Lane Kiffin is about to learn the composition of his second recruiting class at FAU. Follow all the signings and the disappoints – should there be any – on OwlAccess.com. We’ll be tweeting the latest news. Below the Tweet Box we’ll list FAU’s 2018 signees along with some pertinent information about them.
FAU 2018 Signing Class
Armani Adams CB (5-11, 180), St. Petersburg-Lakewood – Only made one official visit, and that was to FAU. At one point was an Arizona commit. Thirteen of his 72 tackles as a senior went for loss. “He can play strong safety. He can play corner. He can play nickel.” – Lakewood coach Cory Moore
Zack Bennett C (6-3, 280) Arizona Western CC – Kansas and UCLA showed late interest in Bennett. Saw a lot of himself when watching the way All-Conference USA guard Roman Fernandez played last season. Has two years of eligibility plus a redshirt season remaining. “I think FAU, right now, is putting me in the best position to go to the NFL.” – Bennett
Malcolm Davidson RB (5-10, 180) Kissimmee-Osceola – One of the fastest running backs available this recruiting season. Mostly an outside runner, rushed for more than 3,000 yards and 38 touchdowns over his final three seasons despite being limited by a rib fracture as a senior. Chose FAU over East Carolina, UCF and Kentucky. “Really quick. Has a strong lower body. Runs through a lot of tackles. Great breakaway speed.” – Osceola coach Doug Nichols
Meiko Dotson CB (5-10, 190) Garden City CC – Primarily a corner, Dotson began his career at Georgia Tech, where he recorded two tackles before transferring to Garden City. Dotson’s four interceptions in 2017 tied him for No. 18 nationally at the JUCO level. “I felt like that was the best spot to prepare for the next level.” – Dotson via text message.
BJ Emmons RB (6-0, 230) Hutchinson CC – Former Alabama running back, left the Crimson Tide after one season. Played that 2016 season under offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin. South Carolina and Louisville were serious suitors. Emmons averaged 4.6 yards per carry and scored 10 touchdowns in 12 games for Hutchinson. He fumbled the ball seven times, losing four of them. “You’re right there on the beach. You are surround by everything, really. Great coaches. I got a good bond with (running backs coach Kevin) Smith.” – Emmons
Doug Johnson OL (6-5, 320) Fort White – A big guy who can move, Johnson was a four-year starter at Fort White. Offers included Southern Miss and FIU. “He wants to play left tackle. He wants to be a premiere left tackle. He wants to go to the NFL.” – Fort White coach Demetric Jackson.
Jaylen Joyner DE (6-4, 250) Orlando-Jones – Teammate of early signee Devin Hayes last season. Played defensive end in high school but could move to the interior at FAU. “For a big guy, he has a very high motor and really quick-twitch movement.” – Jones coach Andrew Anderson.
Cordel Littlejohn QB (6-4, 190) Lincolnton (N.C.) – Threw for 50 touchdowns and more than 3,500 yards as a junior. Former Illinois commit. Lane Kiffin told Littlejohn that he reminded him of Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts. “He really likes how I can throw the ball and run the ball.” – Littlejohn relaying Kiffin’s comments.
Marquice Robinson OL (6-4, 315) Austin (Ala.) – Schools like Auburn and Mississippi St. showed early interest but backed away because of academic issues. Strong first semester of senior year – all As and Bs – have Robinson on track to qualify. Started 41 games over three seasons. Can play guard or tackle. “They’re getting a steal.” – Austin coach Jeremy Perkins.
Marcel Southall DT (6-2, 280) Tyler J.C. – Former Texas Longhorn visited FAU prior to the early signing period but elected not to sign. Recorded 22 tackles, including seven for loss, in eight games at Tyler. Has three years of eligibility remaining. Decision came down to FAU and Louisiana-Lafayette. “He’s a great football player. Anybody who gets him is going to be lucky to have him.” – Tyler defensive line coach Alex Wierzbicki
Teja Young Ath (5-11, 175) West Palm Beach–Palm Beach Lakes – Arguably the most athletic of FAU’s signees, Young can help the Owls in all three facets of the game. Played quarterback as a senior, but his offensive contributions likely won’t come there. Formerly a Colorado St. commit, Young can play corner or safety and will also return kicks. “They said they wanted him to play both sides of the ball. I’m going to assume they are going to find a package for him.” Lakes coach Al Shipman.
Dacoda Weaver OL (6-5, 320) Lakeland – Decommitted from Liberty in the days leading up to signing day. More of a run blocker in high school but gained proficiency in pass protection. “He got better and better as the season went along,” Lakeland coach Bill Castle said. “His best football is definitely ahead of him.”
Deon Woods DE (6-5, 220) Longwood-Lyman – Raw athlete who only played one full season of high school football, Woods recorded double-digit sacks as a senior. Prior to playing football, Woods ran track, high jumped and played basketball. “His motor, That’s what’s probably the most unique about him,” – Lyman coach Dennis Thomas.
Junior Diaz C (6-4, 305) Tulane – Not exactly a signee, Diaz is a graduate transfer. Became a starter as a redshirt freshman and remained in that spot throughout his career with the Green Wave. Was a high school teammate of FAU left tackle Reggie Bain at Miami-Central. Appears to be the likely successor to All-Conference USA center Antonyo Woods, who graduated. “That’s also one big reason I chose (FAU),” Diaz said. “That’s a position that I would fit in perfectly.”
SIGNED WITH FAU IN DECEMBER
Charles Cameron DT (6-2, 290) Copiah-Lincoln – Led the Wolves with 48 tackles, including four sacks, in nine games. Already enrolled at FAU. “He’s got big upside, really good motor. He played really hard for us.” – Copiah-Lincoln coach Glen Davis
Devin Hayes OL (6-6, 250) Orlando-Jones – Could actually play offense or defense for the Owls. Committed to FAU during a visit to watch the Shula Bowl. Is a defensive end who moves like a tight end. “I want to be part of a winning program.” – Hayes.
Desean Holmes WR (5-10, 180) College of the Canyons – Originally signed with San Diego St. Recruited to USC while current FAU coach Lane Kiffin coached the Trojans. Could also make an impact as a kick returner. “If things happen twice, it was meant to be. It’s kind of crazy how that worked out.” – Holmes on finally getting to play for Kiffin.
Franklin “Tre” Jackson DE (6-2, 225) Winter Garden-West Orange – Chose FAU over Air Force and Maryland. Recorded 12 sacks as a senior. “The coaching staff is great and the medical program is top notch.” – Jackson.
Nero Nelson WR (6-0, 180) Copiah-Lincoln – A former Mississippi St. commit, Nelson can play wide or in the slot. Similar in style, but much bigger than, former FAU wide receiver Lucky Whitehead, Nelson could also return punts or kicks. ““He’s kind of an electric guy when he gets the ball in his hands.” – Copiah-Lincoln coach Glen Davis.
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