BOCA RATON — The loss of Buddy Howell, at least at first glance, meant Florida Atlantic was in the hunt for a bulkier, heavier running back to compliment AP All-American Devin Singletary.
Over a week into FAU’s fall training camp, versatility and being an “all-around back” has won out over the need for a bruiser.
Not that Howell, who ran for 2,419 yards and 22 touchdowns from 2014-17 and is currently with the Miami Dolphins, wasn’t versatile at times. But with less than three weeks until FAU opens at Oklahoma on Sept. 1, local products Gerald Hearns (Dwyer) and Kerrith Whyte (Seminole Ridge) are earning more carries by contributing in different roles.