BOCA RATON – If Charlie Partridge has decided who is going to be FAU’s starting quarterback, he isn’t divulging the secret publicly. That announcement, though, is coming soon.
Partridge has a self-imposed deadline of this upcoming week to choose his starter for the Owls’ Sept. 3 season-opener against Southern Illinois.
On Saturday Partridge and his coaches received what will likely be their final decisive evaluation when Owls traveled across campus to Howard Schnellenberger Field for the first time this camp for their final scripted scrimmage.
In the coming days – perhaps as early as Saturday night – Partridge intends to meet with offensive coordinator Travis Trickett to select either redshirt sophomore Jason Driskel or redshirt freshman Daniel Parr to pilot the Owls.
“Me and Travis will have that conversation and make sure we’re on the same page,” Partridge said. “If we’re not, that conversation will go longer.”
It sounds like the conversation might be brief.
Partridge and Trickett meet every day following practice, with quarterback play being a constant topic.
“We’ve been having those conversations,” Partridge said. “We go through the stats. We go through the film. It’s something we’ve been talking about. And we’re on the same page, me and coach Trickett.”
The Owls made an effort during camp to give both Driskel and Parr equal opportunities with the first team – an effort that continued on Saturday.
Driskel played in 10 games last season, starting two, and used the experience to his advantage during camp, bringing consistency to the position.
On Saturday Driskel led the Owls to the end zone on his final drive of the scrimmage, which culminated with a 7-yard run from true freshman running back Devin Singletary.
Earlier in the scrimmage Driskel delivered what was the best throw of any of the quarterbacks during portion that was open to the media – wedging a 10-yard pass between three defenders for a completion to Nate Terry.
FAU will hold a morning practice on Sunday before reporting to Howard Schnellenberger Field for a meet and greet with fans that will also double as the Owls’ media day.
Players begin classes on Monday and will not practice. They return to the field on Tuesday and Wednesday for what will be the final two practices of what Partridge considers fall camp. On Thursday the Owls begin game preparation for Southern Illinois.
By that time, and probably sooner, FAU will know its starting quarterback.
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