Long hike back
After missing most of training camp with a knee injury, redshirt freshman center Jimmie Colley was back with the starting unit on Friday.
Originally published on
8/27/2010
by
Marcus Nelson
BOCA RATON – When FAU starting center Jordan Sessa went down with a knee injury in the first week of training camp the Owls turned to his backup, redshirt freshman Jimmie Colley.
Colley wanted to make the most of his opportunity, but instead didn’t make it through a whole practice before he went down in one of the final plays of the workout.
“It got to me pretty bad,” Colley said. “When I was running with the 2s I didn’t feel into as it much, but when I started practicing with the 1s everything just clicked. That made it even more frustrating to go down so late in practice.”
Colley was working with the starting unit in Friday's regularly-scheduled situational scrimmage for the first time since being hurt and was excited to be back.
“I have to get my legs back under me because I haven’t practiced for a few weeks, but I felt pretty good out there,” Colley said. “I’ve been watching film so I could make the right calls.”
With Colley back at center, FAU’s offense avoided many of the mistakes with the exchange that had plagued the Owls as they tried to find a replacement for him and Sessa, who is out for the rest of the season.
“Just talking to the guards next to me they said everything went smoothly, especially as far as getting the calls and getting up to the line,” Colley said.
Schnellenberger said Colley looked rusty, but has a chance to work his way back into the lineup.
“It’s great to have him back as a candidate and he was our No. 2 candidate going into this fracas,” Schnellenberger said.
Colley is confident he will be able to be ready in time for the Owls’ opener at UAB on Thursday.
“I’ll be good for the game,” Colley said. “I’ll do whatever it takes to get ready. Physically I felt fine, and I‘ll get more mentally into it the more I’m out there.”
The Situation: The Owls went through their traditional situational scrimmage on Friday which lasted nearly 140 plays including special teams plays.
Schnellenberger was pleased with the scrimmage, the last dress rehearsal before preparing for regular game-week practices until facing the Blazers.
“The kids held their composure and focus for about half of the event and then it diminished after that” Schnellenberger said. “But human beings are human beings and we’re working on the focus factor.”
Quick Hooters: The Owls return to the practice field at Noon on Saturday. …FAU wide receiver Avery Holley who had a hamstring injury earlier in camp, missed the workout. …Left tackle Sam McCroy, who left Thursday’s practice early, also didn’t practice.
Practice report: What we saw at Friday’s practice
- Making plays: If SS Brian Sirmans can’t crack the defensive rotation, he may be able to make his mark with special teams. He had a nice block of a punt as the Owls worked on the kicking game during Friday’s regularly-scheduled situational scrimmage.
- Stepping up: DT Dino Cox led a steady pass rush and even recorded a rare safety as the defensive line had a solid day in the scrimmage.
- Instant message: “With the exception of some of the kids giving in to fatigue and monotany, it was a pretty good day.”
- Schnellenberger