Patience pays off for Florida Atlantic running back Greg Howell

Sophomore running back Greg Howell spent much of last season on the practice squad at Florida Atlantic.

But he remembers the way older players Tony Moore and Jay Warren took time to help him develop as a player.

And on a balmy morning last week, as the Owls took another step toward Saturday’s season opener at Tulsa, it was Howell trying to lead by example and set a tone for younger players.

The running back corps practiced screen plays repeatedly as Howell and Warren, a junior, took reps with the first team.

Marcus Clark, Jeremy Gaskins and Adrian Sterling all took reps as well, trying to establish timing with the second- and third-string quarterbacks.

Howell is in a much different position than he was at this point last year.

He figures to be a significant part of the FAU offense this season.

“This year I’m more of an upfront guy, more of a leader now,” he said.

“This season, I’ve got to play a bigger role.”

THIS AND THAT

▪ After Saturday’s opener at Tulsa, the Owls will return to Boca Raton for the home opener on Friday, Sept. 11, against the University of Miami.

Season tickets, as well as single-game tickets for the UM game, are on sale and can be purchased by calling 1-866-FAU-Owls or by visiting Ticketmaster.com or www.fausports.com.

▪ The Owls will open the 2019 season on Saturday, Aug. 31, at current defending national champion Ohio State.

Along with the Conference USA slate, FAU’s previously announced nonconference 2019 schedule includes a home contest with UCF on Saturday, Sept. 7, and a game at Ball State.

Material from Miami Herald wire services was used in this report.

This story was originally published September 2, 2015 at 10:43 PM with the headline "Patience pays off for Florida Atlantic running back Greg Howell."