Even with the team in rebuild mode, the FAU Owls’ quarterback room is set to take a step forward in 2024
Quarterback is the most critical position on the field, which may not be more apparent than at the college level. In many cases, quarterback play is the difference between a close game and a blowout. It can dictate whether or not a team makes the playoffs (or bowl run) or fizzles out in the early portions of the season. That statement could not be any more true for the Flordia Atlantic University Owls. The FAU team’s quarterback play was substandard at many points in 2023. Inconsistencies and poor play cost the team wins, which resulted in the team missing out on bowl eligibility.
In 2024, however, FAU looks to have potentially fixed its signal-caller issues. With a new starter and a deeper room, the Owls are in a much better spot to compete this season.
Starter: Cameron Fancher, Redshirt Junior
Coming over from Marhsall, Cameron Fancher offers a very high upside as the Owls’ 2024 starter.
Playing sporadically throughout three seasons, Fancher had 3,722 yards passing and 21 touchdowns while throwing 17 interceptions. There are some interesting underlying statistics, though; Fancher’s teammates had 27 drops in 2023. As a result, his adjusted completion percentage was over 77 percent. He also made 15 big-time throws, showing a willingness to attack down the field.
In the running game, Fancher is a threat to attack defenses. While fumbles were an issue, the redshirt junior had over 1,000 rushing yards and five touchdowns in his career. He had 21 missed tackles forced and a 64-yard run as his longest run of the year.
Fancher’s dual-threat ability gives Tom Herman an extremely talented player to run his offense. If he can maximize the potential shown at Marshall, the quarterback could help the Owls compete in the AAC and for bowl eligibility.
Backup: Tyriq Starks, Redshirt Junior
Behind Fancher is another potential dual-threat quarterback for Herman’s system.
Enrolling at FAU in 2022, Starks played two years at Independence Community College in Florida. He had 1,342 passing yards and 13 touchdowns during the 2021-2022 season. He also added 208 rushing yards and a touchdown in that season.
In the team’s spring game, Starks had three touchdowns, including a deep touchdown to wide receiver Joseph Young. After the game, Starks spoke about his play.
“I’ve always had a touch and a nice, pretty arm that could deliver passes across the field. The confidence was always there; it was just the opportunities to show it.”
If Fancher struggles in 2024, Starks has the talent and ability to step up and produce. His presence gives FAU two talented options to lead the team, a luxury previous versions of the Owls were not afforded.
3rd String: Carson Cruver, Redshirt Freshman
While not likely to see the field in 2024, the FAU has an intriguing 3rd string option at the quarterback position.
After rehabilitating as a redshirt in 2023, Cruver is set to be on the active roster this season. The quarterback racked up 3,876 passing yards and 52 touchdowns in his career, averaging 14.7 yards per attempt and having a completion percentage over 60 percent. Additionally, Cruver had 405 yards and one rushing touchdown in his career.
Fancher and Starks seem like the options for the present, but Cruver looks to be the team’s future at the position. With similar dual-threat ability and possibly a more significant upside than the current options, Cruver is in a great spot to develop at FAU in 2024.
