FAU football: Can Owls return to winning ways after disastrous end to 2020?

Defense hopes to remain one of C-USA’s best in 2021

One of the more surprising things about FAU last season was how well their defense played and they hope that going from Jim Leavitt to Mike Stoops at defensive coordinator that they won’t miss a beat.

The defensive line returns all three starters and is going to be led by the Owls leading returning pass rusher Jaylen Joyner, who is expected to have a big season in 2021. He will be joined up front by nose tackle Evan Anderson and defensive end Ryan Veingrad, who is the veteran among the group.

The linebackers are bringing back their top playmakers and leading the way for them and the defense is going to be leading tackler Chase Lasater, who had 72 tackles last season. Senior Caliph Brice was the third leading tackler on the team and Brice and Lasater form one of the top linebacking duos in the C-USA.

The only starter at linebacker that is missing from last season’s team is Leighton McCarthy, who led the Owls with nine sacks last season. Look for 2019 leading tackler Aklies Leroy to factor back into the linebacker rotation, as well Ahman Ross and Eddie Williams.

The secondary is returning most of their production and is going to be led by safety Teja Young, who led the Owls in interceptions last season. Young will join fellow safety Jordan Helm and corners Zyon Gilbert.

This defense should be very good again and keep FAU in most of their games this fall.