Aug. 28, 2010

BOCA RATON, FL - Florida Atlantic University's football team hit the practice field minutes before the FAU bell tolled noon. The early practice time provided weather conditions that tested player resolve.

"It was a hot day and that is good because we got a good sweat," said Howard Schnellenberger, FAU's head football coach. "All the times that I have played in Birmingham, AL, no matter the time of day, it has been hot."

The Owls began practice with punt and kick-off work and then moved into indo and inside work. Seven-on-seven took on a new twist with the scout team facing the FAU ones and twos.

Senior fullback David Muniz began the day with back-to-back receptions while freshman Nick Bracewell hit Mason Hamilton twice versus the FAU ones. Freshman Stephen Curtis ran the keeper and followed the next play by hitting his receiver on stride. Redshirt-freshman Chris Jackson took advantage of the holes created by the line for several big runs.

On the field featuring the offensive ones Graham Wilbert hit senior wide receiver Lester Jean and tight end Darian Williams. Alfred Morris, a preseason Sun Belt Conference pick, had a big run. Davie Kooi had the longest pass of the day hitting freshman Marcus Cunningham 40 yards down field.

Mickey Groody handled the punt duties during the punt blocking drills. "We spent more time on the kicking game as you may have perceived out there," add Schnellenberger. "I am hopeful we are setting ourselves up to have an edge in the kicking game."

FAU football will be back on the Tom Oxley Practice Field at 3 p.m. Sunday. 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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting1-866-FAU-OWLSend_of_the_skype_highlighting.