The concept of a nickelback is not foreign. It’s neither novel nor remarkable. But it could be the answer for FAU’s defense in stopping Conference USA’s offenses.
The nickelback, the fifth defensive back on the field, will be a fixture for the Owls as they transition to defensive coordinator Chris Kiffin’s 4-2-5 defense. Last season, FAU’s base defense employed three linebackers. This season, the Owls will trot out nickelback Herb Miller to help slow offenses.
Miller, typically lined up inside the numbers, will be asked to do a number of jobs for the Owls defense.