MIAMI – With FAU’s offense struggling in a non-tackling scrimmage held at a park near where he played youth football, wide receiver Pico Harrison called his unit together to deliver a message.
“I told them we’ve got to go out and make the plays,” Harrison said. “If we ain’t doing nothing, the offense isn’t going to go anywhere.”
FAU’s defense gave its offense fits on Saturday at Hadley Park in the Liberty City neighborhood of Miami.
Well into the scrimmage the defense had scored as many touchdowns, two, as the offense had, thanks to a scoop-and-score fumble return by Ernest Bagner off a botched snap and a Pick 6 by Savion Harris on a pass scout team QB Conner Miller threw perfectly to him.
Playing without quarterback Jason Driskel, who spent the scrimmage in uniform but on the sideline for an undisclosed reason, FAU’s offense gained some traction in the scrimmage’s second half.
Working with the second team, Daniel Parr set up the offense’s first TD with a deep connection to Ladante Harris, who was pushed out of bounds a tad shy of the goal line. Toward the end of the scrimmage Parr hooked up with tight end Harrison Bryant for a two-yard touchdown that came one play after Bryant’s diving fourth down catch extended the drive.
Parr spent most of the scrimmage with the second team, but did lead one drive inside the 10 with the first team before turning the ball over on downs.
Afterward Parr said that offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, “told us that as far as the execution and the pace he thought we did a really good job today.”
Coach Lane Kiffin was not present at the scrimmage. A spokesperson said he was attending a funeral.
De’Andre Johnson and the first team clicked late, with Johnson using his legs to reach the end zone. Quarterback Steven Frank even got into the act with a 70-yard touchdown pass to Nate Terry, who split two defenders to make the catch about 25 yards down field, then outraced the secondary.
“We just kept battling, we kept fighting,” Johnson said. “In the game, it’s not winning after the first quarter, second quarter, first half; it’s winning after the fourth quarter or overtime. Keep fighting. Keep bouncing back. Keep battling adversity and just not give up.”
But, for the most part, the defense still owned the scrimmage, which played out infront of former Owls Martin Wright and Andrae Kirk, members of the Miami community – including rapper-turned-youth football liason Luther Campbell, who helped organize the event – and plenty of the current player’s family members.
“My uncles, my brothers, my mom, sisters, nephews, everybody’s out here. Cousins, everybody,” said Ocie Rose, who’s from Florida City and played high school football at nearby Booker T. Washington.
HARD KNOCKS at the OX – Saturday’s Practice Report
Photo Gallery: More Shots from Saturday’s FAU action on our Facebook page. Don’t forget to “Like” us!
Making Plays: Pico Harrison did more than talk on Saturday. His leaping, one-handed catch across the middle proved pivotal in a long Daniel Parr-led drive. …Koral Smith chased down Kerrith Whyte, who had gotten behind the defense, and punched the ball out of Whyte’s grasp for a turnover. Smith also made a tremendous diving interception on a deep ball. …Quarterback Conner Miller hooked up with wide receiver Ronald Patterson for a big gain.
Tracking the Depth Chart: With linebackers Rashad Smith and Khantrell Burden sidelined for undisclosed reasons, Hosea Barnwell drew the start next to Azeez Al-Shaair. …Antonyo Woods went to the sideline mid practice, elevating Richard Williams to first-team center.
Newcomer Watch: As good as Savion Harris’ Pick 6 was, his one-handed interception in the end zone that prevented a touchdown was even better. …The defense wasn’t tackling, but freshman linebacker Akeleis Leroy blasted running back Gerald Hearns in the hole, knocking Alexander off his feet.
Instant Message: “It was fun seeing a different type of crowd out here other than the crowd that you will see in Boca Raton or other neighborhoods. It just felt like practicing at home – a Pop Warner practice, a high school practice. It felt real good coming back home and practicing.” – FAU safety Ocie Rose on practicing in Miami.
Leave a Reply