Could this Spring be a "Rebuilding" Spring?

At 3:30 today Florida Atlantic football players will take the practice field in preparation for next season looking for some answers.

After missing a bowl for the first time in three years, Florida Atlantic finds it’s self in a position where they are looking to rebound. The question is though, has too much been lost?

Gone is almost the entire offense which was very productive last season. The defense returns a group of players that finished 112th in total defense last season giving up a school record 651 yards in one contest.

Fortunately head coach Howard Schnellenburger doesn’t have a bare cupboard. Senior QB Jeff Van Camp and Sun Belt leading rusher RB Alfred Morris both return to an offense that finished second in the conference. A new defensive staff is in place with the hiring of defensive back coach Dick Hopkins, who brings 30-years of coaching experience to the staff.

On the offensive side of the ball, the biggest question will be how well the offensive line can perform. OT Troy Niblock is the only real player bringing experience to the line. Finding another receiver to compliment senior WR Lestar Jean will also be a priority which places pressure on senior wideout Avery Holly.

Defensively, there are questions everywhere. New defensive coordinator Kirk Van Valkenburgh has to find answers for a linebacking corp. that looked lost at times last season. Look for senior LB Michael Lockley and sophomore David Hinds to battle it out for a starting position.

Young players and senior leadership will need to step up for the Owls if they hope to receive a bowl berth next Fall and there is no better time than over the next month of spring practice.

Look for 4th and Long to bring you some spring football coverage over the next month starting today.

-A. Ivins