As FAU football opens training camp, no starting quarterback determined

BOCA RATON — Florida Atlantic football opened training camp Thursday morning, and one large question still looms.
Who will be the Owls’ starting quarterback?
New coach Tom Herman gave an update after practice, saying the competition is still open. Ideally, he’d like the decision to be made 10 days before the season begins Sept. 2 against Monmouth.
“If it unfolds sooner than that great,” Herman said, “but I think the guy that you’re going to go into game one with should get the majority of reps about at least a week, if not a couple of days beyond that.”
The quarterback who prevails will be tasked with charging FAU into a new era. Not only is Herman in as the new coach, but the Owls also begin play in a new conference: the American Athletic Conference.
The two main suitors for the job are graduate student Casey Thompson and junior Daniel Richardson. Both of them are transfers, but present different cases.
Thompson is a transfer from Nebraska, but most notably a former quarterback at Texas. He spent four seasons there, the first three of which were with Herman as the coach. Thompson only played sparingly during their time together, before taking over as Texas’ full-time starter in 2021 after Herman was fired. Thompson was also the starter in his one season at Nebraska.
Richardson is a Central Michigan transfer, where he made 23 starts in the last three seasons. He shattered records as a local prospect at Carol City, currently holding Miami-Dade County career highs in yards (9,791) and touchdowns (116). Richardson was also a three-time all-state and four-time all-county selection.
“Stats and numbers and grades and all that are important, but at the end of the day, myself and (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Charlie) Frye have been doing this a long time,” Herman said. “It’s gonna be the guy that we feel has shown us that they are the best guy for the job given those parameters of protecting the football, distributing the football and punching it in the end zone when it’s time.”
Thursday’s practice portion that was open to reporters was intense and high-tempo. Coaches across both fields barked orders to their players and made sure to call out those who didn’t finish a drill with full effort. The heat was also a factor.
During one period, FAU ran through its no-huddle offense driving 50 yards down the field. There was no defense on the field however, so all plays appeared to be well-executed.
Last year’s leading wide receiver LaJohntay Wester spoke highly of the early returns on the two quarterbacks.
“Vocal guys, great leaders, great athletes, just great overall quarterbacks,” Wester said. “I’m excited for this year with those guys.”
Thompson missed all of spring ball at Nebraska with a shoulder injury, but was a full participant and is said to be healthy.
Richardson is the shortest quarterback on the roster at 5 feet 10 and it was noticeable. He also wears a singular glove on his off hand.
“I thought they all had their moments good and bad today,” Herman said. “It’s hard to pass block without pads on, so sometimes there’s a little bit more pressure than there normally is. I thought Casey did good for practice one. He wasn’t perfect by any stretch. He’s got things to improve on, but we’re headed in the right direction in that room and it’s gonna be fun to watch to see how it plays out.”