MIAMI – FAU looks to capitalize on last year’s success by taking advantage of its spring football circuit.

One way the Owls are doing that is by having some of their practices off campus. This isn’t a new concept for FAU, as the reigning Conference USA championship squad energized their fan base with a practice last weekend at the Orange Bowl Field in Broward County.

On Saturday, the Owls did it again. But this time it was at Hadley Park in Miami.

Head coach Lane Kiffin is determined to take his show on the road.

“It’s good to practice in different areas,” Kiffin said. “Obviously for recruiting, but also for player’s families to come see them. It’s also good for our own guys because it’s a change of scenery.”

Great, good, bad, or indifferent, after almost every play head strength and conditioning coach Wilson Love screams “Execute!” after every play. FAU did just that today.

The Owls have a high level of energy, and it doesn’t seem to have any ill effects of their spring grind. Being that it’s only one week away from the spring game, coaches have lots of energy as well.

The defense got off to a fast start and were complete ball hawks early on in practice. It’s evident that the Owls defensive backs have great communication.

Prior to every defensive snap, adjustments were being made and no one seemed to miss a beat.

FAU’s defensive back corps looks efficient and their field communication is superb, which is probably one of the main reasons the core has been so successful this spring.

“We haven’t seen a deep ball in almost eight weeks,” FAU defensive back Ocie Rose said jokingly. “They don’t take those 50/50 balls on us anymore.”

The entire FAU defense was hitting on all cylinders during the first team period by harassing the quarterback and shutting down the run game early and often.

Defensive lineman Hunter Snyder has been versatile this spring, switching off from being a defensive tackle to his primary position at defensive end. In today’s scrimmage Snyder was able to record two sacks and put pressure on the quarterback.

“I’m just trying to get off the ball and rush,” Snyder said. “We have a good offensive line. I just kept coming and broke free a few times.”

Snyder elaborated on what he’s done to improve his game.

“I’ve been working on my moves like my get off and defeating offensive linemen’s hands,” he said.

Snyder touched on the progress of FAU’s defensive line unit.

“I think we’re going to have a great year,” he said. “We’re a little young, but we’re going to keep learning.”

FAU quarterback De’Andre Johnson’s arm looks great. He threw with authority late in practice on a long bomb to Jovon Durante, which gave the offense some much-needed momentum.

Johnson spoke on his progress as he gets back in the groove of things after being sidelined for some time due to injury.

“The arm is definitely feeling good,” Johnson said. “It’s a lot stronger and getting back to where I was, and accuracy has improved.”

FAU running back Devin Singletary was limited during Saturday’s practice and didn’t participate in the scrimmage period.

Backup running back and Dwyer High School alum Gerald Hearns took full advantage of his time getting first team reps. Hearns scored during the goal line period on a short pass from Johnson and ran hard the entire practice, which is a testament to his superb conditioning and game-day look.

“It was a great opportunity to come out here with a lot of intensity, coming in with the first, second, third, and fourth-string offense,” Hearns said. “I have a big opportunity here going into my redshirt senior year. I took advantage by understanding the offense better. It’s my duty to come out here and be an asset on the team by knowing defensive schemes and helping the offense line up.”

Hearns credited Love and Kiffin’s fourth quarter program by calling it a “blessing”.

“I’m not worried about touchdowns and yards,” Hearns said. “I’m worried about making sure I keep a low pad level, staying square, and making sure I can execute the calls when I’m looking at the signals. I’m just thankful for this opportunity.”

Despite the offense struggling today and coming on late in practice, Kiffin was pleased with the team’s practice overall.

“The defense made some big plays today,” Kiffin said. “Overall the team had really good energy today.”

FAU’s energy is almost infectious as fans and alumni marvel at the team’s attitude and pure competitive spirit. They will get to see all that one more time at FAU’s spring game, which is held on Saturday, Apr. 21 with a 4 p.m. kickoff time at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton.