BOCA RATON, Fla. – As the Florida Atlantic University coaching staff gets more comfortable with the players, and with the NCAA acclimation period complete, the Owls have started to add additional time to full team practices.
 
Opportunities among the position groups continues, as does the opportunities for contact and battles between receivers/defensive backs, linebackers/running backs and between the offensive and defensive lines.
 
With the defense recording takeaways on Tuesday, the offense can expect an additional focus on ball protection for Thursday's practice. Offensively, LaJohntay Wester collected nearly every ball that he was targeted and Javion Posey had diving catches and beat his defenders. Defensively, Dwight Toombs II made the quarterbacks pay with an interception.
 

Co-Defensive Coordinator Brandon Harris/Cornerbacks
On returning year two and the benefits of continuity between he and the players.
"It has been wonderful. I'm blessed to pretty much bring my entire group back from last year. Last year, we grew a lot as a unit. We spent a lot of time together. A lot of guys, it was their first time in a position room. A lot of guys were switched from other positions. A lot of guys were transitioning from not playing as much previous years to become full-time starters. We got to grow together, I thought that was fun. It was real important to me that we kept everyone in place, come back and be in place for a second year. It was a huge advantage to know the guys and for them to know and trust me. I have had to spend less time on them getting to trust me. We know what to expect and the expectations that I have for the unit and we are just excited to play again."
 
Thoughts on first week of practice.
"Physical. That is the first word that comes to mind and that is what we needed. The guys are competing well. Sometimes the offense gets the best of us. Sometimes the defense gives it to them. But, all in all it is fun competition. Everyone is being physical. We want to be a physical team and after the first couple of practices they realize when you step on the field to play at Florida Atlantic, you better be physical."
 
Junior CB Justin McKithen
Can you talk a little about the team since January?
"One thing I would say is our group is a lot closer as DBs specifically, defensive unit also. We were close last year, but since we have the whole group back, most teams do not get that, we are pushing each other every day to get better and better."
 
What area are you working on?
"Playing the ball. Me specifically, coming from a receiver, I like to score touchdowns so whenever I touch the ball, I would like to score a touchdown, not only me but my teammates too. Every time we get the ball we are looking for the endzone because nothing is better than scoring a touchdown for our whole team."
 
Senior CB "Smoke" Romain Mungin
On how much the game has slowed down for him since his freshman season
"It has slowed down a lot, but there are still things that I have to critique myself on. I'm enjoying practice. It is way more fun especially with the new guys and the ones from last year. It is bringing us together."
 
'Iron sharpens iron.' Can you talk about going up against the deep wide receiver room?
"It has actually helped a lot. We, as a corner group, are going against all different types of receivers. They are giving us different types of releases, different types of get offs. Right now, we are focusing on getting up front and staying square and work on the techniques that Coach [Brandon] Harris gives us."
 

The "Spring Game" is scheduled for Saturday, April 15 at 12 p.m.
 

Click HERE
 
Note: Broadcast outlets and kick-off times will be announced later this Spring. All games can be heard on Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida.
 

Fans can purchase tickets for the 2023 season, the first in the American Conference, by calling 1-866-FAU-OWLS or by going online HERE. For more ticket information click HERE.
 

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