When he was at the University of Miami, his strategy to land top recruits was called ``The State of Miami.''

Now at Florida Atlantic University, coach Howard Schnellenberger refers to it as ``The Florida Atlantic Territory.''

It is his philosophy on restocking his 8-year-old program, and it mostly falls between the Keys and Interstate 4.

''You have to be a territory before you can be a state,'' said Schnellenberger, whose team had visits from 23 recruits from the class of 2009.

Since Schnellenberger took over at FAU, the Owls have put in the work to attract players from South Florida, and the 2009 recruiting class is no exception.

A DEEP CLASS

Although you won't see a player ranked in the top 100 playing in Boca Raton next year, FAU will have a deep class that could help it remain competitive in the Sun Belt Conference.

With 11 instate commitments, from Panama City (Bay High safety DeAndre Richardson) to Miami (four from Miami-Dade County and four from Broward), Schnellenberger and his burgeoning program have found a niche, targeting the second-tier prospects that fly under the radar in one of the nation's most talent-rich gridiron proving grounds.

''I can't help but be pleased with the progress we've made [in recruiting],'' Schnellenberger said.

Schnellenberger, 74, has not lost his affinity for the recruiting process.

''I mean, that's a coach that's never lost a bowl game you're talking to,'' said Miami Edison linebacker David Hinds, who is part of FAU's 2009 recruiting class and a player exemplary of Schnellenberger's ``territory.''

''Anywhere you live in Florida, [FAU's campus is] not that far,'' Hinds said. ``You can go home if you want to for the day.''

Although recruiting is a new focus at FAU, fans can point to recent examples of what an inexact science it is. It is equal parts research, guessing game and luck.

For instance, who would have guessed that FAU's 2006 recruiting class, which Schnellenberger at the time referred to as the program's ''best yet,'' would lose nine players within a year of arriving on campus?

Equally unlikely was the development of quarterback Rusty Smith, a member of the 2005 class who was lightly recruited coming out of Sandalwood High School in Jacksonville. But he became the 2007 Sun Belt Player of the Year, and he led the program to consecutive bowl victories for the first time.

Smith, regarded as a one-star recruit in 2005 by some recruiting services, is now on pace to play in the NFL.

SIMILAR TO SMITH

The 2009 class includes players like Smith, such as Norland tight end Nexon Dorvilus (6-4, 225 pounds), who has the receiving skills that could translate into a successful college career. Dorvilus might need to add weight, however, to hold his own on the line.

Corey Henry, a 6-3 defensive end from Carol City, is another FAU prototype. At 230 pounds, he might not be able to bull over tackles in college, but his speed (4.72-second 40-yard dash) is above average for a down lineman.

North Miami linebacker Randell Johnson chose FAU over Colorado State and Tennessee State. Other FAU signees from South Florida include receiver Jamal Davis (Coral Springs Christian Academy), running back Tyrie Allen (Western), offensive tackle Carlton Falconer (Dillard) and center Mike Flash (Northeast).

STADIUM WATCH

While the Owls will again make the 15-mile trip to Fort Lauderdale's Lockhart Stadium for home games in 2009, construction is set to begin on an on-campus stadium, tentatively dubbed FAU Football Stadium, this spring.

Hinds said the new facility was a factor in his decision.

''It's going to be really nice,'' he said. ``I've been up there and seen how they have it planned. It looks like its going to be a great place to play for a while.''

The stadium -- modeled by architectural firm HKS/Henkel Shultz after UCF's Bright House Networks Stadium -- is scheduled to be completed in time for FAU's home opener against Michigan State in 2010. Initial seating will number around 30,000, but plans are in place to expand to up to 65,000.

Schnellenberger is careful to keep this year's recruiting success in perspective. He said of the wave of potential recruits that visited campus, 'This was the first time in my experience that none of them gave a `no' before leaving.''

''It's a good sign,'' Schnellenberger said, 'but it's better when they say `yes.' ''

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