Florida Atlantic Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up

Spring summary

The biggest question entering the spring centered around the quarterback position. FAU has three players battling for the spot and by the end of spring no decision had been reached.

Melvin German will likely be atop the depth chart when fall camp opens, but he is still working to overcome academic shortcomings and his spring game included two interceptions. Quez Johnson is right behind – and those two seemed to have separated a bit from Stephen Curtis. It was Curtis, though, who led the offensive to its only score in the spring game.

The offensive line remains an issue for the Owls, but the defensive line appears to be much improved. They are bigger and stronger, which should allow them to control opponent’s running game much better.

The defense as a whole should be improved, but it’s not deep. Some of the incoming freshmen may quickly work their way onto the two-deep.

Potential breakout players

Defensive end Martin Wright has set a goal of 16 sacks this year. He’s added bulk without losing speed and has been unblockable during the spring.

Whether it’s Melvin German or Quez Johnson running the offense, they will have many weapons. A strong and deep wide receivers unit will give whoever emerges as the starter the ability to have a breakout season.

Linebacker Randell Johnson has an NFL body and NFL speed. If he can stay healthy he should be one of the better linebackers in Conference USA.

Sophomore cornerback Cre’von LeBlanc has terrific ball instincts and should pull down his share of interceptions. He had one in the spring game.

Position group grades 

QB – Inc   FAU still doesn’t know who will be calling the signals.

OL – Inc   A couple of spring injuries caused some line shuffling. Potentially a problem unit all year.

WR – A-    The deepest unit on the team. Sophomore William Dukes could be a star.

RB – C    Plenty of serviceable players but no real standout right now. They need the line to improve.

TE – A-    Great pass catchers. Blocking is coming along. May be the best tight end group in C-USA.

DL – C    Much improved. Still young and inexperienced. Could easily be a B+ by the end of the season. Regression seems unlikely.

LB – B    First team is “A” quality, but the unit lacks depth.

DB – B   The secondary didn’t give up as many big plays this spring. Was that their strength or QB weakness? CB Keith Reaser could have big year. Incoming JUCO S Marc Mauro could start immediately.

Are there any “surprises” we can expect?

In some ways it’s a shame that FAU is moving to Conference USA for the 2013 season. FAU should be a much better team than last year’s 3-9 squad, but its record may not show it because the Owls will be facing a tougher schedule.

FAU will go as far as the quarterback and offensive takes it. The offensive line needs to be better than is showed in the spring or it will be another long year. If the line can pass protect, one of the quarterbacks should be able to make plays with his arm and his legs. There are brief glimpses of an exciting offense, but the Owls aren’t there, yet.

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Chuck King of FAU Owl Access provided the information for our Florida Atlantic Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up. For more FAU football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Chuck on Twitter @FAUOWLACCESS.

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