Now Arriving

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BOCA RATON – The second wave of Florida Atlantic’s 2019 signing class arrives on campus this weekend.

For former Homestead tight end Rahmod Smith, Sunday’s planned relocation to Boca Raton will cap frenetic, and likely unforgettable, weekend.

Smith, the brother of FAU linebacker Rashad Smith, attended his final high school classes on Friday. He’s headed to the prom on Saturday. Then on Sunday he’ll jump in Rashad’s car for the hour-or-so drive to FAU.

“I’m ready to come in and get to work,” Rahmod said. “I’m happy I’m done with high school, I can say that.”

Smith and six other newcomers arrive on campus for the start of the Summer A session, which begins this week. Once enrolled and on campus the newest Owls are able to begin strength and conditioning training with their new teammates, which for Smith, includes picking the brains of current FAU tight ends Harrison Bryant and John Raine.

“It’s a lot to learn,” Smith said. “I’m going to soak it in from Harry B and John Raine.”

Three offensive linemen are among the group arriving this weekend, highlighted by Auburn transfer Calvin Ashley. The Owls expect Ashley to be granted immediate eligibility.

Miami-Columbus guard Federico Maranges attended the final two FAU spring scrimmages, receiving a glimpse of what coaches will expect from him beginning on Monday.

“Excellence,” Maranges said. “What’s expected from me is high intensity, non-stop grinding. Always full throttle. Never hold back.”

Autuagua Academy (Ala.) tackle Adarius Tolliver, one of Lane Kiffin’s major signing day victories, completes the trio of early-arriving offensive linemen.

Two running backs, Tallahassee-Rickards’ Kelvin Dean and Hoover’s (Ala.) Larry McCammon, arrive this weekend. Dean signed with FAU during the early signing period, while McCammon waited until February’s National Signing Day. With the Owls depleted at the position following the early departures of Devin Singletary and Kerrith Whyte to the NFL, Dean or McCammon – or both – have the opportunity to work their way into the running back rotation with a strong summer and fall.

Miami-Palmetto linebacker/safety hybrid Eddie Williams rounds out the group arriving this weekend. Veteran Palmetto coach Mike Manasco called Williams “the best football player I’ve ever coached.”

Five players from the 2019 FAU football signing class – safety Dwight Toombs, linebacker Diamante Howard, guard Lavante Epson, running back BJ Emmons and wide receiver Adrian Bryant – enrolled at FAU in January. All except Bryant, who left school shortly after arriving, participated in spring practices.