Gainesville, FL.- Last night was an event most of the Florida Atlantic faithful would like to forget, as the Owls were trounced 66-21 on the road by the Florida Gators.

It was the first time that Florida Atlantic had given up over 60 points to their opponent since the 2018 season opener at Oklahoma, when Kyler Murray and the Sooners dropped 63 on the Lane Kiffin led Owls. While many casual fans will look at the box score and chalk last night up as a complete failure, let’s take a brief moment of clarity to highlight one of Florida Atlantic’s newest play makers whose name you’ll hear plenty this fall.

Wideout Kelby Valsin was Florida Atlantic’s big fish addition out of the transfer portal this off-season. The 6 foot 2 pass catcher departed Texas Tech and took his talents to Boca Raton. In his first game suited up for the Owls, Kelby shined, recording 10 catches, 92 yards and a touchdown. Valsin did it all for Florida Atlantic, serving as a lethal weapon in quick game, while also stretching the field vertically.

Valsin nearly doubled his career total from his tenure as a Red Raider last night. During his time in Lubbock, he recorded 6 catches, for 53 yards and no scores in two seasons of action.

Last night, Kelby Valsin appeared in 87 snaps for Florida Atlantic, and made the most of every opportunity. Valsin was targeted 14 times, coming down with 10 grabs. Of his 14 targets, 7 came against Florida’s primary boundary corners, Ben Hanks III (5 targets) and J’Vari Flowers (2 targets), with Kelby racking 6 grabs for 53 yards and a score. In coverage against Kelby Valsin, Ben Hanks boasted a team low 52.8 coverage grade, and Flowers being graded at a 62.4 (per ProFootballFocus)

Following the game, Florida Atlantic Head Coach Zach Kittley had praise for the senior wideout, stating the following:

“Kelby’s a stud, and it was just a matter of time for him to get his opportunity.“

As Florida Atlantic moves on to preparing for their Week 2 battle vs Conference opponent Navy, their biggest test of the season is officially behind them. Kelby Valsin proved last night that he can handle the production of a feature pass catcher on the outside, complementing perfectly with slot-out Easton Messer.

He’s done it against one of the best secondary’s in the game. Now, it’s onto American Conference play.