Boca Raton, FL.- Over the years, South Florida has been dubbed one of the hotbeds of football. Every year, elite talent from our region shines in the spotlight of the brightest lights, whether it’s on the high school, NCAA or professional level.

With that being said, there’s one phrase that’s frequently used almost every game, striking both energy and fear into the hearts of fans, players and defensive coordinators across the state: BLURRRRR

When a Wide Receiver “Blurr’s” a Defensive Back, that means the DB let up a massive momentum swing play, usually resulting in a large gain or score. Hearing Blurr across the stadium has become a staple of South Florida football, especially at the high school level or on the 7on7 circuit.

Recently, Palm Beach County’s hometown squad, Florida Atlantic University, hired former Texas Tech Offensive Coordinator, Zach Kittley to become the 7th Head Coach in program history. Despite currently standing as the youngest HC in NCAA FBS football (33), Coach Kittley already boasts a more than impressive resume. Kittley began his coaching career as a Graduate Assistant at Texas Tech, working closely with future NFL MVP, Patrick Mahomes. In 2018, Coach Kittley secured his first coordinator job, taking over the Offensive Coordinator job at FCS Houston Baptist.

During his three season stint at HBU, Coach Kittley began implementing his pass-first “Air Raid” offense, turning a bottom tier FCS squad to one of the most elite units in college football. Prior to the 2021 season, FBS ball came calling, as Coach Zach Kittley took the OC job at Western Kentucky.

While serving his first FBS Offensive Coordinator stint at WKU, Coach Kittley’s Hilltopper offense was must watch TV every Saturday. Western Kentucky’s offense, led by QB Bailey Zappe, exploded onto the scene, recording just 6,000 yards of passing offense and 62 touchdowns on the year, leading FBS Football in both categories. Following that electric season, Kittley returned to Texas Tech, where he’s served as the Red Raiders’ OC until just a few weeks ago.

As for Florida Atlantic, the Owls’ offense was subpar during the two year Tom Herman administration. Last season, FAU recorded a less than ideal 397.6 yards per game and 25.9 points per game, with the Owls’ two primary offensive weapons, WR Omari Hayes and RB CJ Campbell Jr. entering the Portal at the conclusion of the year. The Owls desperately needed to rejuvenate their offensive firepower, and Coach Kittley and co. are setting the foundation for a very strong rebuild.

Since landing in Boca Raton, Zach Kittley and his staff have been hot on the recruiting trail, solidifying and strengthening verbal commitments before National Signing Day (Dec 4), while sending shockwaves through the Transfer Portal. It should come as no surprise that the biggest point of emphasis for the Owls’ recruiting processes have been an offensive reload.

For FAU’s 2025 HighSchool Recruiting Class, the Owls signed a loaded group of local star receivers, including: 3-Star Jade Card (Miami Norland), 3-Star Branden Hoch (St Thomas Aquinas, Ft Lauderdale), 3-Star Mykel Claxite (Dr. Philips, Orlando), alongside 3-Star TE Tamez Young (Robinson, Tampa). All four of these star wideouts provide massive big play potential every time they get hands on the football. Joining the freshman flock of Owls is a nice backfield duo of 3-Star QB Jordan Magwood (Carrollwood Day, Tampa) and 3-Star RB Ethan Ervin (Buford, Georgia). Magwood’s natural athleticism provides even more offensive upside, being lethal in both the run and pass game, which is crucial in the modern age of College Football.

While FAU had a strong high school signing class, Kittley and the Owls have been cooking up in the Portal. Quarterback was a big position of need for the Owls, losing all three signal callers Cam Fancher, Kasen Weisman and Tyriq Starks to the Portal. Coach Kittley reloaded the QB room, convincing Weisman to pull his name from the Portal, and signing former Western Kentucky gunslinger Caden Veltkamp days after playing in the 2024 Boca Raton Bowl (hosted at FAU). Veltkamp wasn’t the only former ‘Top to come to Paradise, as WR Easton Messer became an Owl just hours later. Finally, FAU secured commitments from former Utah WR Damien Alford, former Virginia WR JR Wilson and former Colorado WR Assad Waseem.

Caden Veltkamp is more than capable of leading a high flying offense. Last season, Veltkamp and the WKU offense finished inside the Top 20 across FBS football in both Passing Yards (3,108, 19th), and Passing Touchdowns (25, 18th).

With the addition of the trademark Kittley “Air Raid Offense” (now dubbed the “Boca Blurr” (started and trademarked by yours truly)), paired with elite veteran and rookie offensive talent, FAU has legitimate potential to rejuvenate a less than desirable offense into becoming one of the top offenses in College Football very soon.

Cover Photo Credits: Clay Williams, FAU Football Creative