It’s been just over four months since FAU Football touched the grass as a team. This morning the Schmidt Center practice fields were buzzing, with whistles firing and music blaring as players donned their helmets once again to begin preparations for the rapidly approaching 2025 playing season.
Today was also the first time Zach Kittley (photo right above, Rick Henderson) led a team into fall camp preparation as a Head Coach. He was busy in the background, watching units and paying particular attention to the quarterbacks during individual drills. And there were some fiery words from coaches early as players began to settle back into disciplined routines they had not participated in for a spell.
The heat was another matter with temperatures approaching record levels. But in the end, Kittley thought it was a great start overall.
“I thought it was a good day. Extremely proud of us pushing through (the heat)”, said Kittley. Those first few days are some of the toughest, you’re in good shape and call run 100’s and shuttles back and forth but that football conditioning is a little bit different. We protected the football and had no turnovers, which is always positive.”
He also went on to celebrate that the team was able to do some things earlier than expected – a welcomed plus – before shifting in to a direct comparison of the execution ability of one of his former teams Texas Tech to that of his new one in that of Florida Atlantic.
“Maybe some stuff that you were going to put in on day four or day five install we bumped to day one”, explained Kittley. “There were some plays that I was really good at at Texas Tech that we just aren’t quote as good at here. But there are also plays that we are a lot better at here that I couldn’t quite get right at Texas Tech.”
Real Recognize Real
Florida Atlantic Football is celebrating 25 years as a program. Kittley will be the first to tell you that he would not be where he is without those who have come before. And it was of no surprise that in his humble nature that is how he opened his inaugural press conference while taking time to honor both Howard Schellenberger and members of the FAU Football Team.
“I’m a big believer in being thankful for the people that came before you that set the standard of what the football program is supposed to be like”, Kittley said. “Twenty five years ago Coach Schnellenberger coming up with an idea to start a football program here is really cool. I just want to honor everybody from the past, coaching staff, and players – everybody that had their fingerprint on the program.”
Standouts from Today
Kittley mentioned some players in particular that stood out in the team portion of drills, mentioning defensive lineman Wilky Denaud, wide receiver Asaad Waseem, and running back Gemari Sands in particular. Denaud is expected to give the Owls production this season on the edge, while Waseem should offer speed and flash ability at Z receiver. Of course those who recall last season’s finale at Tulsa already know what Gemari Sands is capable of in the rush game. The Owls will be looking to significantly improve in their pass rushing ability this season, so Denaud’s progress as camp progresses is of particular note.
Easton Messer runs through an individual drill, photo Rick Henderson
Natural Born Leaders
With every roster turnover, and even coaching changes, there are shifts in those who can be counted on and who rise to the top to push their peers in the direction of success. This year is no different, and Coach Kittley rattled off a fairly significant number of players who have caught his eye in this department including: QB Caden Veltcamp, DL Bryce Langston, OL Alex Atcavage, DB Derrick Rogers, LB Tyler Stolsky, D Windol Philord, WR Easton Messer (photo above), and DL CJ Doggette.
Fortunately, it is very likely that all of the aforementioned players will be focal points of future camp sessions. But from an immediate standpoint both Atcavage and Rogers are potentially slated for Day 2.
Up Next
It won’t be much cooler for the team at the Schmidt Center for Day 2 of fall camp, as temperatures are expected to continue to produce a heat index of 108’+ by the close of practice. The Owls will remain in helmets and shorts as they continue the equipment acclimation period towards their first fully padded session on Tuesday, August 5th.