Joseph nearly came away with interceptions during seven-on-seven drills.

FAU continues spring practice on Wednesday, April 9 at 3:30 p.m. outside the Tom Oxley Center. All practices are free and open to the public. The Owls will practice on Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's the next two weeks. Saturday, April 12, FAU will hold their second scrimmage of the spring at 2 p.m. outside the Oxley Center. The scrimmage is free and open to the public. On April 19, join the defending Sun Belt and New Orleans Bowl champion Owls for the eighth annual spring game at 2 p.m. at the FAU track and field complex. Enjoy a sneak preview of the Owls 2008 season, complete with an interactive area for the kids, memorabilia surplus sale, and a special appearance from the FAU cheerleaders and Owsley the mascot.