Nick Tronti reminded people why he was named Mr. Football in Florida following his senior season at Ponte Vedra High School in 2016 with his play as Florida Atlantic’s signal-caller last season.
After winning the starting quarterback job, he ended up helping lead the Owls to a record of 5-4 and an appearance in the Montgomery Bowl.
However, he believes he and his team have the potential for much more as he heads into his redshirt senior season.
“Our goal is always to win the conference, and that’s no different this year,” Tronti said.
His mindset heading into what could be his final college season, if he does not choose to enact the NCAA’s pandemic-related eligibility rules, is a simple one.
“Just soak it all in,” Tronti said.
He, as most players are looking forward to the opportunity to play a full and “normal” season.
“It was tough last year bringing in a new offense with no spring ball,” Tronti said. “It was tough on everyone.”
Already, Tronti can feel and see a difference in the rhythm of the team as the combination of Willie Taggert entering his second season as head coach and having had an actual Spring to practice is beginning to take hold.
All the pieces started coming together for Tronti last season under Willie Taggert, his third different head coach in five years. He has also had four offensive coordinators during that time.
“He’s got a really good record of coaching at some known programs,” Tronti said.
Although Tronti would have loved to have some consistency calling the shots in his career, he is also grateful in a way, because it has allowed him to learn about the different approaches that exist.
“It’s wild how much more football is out there,” Tronti said. “I’ve grown a ton (as a player) over the years.”
According to Tronti, he feels comfortable operating Taggert’s offensive philosophy and is happy to play for a returning coach for the first time in college.
Despite having earned the job last year, Tronti has made sure that he approaches this preseason the same as he did last fall.
“Every year is a competition,” Tronti said.
The advantage of being a redshirt senior is Tronti’s experience compared to the majority of the Owls’ quarterback room, which includes freshman Willie Taggert Jr., and redshirt freshmen Justin McKithen, Javion Posey and Michael Johnson Jr.
Miami transfer and graduate senior N’Kosi Perry is the only other quarterback on the roster that can equate to the level of experience Tronti offers.
“I’ve been around for a while and seen a lot of defenses in my career,” Tronti said. “I’ve probably experienced every high and low you can in college football.”
He began his college career at Indiana after graduating from PVHS, but transferred to the Owls after just one year, which he redshirted.
From there he joined FAU and has spent the last four years preparing to earn the position and prove potential.
Since his high school days playing at the “Shark Tank,” he has been known as an excellent athlete and someone who presents dual-threat capabilities from behind center.
In last year’s shortened season, he completed 89 of 167 pass attempts for 905 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also ran for 139 yards and two scores on 70 carries.
“Really, I just ultimately see myself as a football player,” Tronti said. “I’m willing to do whatever I have to to help my team win.”
The Owls open against the Florida Gators on the road on Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m., followed by a pair of home non-conference games against Georgia Southern and Fordham and a road date with Air Force, before beginning the Conference USA slate of their schedule as they host Florida International in the Shula Bowl on Oct. 2 at 3:30 p.m.
