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With 2008 in the books, it's time for new players and personnel to step up.
by Briana Bramm, Contributor |
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Jeff Brohm |
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Quarterback coach |
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 Besides having played for a handful of NFL teams, quarterback coach Jeff Brohm played for head coach Howard Schnellenberger at the University of Louisville. In 1993, Brohm played under Schnellenberger in the Liberty Bowl, a game that gave the duo a bowl game victory.
Brohm started his coaching career at the University of Louisville in 2004 as the assistant head coach. He eventually moved up to the school’s offensive coordinator position in 2008 before joining FAU this season as quarterback coach.
Because Brohm worked under Schnellenberger as a player, he has a strong working knowledge of the pro-style offense Schnellenberer is known for, and that knowledge should benefit the Owls offense and quarterback Rusty Smith. |
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Alfred Morris |
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Running back, #32 |
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 Starting last spring as backup fullback, injuries have pushed sophomore Alfred Morris into the position of starting running back this season.
Morris, a former student at Pensacola Pine High School, moved up the depth chart when running backs Jeff Blanchard, Willie Floyd and Avionne Rolle suffered injuries. Blanchard, Floyd and Rolle were all competing for the starting spot.
Morris saw limited action last season, with only four carries for 23 yards. The Pensacola, Fla., native also recorded 10 tackles on special teams but is expected to be the primary running back this season. |
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A look at the stories in the UP's
football preview issue on stands now
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Click the images to download .pdfs |
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Back to UP site |
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| Rod Payne |
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| Assistant coach/Defensive line coach |
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 After being named MVP with University of Michigan, playing with the Cincinnati Bengals and winning a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, new assistant coach Rod Payne is ready to tackle his first year as a college coach.
Payne is stepping into the position this year after being recommended by Kirk Hoza, FAU’s defensive coordinator. Payne spent the last five years coaching high school football in Broward County, and was named the 2007 South Florida Sun-Sentinel Class 3A-2A-1A Coach of the Year.
When asked about the looming Owls season, Payne says, “I’m excited about the opportunity to be on a quality team and to win football games.” |
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| Michael Lockley |
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| Linebacker, #45 |
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 This middle linebacker has already taken part in two bowl games and is enjoying FAU’s success as well as the thought of potentially being in the starting lineup this season.
Currently a junior, Michael Lockley is originally from Orlando, Fla., where he played middle linebacker for Olympia High School. Lockley says he chose FAU because it was close to home and had a program that was building from the ground up.
Lockley began to make a name for himself last season with 11 recorded tackles, including one at University of Louisiana at Lafaygette. He was also a key member of the special teams unit. |
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| Jamere Johnson |
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| Defensive end, #75 |
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 After redshirting in 2007 and seeing action in 10 games last season, defensive end Jamere Johnson is ready to take his place in the starting lineup.
Currently listed as a sophomore, Johnson chose FAU because of the scholarships offered to him and because of head coach Howard Schnellenberger’s impressive track record.
Playing for Wharton High School in Tampa, Fla., Johnson earned all-county honors. Last year he recorded 11 tackles and played an important role on the defensive line when injuries hit. |
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| Dreaming big |
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| The Owls are heading into the new season with many obstacles blocking their way to the top. Despite having lost several key defensive players and having scheduled two daunting away games to start the year, the team is determined to accomplish its goals: winning a conference title and a third bowl game. Read more |
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| Back to work |
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| Whether it’s between colleagues, or when Weather and Climate professor James Gammack-Clark is making comparisons to quarterback Rusty Smith with his candy-throwing in class, at some point this semester you’ll hear all the chatter. Read more |
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| Never getting Rusty |
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| Having already thrown for school records in yards and touchdowns, been named Most Valuable Player in back-to-back bowl game victories, and being considered a hot NFL prospect, it would be easy to see why any college football quarterback would be complacent heading into his final season. Read more |
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| Cleared for takeoff |
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The 2008 Owls’ offense is considered to be one of the best in FAU’s young football history, as they set records and lit up the scoreboard on numerous occasions. Read more |
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| New faces in new places |
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| When the Owls finally storm the field to kick off their 2009 season, fans may need to look twice at their roster sheets to see exactly who the new defensive starters are. Read more |
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