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BOCA RATON – FAU is poised to fill a position of need even before the arrival of Feb. 7th’s National Signing Day.
Former Tulane center Junior Diaz says he will transfer to FAU as a graduate student and intends to sign the necessary administrative paperwork before the end of the week.
“I just felt that was the best opportunity for me,” Diaz said.
Diaz became a starter at Tulane as a redshirt freshman and held the role for his final two seasons.
FAU lost center Antonyo Woods, an All-Conference USA performer, to graduation. Entering the spring reserve Richard Williams is the lone player on the Owls’ roster with game experience at center.
“That’s also one big reason I chose (FAU),” Diaz said. “That’s a position that I would fit in perfectly.”
Diaz played his high school football at Miami-Central, where he snapped on an offensive line that included current FAU tackle Reggie Bain, who served as Diaz’ host during this past weekend’s visit.
“We did a lot of catching up,” Diaz said. “We hadn’t spoken in a couple years.”
Vanderbilt and Texas-San Antonio were among the schools pursuing Diaz since he announced his intention to transfer a couple of weeks ago.
Although he’s from South Florida, his official visit marked Diaz’ first trip to Boca Raton.
“I’m from Miami, I didn’t really know that Boca was that nice,” Diaz said.
By transferring as a graduate student, the 6-foot-2, 300-pound Diaz is eligible to play immediately.
Arizona Western CC center Zack Bennett has also pledged his services to FAU and plans to sign on Feb. 7. Should Lane Kiffin and the Owls want to use both Bennett and Diaz, it’s possible that one could move to guard, replacing either the graduated Jakobi Smith or Roman Fernandez.
FAU is likely to announce Diaz as a member of its 2018 football recruiting class on Feb. 7.
Great job Junior
We are very proud of you
We know the love that you have for football and we are very Happy to have you closer to home
Let’s do it baby