Florida Atlantic University’s football team held its second spring practice on March 19, with area high school players observing from the sidelines as the Owls continued their preparations for the upcoming season.
The session marked another step in the team’s off-season training, with position coaches and most support staff present. Players practiced in helmets and shorts, with full pads scheduled to be introduced on Saturday. Temperatures were in the 70s, prompting regular reminders for hydration and nutrition.
Defensive Coordinator Brett Dewhurst said, “It’s obviously early…It’s day two of spring ball, but it’s really practice 12 for us. We get 10 of those OTAs [organize team activities] in the winter, we only had six of those last year. That whole part is just teaching, it puts you ahead so you can hop into spring ball quicker. There’s still a lot to be determined, but at least we have our base schemes in and now it’s more of finishing and who can go make plays.” Dewhurst also highlighted the importance of continuity among staff and returning players: “It starts with what you hear Coach (Zach) Kittley talk about all the time, just continuity with the staff, not losing any full-time coaches on defense and the majority of our support staff is back as well… You’re hoping you always upgrade, it’s just the consistency of trying to find better and our job as coaches is to replace the guys that are starting and their jobs as players is to not get replaced, that’s where competition always occurs.”
Special Teams Coordinator Tyler Schovanec commented on player adjustment during early practices: “I think it’s going great. The good thing is we still have some continuity… so it helps when you have veteran guys like that who can come in and they kind of understand what it’s like to be in a college program.” Schovanec emphasized special teams’ significance: “We want to be aggressive; we’re an extension of our offense… Those guys really understand the importance of that and that comes from Coach Kittley and his importance on special teams… It’s an investment in themselves to be great on special teams.”
Redshirt senior linebacker Joseph Sipp explained his decision to transfer: “For my last year, I wanted to be somewhere in Florida, somewhere in the hometown with my family and they can come to more games. FAU came first to me in the portal, so I always believe in trust and trust in the guys who believe in you first.” Redshirt senior kicker Collin Rogers added about making use of opportunities: “It has been something that I learned throughout my career: taking full advantage of every opportunity I’m given… If it’s a long field goal, short field goal, whatever it is, just do my job and that’s it.”
Looking ahead, Florida Atlantic will introduce pads at its next practice session. The team also announced its annual Ladies Night event for April 23 at Schmidt Family Complex. Season tickets for 2026 are now available through FAUSports.com/tickets.
