The Owls' defense took center stage in Thursday's post-practice presser, as the days until FAU Football's season opener against Georgia Southern, and their renown triple-option offense, winds down into the single digits.

An excited Jim Leavitt talked to members of the media as the defense continues to install a new scheme. Leavitt is the fifth defensive coordinator in as many years at FAU.

Leavitt knows it will be tough to emulate last year's success at turnovers, yet he is up for the challenge. "Last year, number one in the country (in turnovers), wow. So I have to ask those guys what they did and we're trying to work on that everyday."

And Leavitt knows he will have to rely on upperclassman such as Korel Smith, Ahman Ross, and Jordan Helm to lead the charge. "These guys are used to having different Coordinators, they adjust on the go. And most of the fundamental for these older guys are there."

OwlBytes

• Rising Ross - Leavitt specifically mentioned redshirt junior Ahman Ross as "a very special player." Leavitt alluded to his ability to play multiple positions. Despite being listed as a safety on the roster, Ross is expected to transition to linebacker this Fall. "He has great leadership too, we will need his leadership," Leavitt said of Ross. On the topic of leadership, Ross mentioned that he saw first hand from the likes of a pair of FAU's greatest linebackers: Azeez Al-Shaair and Akileis Leroy.

• Mr. Reliable - Redshirt senior safety Jordan Helm is embracing his chance to finally play every down. Helm's patience has given way for praise from coaches and fellow players. Head Coach Willie Taggart has gone as far to label the senior as Mr. Reliable. Redshirt junior Ahman Ross claimed "(Healm) knows the ins-and-outs of offenses and how they will attack us. He is an extension of a coach out there. Having a guy out there that smart is always a positive." Redshirt senior cornerback Korel Smith added that "Healm is always at the right place at the right time."

• Scouting Southern - Preparing his team for Georgia Southern's tricky triple-option attack, Leavitt mentioned that the staff will be watching the Eagles's season opener against (FCS) Campbell this Saturday. Knowing that the Eagles will keep their play-calling vanilla in order to not tip their hand to the Owls' defense, Leavitt points that there is still plenty to learn. "You can see personal. You can see who they have on the field and their starters… But we know what Georgia Southern has, we know that they are one of the best teams out there."

• College Football and Coronavirus - Leavitt shared his opinion on the college football experience weaving through the Covid-19 crisis. "When I see the empty stadiums on TV, it disappoints me. I understand why; for safety" Leavitt would continue, "But you miss all those things around a college football game that are such a key part of it all to me, the excitement and the energy." Earlier Thursday, the university announced that FAU Stadium's attendance will be capped at 20% capacity. "I hope the they are loud!" Leavitt said with his trademark genuine excitement. He would later add, "To the people that can come, I appreciate you all so much because we really want people to be there. Enjoy the experience." FAU's home opener against USF is set for September 26th.