BOCA RATON — Known for his enthusiastic grins, Gerald Hearns had to wear his best poker face on Friday night.
With Florida Atlantic facing a punt down 14-0 on the road at No. 16 Central Florida, Hearns was going to get snapped the ball on a fake punt and attempt to give the Owls a first down. Hearns’ 19th carry at the Division I was going to be the difference between FAU turning it over or potentially reaching UCF territory.
Any smile about getting the carry would tip off the defense, so Hearns had to keep calm.