BOCA RATON – The run by Daniel Parr was rather unspectacular, like most of the 25 plays that preceded it.
The two-yard designed scamper around the right side followed by a dive into the end zone capped a 99-yard drive that featured 26 plays and may have been the most emphatic point made yet that the FAU quarterback race isn’t any clearer two nearly weeks into camp than it was when camp opened on July 27.
“A 26–play drive? I didn’t know that was possible to do,” FAU coach Lane Kiffin said.
With Jason Driskel looking on but not taking turns in team drills, Parr worked with the second team on Tuesday for the third time in five practices.
“I think he has good command of the offense,” Kiffin said. “I think he has good touch on the ball. He’s very accurate. I’m seeing a lot of good things.”
Driskel missed Thursday’s practice to take an exam. He didn’t participate in Saturday’s scrimmage for reasons undisclosed.
After working with the first team on Monday, Driskel was back with the second team on Tuesday.
“I think he reactivated what it was,” Kiffin said. “I think it will be fine tomorrow.”
Parr, a redshirt freshman who started one game last season, missed all of spring practice after undergoing foot surgery, giving Driskel, last year’s starter, and Johnson, a JUCO transfer and former Florida St. player, a head start heading into fall camp.
If Parr hasn’t completely caught tat duo, he’s at least closed the gap enough to give the appearance of a three-way quarterback battle.
“I don’t think he’s ever had a bad day,” Kiffin said. “He’s played really well. He seems to not get rattled.”
One thing is certain: If Driskel misses any more time, Parr is prepared to pounce.
“He’s right in the mix of this thing,” Kiffin said.
HARD KNOCKS at the OX: Tuesday’s practice report.
Making Plays: Nickel Herb Miller stepped in front of D’Anfernee McGriff to intercept a pass at the back of the end zone during WR/DB drills. …Nickel Quran Hafiz went through Willie Wright to pick off a pass, returning it for a score. …Defensive tackle Ray Ellis sacked Parr. ….James Brunson hung on to pass despite being rocked by Kris Harris on a crossing route. …J’Quan Napier batted down a pass intended for DeAndre McNeal. …Korel Smith got his hand between Pico Harrison’s arms to break up a long pass. …James Pierre picked off a pass on a deflection.
Tracking the Depth Chart: With the linebackers battling injuries, Khantrell Burden worked as the sole linebacker in the Owls’ dime package.
Newcomer Watch: Former Florida St. linebacker Kain Daub officially reported to camp on Tuesday, splitting time between linebacker and defensive end. …DeAndre McNeal batted a ball to himself while in traffic, catching the ball as he hit the ground in the end zone for a score during the seven-on-seven drill. The rate of spectacular plays from McNeal has slowed in recent days. “I think he’s hit a little bit of a wall,” Kiffin said.
Instant Message: “I think we have an abnormal amount of drops for what I’m used to being around – especially with our receivers. They body catch too much. We need to emphasize using their hands.” – Lane Kiffin addressing the amount of dropped passes thus far.
I backed Parr last year when he didn’t get a fair look. I’m glad Kiffin is actually giving him a chance. I trust Kiffin’s QB choice 10x more than last years coaches. Still think Parr is the guy for the job.