BOCA RATON – Spring practices did little to clear up FAU’s murky quarterback situation. If anything, those 15 outings may have muddled it further.
That doesn’t seem to bother new coach Lane Kiffin.
“I think it’s great,” Kiffin said. “It makes all of us better to have competition. I’m fine that it hasn’t been settled.”
When former Florida State quarterback De’Andre Johnson transferred to FAU, most assumed the job was his to lose. While he didn’t play himself out of the starting role, he didn’t exactly claim it as his own, either.
“I wouldn’t say he disappointed,” Kiffin said. “I think that anytime you come into a new system, you have to learn a new system and this offense.”
Jason Driskel, last year’s starter, appeared to have an easier time picking up Kendal Briles’ offense. Of all the quarterbacks, Driskel enjoyed the best spring game.
He’ll likely open the spring battling Johnson for the starting role.
Daniel Parr, last year’s back-up, missed all of spring following foot surgery but is expected back for the start of fall camp. Kiffin is looking forward to seeing what Parr can do in live situations.
OWLACCESS.COM PRE-CAMP DEPTH CHART
De’Andre Johnson, 6-2, 205, R-So. The most athletic of the quarterbacks, Johnson didn’t really get to show off his elusiveness during the spring, when a touch was considered a tackle. Johnson wasn’t brought in to sit the bench.
-OR-
Jason Driskel, 6-2, 120, R-Jr. The biggest strength of last year’s starting quarterback may well be his competitiveness. Driskel won last year’s preseason quarterback battle, then threw for 2,415 yards and nine touchdowns, completing 61.2 percent of his passes.
Daniel Parr, 6-3, 210, R-So. Parr has some catching up to do after missing the spring. Started one game last season but mostly came off the bench. He completed 41.7 percent of his passes for 106 yards last season.
KEY LOSSES
None.
BREAKOUT CANDIDATE
Steven Frank, 6-3, 205, R-Fr. Frank impressed Kiffin with his arm strength during the spring. He’s probably at least a year away from contributing, but with an open competition – along with the ever present possibility of injuries – Frank could make a run at playing time during fall camp.
PREVIOUS POSITION PRIMERS
FAU FOOTBALL CAMP PREVIEW: Quarterbacks
FAU FOOTBALL CAMP PREVIEW: Offensive Line
FAU FOOTBALL CAMP PREVIEW: Running Backs
FAU FOOTBALL CAMP PREVIEW: Tight Ends
FAU FOOTBALL CAMP PREVIEW: Wide Receivers
FAU FOOTBALL CAMP PREVIEW: Defensive Line
FAU FOOTBALL CAMP PREVIEW: Linebackers
FAU FOOTBALL CAMP PREVIEW: Defensive Backs
FAU FOOTBALL CAMP PREVIEW: Special Teams
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