BOCA RATON – Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair burst into FAU’s collective consciousness as a true freshman in 2015 when he led the Owls with 94 tackles and earned USA Today Freshman All-American honors.
Prior to the start of 2016, FAU players elected the now-sophomore Al-Shaair one of their captains. The above video provides insight into why Al-Shaair was a good selection.
On Tuesday Al-Shaair explained how he and many of the Owls are dealing with the criticisms from fans and even their friends following FAU’s 1-6 start. He also discusses where he’s seeing improvement.
Al-Shaair says he’s seeing a positive change in the way players are approaching the game both on and off the field. He also isn’t seeing dissension inside the Owls’ locker room.
Currently second on the Owls with 59 tackles, Al-Shaair is coming off a 15-tackle night at Marshall.
“He had a great game the other night,” FAU defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni said. “He was all over the place. …Probably his best game of the year by far. He played really fast.”
FAU lost that game to Marshall 27-21. The Owls are in the midst of their bye week. Western Kentucky comes to Howard Schnellenberger Field on Oct. 29.
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