FAU’s spring game is in the books. While spring games do not mean everything, they do mean something.
For new head coach Tom Herman, a spring game gives him a chance to assess the change of culture at FAU as well as the direction of the football program.
“One major goal from us coming into spring practice was to learn how to practice”, Herman said. “I think through 15 opportunities, we definitely did that. I hope the people here that have seen previous teams have seen the change in physicality, the change in effort, and a change in just the ability to love each other, to play for each other… put yourself aside and play for the guy next to you.”
The spring game also gives players, of course, a chance to acclimate to a new program, including the weather in Boca Raton, Florida.
New FAU quarterback, Daniel Richardson, is a Central Michigan transfer and the projected Owls starting quarterback. Richardson had to say the following after his three touchdown performance:
“The weather was great. It was a great experience. A different group of guys. Being back in my hometown… it was a blessing”.
Speaking of being back in his hometown, Richardson is the all-time passing leader in Miami-Dade County.
Anyway, Richardson looked pretty good. We have seen him make plays in practice, but the spring game finally showcased his skill in a game setting.
Richardson had an ultra efficient afternoon, completing 18-of-22 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns. This included a 29-yard touchdown pass to WR Je’Quan Burton (his only catch of the day) and a 44-yard touchdown pass to TE Jackson Sumlin, who finished with two catches for 68 yards.
WR Jymetre Hester was also productive, recording four catches for 87 yards and a touchdown.
Overall, the spring game showcased a lot of productive wide receivers. 10 different FAU receivers had over 20 receiving yards.
The spring game didn’t only showcase the receivers. FAU’s running backs were impressive.
Larry McCammon III averaged 6.5 yards per carry, recording 10 rushes for 65 yards and a touchdown.
Kobe Lewis, the Purdue transfer, was even better, recording 89 rushing yards on only 12 carries. Lewis was the Boilermakers third-string running back last year, but he projects to be FAU’s lead back next or behind McCammon.
Sophomore RB Glover Cook III was also dominant, recording 51 yards on nine carries.
Daniel Richardson spoke about the Owls’ talented running back room postgame:
“I feel like all of our running backs can start anywhere, any place. We have four-headed, five-headed monsters… all of our running backs are great, they are going to be great for us this season”.
FAU’s red team won 42-17 over team white. FAU’s three quarterbacks (Richardson, Ballard, and Starks) played on both teams throughout the game.
Like Richardson, Ballard threw for three touchdowns, showcasing his accuracy while throwing for 223 yards.
Tyriq Starks also threw a touchdown, meaning that every quarterback that played got on the scoresheet. Starks made an impressive play towards the end of the game, throwing a dime to BJ Alexander.
Simply, all three quarterbacks made mistakes, but they all had their moments, too. In addition, there were no interceptions in the game, so that is a good sign for the offense, but maybe not the defense.
FAU’s star defensive player was Jarrett Jerrels, who recorded 12 tackles. The only drawback from this year’s spring game was the lack of effort from team white’s defense, giving up 42 points.
Anyway, the spring game is in the books. Hopefully FAU fans got a good look at what’s to come for this program and specifically the new transfers in Richardson and Lewis.
To say the least, it was an entertaining day that gave FAU fans plenty to be excited about.
