The FAU Owls have an upgraded wide receiver room heading into the 2024 college football season.
The Florida Atlantic Owls, amid their rebuild under head coach Tom Herman, have invested heavily into the transfer portal on offense. FAU football landed their new quarterback, Cameron Fancher, from Marshall. They upgraded their depth at left tackle, right tackle, and running back. However, the team’s most significant investment in the portal has come at the wide receiver position.
This season, the position has a new look between projected starters and possible depth options. Some are shorter slot options relying on quickness, while others are built as taller possession receivers. Together, these players will look to impact the team’s 2024 season.
FAU Football: 2024 Wide Receiver Room
Out of the projected starters for the Owls, there is only one returning player from last year’s roster.
B.J. Alexander, a graduate-year player, is set to finally see playing time at the school. He only has 14 total receptions, 135 yards, and one touchdown during his collegiate career. At 6-foot-3-inches, Alexander will likely provide a deep-ball, downfield threat for the offense.
Opposite Alexander is Marlyn Johnson, another graduate player added through the transfer portal.
Johnson spent his first four years of college with the University of Buffalo, having a career-best year in 2023. He had 39 receptions for 486 yards and four touchdowns. Additionally, he amassed six contested catches and an ADOT of 10.5.
The former Buffalo should be the most experienced and relied-upon receiver in the beginning portion of the season. He will likely be an excellent weapon for Fancher in the red zone and short-yardage situations. With more targets, Johnson could also improve his yards after the catch numbers.
In the slot, the Owls landed Appalachian State transfer Milan Tucker. While not having gaudy numbers or production, the senior showed off elusive ability with 148 yards after the catch and four missed tackles forced on 19 receptions.
Tucker projects to be the sure-handed, shifty middle-of-the-field option next to Alexander and Johnson. With the ability to carry the football, he adds a unique element to the Owls’ offense.
Outside of the starters, there are some interesting options for the future of FAU football.
Dominique Henry is a BYU transfer who could offer inside/outside versatility. Caleb Coombs is Fancher’s former teammate who provides very valuable slot production. Justin McKithen is a converted defensive back who could offer some fun upside as a depth option.
FAU Owls: Wide Receiver Summary
Overall, the Owls have a versatile group of players on paper.
FAU has outside threats who can stretch the field and make contested catches over defensive backs. They have slot weapons that can make plays in the middle of the field.
But just like the quarterback position, these players must prove it on the field. Many are relatively inexperienced, meaning that their traits are only for show until they back them up with real stats.
If they can capitalize on their talent, though, the Owls’ wide receivers could hope to vault the 2024 offense way beyond where it was last season.
