Aug. 26, 2010

BOCA RATON, FL - Florida Atlantic University's football team returned to the field and had a full practice uninterrupted by rain.

"It was a good practice today after we missed most of yesterday," said Howard Schnellenberger, FAU's head football coach. "Today, we went back to our basic schedule. The offense picked it up and the defense responded."

The day began with redshirt junior Mickey Groody working on punt drills followed by kick-off return. The team then moved to inside drills and then seven-on-seven. Redshirt junior Curtis Cross made it difficult with a pass break up. Rookie quarterback Steven Curtis hit fellow freshman Marcus Cunningham. Marcus Bartels, the team and Sun Belt Conference leading tackler in 2009, broke another pass just before redshirt senior linebacker Malik Eugene sat in wait for an interception. Nick Bracewell connected with Alex Deleon and then it was safety Brentley Harstad's turn for an INT.

FAU moved into team drills where the offensive line provided running space up the middle for Xavier Stinson. Rob Housler had a big catch as did freshman Tony Moore out of the backfield. Alex Deleon pulled one down near the sideline and held onto it despite being sandwiched between two defenders. Senior corner Tarvoris Hill picked up an interception with a big return during team.

Prior to joining his teammates at the season opening bonfire, sophomore Graham Wilbert got in his normal after practice work with freshman wide receiver Marcus Cunningham and then responded to questions about being named the no. 2 quarterback for the UAB game.

"It was good to know that the hard work paid off," said Wilbert. "It is still a competition. David (Kooi) worked hard as well. I'm sure it was a tough call for the coaches."

FAU football will be back on the Tom Oxley Practice Field at 3:30 p.m. Friday. All practices are free and open to the public. Season tickets as well as single-game tickets are on sale and can be purchased on line or by calling 1-866-FAU-OWLS.