FAU football has obtained multiple impactful players from the transfer portal.
The 2024 college football season is quickly approaching for the Florida Atlantic University Owls. In their second year under head coach Tom Herman, the Owls want to improve from a four-win season. The Owls have a revamped roster that looks much more competitive and set the foundation for the Owls to gain traction in the American Athletic Conference. A big part of the revamped FAU roster is from incoming players from the transfer portal. Whether on the offensive or defensive side of the ball, the Owls have added what look to be key starters and contributors.
With College Football 25 also officially releasing this week, there is no better time to learn about who the most impactful FAU transfers will be.
Cameron Fancher, Quarterback
Quarterback is arguably the most critical position in football, and the Owls’ new starter proves their belief in that concept.
Transferring from Marshall University, Cameron Fancher looks to bring a blend of passing and rushing ability to Boca Raton. Fancher amassed 3,583 passing yards and 19 touchdowns in his limited game action over two seasons. He also had 20 big-time throws and an ADOT of 7.7.
On the rushing side of things, Fancher has over 1,000 rushing yards from 2022-2023. He has 401 yards after contact and 38 missed tackles forced in that span.
If Fancher can clean up his turnovers in the passing game and capitalize on the potential he has shown at Marshall, he is more than capable of leading the Owls to plenty of victories this season.
Marlyn Johnson, Wide Receiver
With Fancher in the fold, FAU needed to add a talented weapon or two for the quarterback to throw to.
Enter Marlyn Johnson. Arriving in Boca Raton by way of Buffalo University, Johnson is a big-bodied threat at 6-feet-4-inches and 200 pounds. He plays to this size on the field, having 12 contested catches over the past two seasons. Johnson also can make plays down the field, having an ADOT of 11.7 for his career and two touchdowns over 20 yards.
Tom Herman’s offensive scheme calls for downfield passing and speed at all levels of the field. Considering his previous stats and build as a player, it will be no surprise if Johnson makes a significant impact for FAU in 2024.
Prince James Boyd Jr., Defensive Tackle
Shifting to the defensive side of the ball, Prince James Boyd Jr. is projected to have a starting spot at the center of the Owls’ defensive line.
Boyd Jr. played sporadically at Purdue, only logging 258 total snaps in three seasons. As a result, his metrics look average across the board at best.
When looking at his pass-rushing statistics, though, there looks to be untapped potential as a pass rusher. Boyd Jr. had eight pressures on 112 pass-rushing opportunities. He also has the ability to move across the interior of the defensive line.
At FAU, Boyd Jr. should have his first extended opportunity to contribute at the college level and should be able to show off his pass-rushing ability in spades.
Kahzir Brown, Cornerback
Taking a step up in competition from the University of Maine, Kahzir Brown has the potential to be one of the best defensive players on the Owls.
Brown has been a ball-hawk in his three-year career, having six interceptions in that time span. Additionally, he has 11 pass deflections and positive PFF coverage grades throughout those seasons.
In the running game, Brown has arguably been better. He has 118 tackles in his career and amassed two elite PFF run defense grades, with a career-high of 92.4 in 2023.
Alongside cornerback Daedae Hill, Brown should help form a very talented duo that could help the Owls shut down opponents in 2024.
