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BOCA RATON – Jake Stoshak’s college football career has been a battle for playing time.
At one point a starting safety when Charlie Partridge was FAU’s head coach, Stoshak now sees himself as a key contributor on special teams under Lane Kiffin.
“I’m a big special teams guy,” said Stoshak, a rising redshirt senior. “That’s what I’ve always pride myself in being.”
There isn’t been a definite role for Stoshak, as he’s bounced around between different positions. He can line up at any spot other than kicker on kickoff and remains a reserve team, but his most noticeable role may be the holder on special teams.
Last season Stoshak served as the back-up holder, with the now-graduated Ryan Rickel working as the Owls’ primary holder.
“Not a lot of people play more than one position in college in general,” Stoshak said. “It’s a good feeling that the coaches trust me enough to play different positions, and learn the ins and outs of the defense.”
Early in his FAU career Stoshak played free safety, but now can play either safety on the scout team in practice. This staff trusts Stoshak to be able to come in at any point if needed throughout the season.
“We know we can play him not just at both safety spots, but on special teams in different spots on different units,” coach Lane Kiffin said. “That’s a very valuable asset to have especially as the season goes along and guys get banged up.”
Stoshak recorded a career-high 26 tackles in 2015 – 10 of them coming against Miami. He added 22 more the following season, and recovered fumble on special teams. Last year Stoshak played in 10 games and didn’t record a tackle.
“He’s one of those guys that you could throw him in at any point in the game and you know he’s going to do his job, so that’s always good,” linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair said.
Owl fans may be familiar with the last name Stoshak, because of Jake’s brother Jenson. a wide receiver who finished his FAU career after the 2015 season. An undrafted free agent who signed with the Carolina Panthers immediately out of college, Jenson leaves for camp with British Columbia of the Canadian Football League later this month.
“Jenson, has kind of always been that role model for me,” Jake said.
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