BOCA RATON — There’s the clichéd vocal leader of the defense who yells before making a devastating hit, and then there’s Florida Atlantic senior linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
Still only 20, Al-Shaair is the top linebacker in FAU’s fairly short history both statistically and subjectively. The program’s all-time tackles leader is also the feel-good story on a team that Owls head coach Lane Kiffin said was full of stories, having found salvation in football after his house burned down six years ago. Al-Shaair is one of the program’s more recognizable faces and has already been named to watch lists for the Bednarik (best defensive player by coaches, media, and the Maxwell club), Butkus (best linebacker), and Nagurski (best defensive player by the FWAA and Touchdown Club).