Two more Owls in the NFL

Two players were drafted this year — a first in the short history of FAU football. Now, they’ve made money and history at the same time.

Josue Simplice, Sports Editor|January 7, 2015

Photo courtesy of FAU Athletics and Ryan Murphy | Business Manager

Reaser signed a four-year $2.38 million contract. His base salary is $596,200. Photo courtesy of FAU Athletics
Reaser signed a four-year $2.38 million contract. His base salary is $596,200. Photo courtesy of FAU Athletics

The most recent NFL draft — which took place in April of 2014 — saw two former Florida Atlantic University football players obtained. Cornerback Keith Reaser was taken in the fifth round (170th overall) by the San Francisco 49ers, and the Buffalo Bills selected linebacker Randell Johnson two rounds later (221st overall).

Having multiple players selected in the same draft is a feat never before seen in FAU football history. The Owls’ program is relatively young — they’ve produced just five NFL players since the inception of the football program 13 years ago in 2001 as a NCAA Division I-AA program under former coach Howard Schnellenberger.

During their time as Owls, Johnson and Reaser were important cogs of the defense.

Reaser, a Miami native, earned a reputation as a ball-hawking cornerback. He recorded 158 tackles, five interceptions, and one fumble recovery for his career. His senior season was cut short because of an ACL tear in October, just six games in.

Even so, his play and athletic ability drew attention from scouts. He ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash, which is fast even among players at his position.

Johnson signed a four-year $2.28 million contract. His base salary is $570,933. Photo by Ryan Murphy | Business Manager
Johnson signed a four-year $2.28 million contract. His base salary is $570,933. Photo by Ryan Murphy | Business Manager

While his recovery from his second surgery prevented him from playing,  coaches are high on him — he has  the potential to become a starting cornerback in the NFL someday.

Johnson, another Miami native, amassed 195 tackles (30.5 for loss), 10.5 sacks, four pass deflections and four forced fumbles in his collegiate career. His play for the Bills has been primarily on special teams.

Currently, the Owls have three other players in the NFL: Washington Redskins’ running back Alfred Morris, Arizona Cardinals’  tight end Rob Housler and Carolina Panthers’ linebacker Adarius Glanton, who went undrafted last April.

Former FAU quarterback Rusty Smith is a free-agent and will retire this year to coach high school football. Smith was the first Owl to ever be drafted, and had brief stints with Tennessee Titans and the New York Giants.

FAU has a handful of players who may end up on an NFL roster at some point. If the program sees healthy development under head coach Charlie Partridge, there might just be an influx of Owls at the highest level of professional football soon.

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