FIU spring football practices began the first week of March at FIU Stadium. Our Panthers are coming off a 5-7 season where we returned just about everyone on offense, but on defense FIU will need to figure out who will replace stalwarts such as Michael Wakefield, Denzell Perine, Lars Koht, Richard Leonard and Jeremiah McKinnon.
Click here for the spring practice schedule.
5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR TO GET YOU READY FOR FIU SPRING BALL:
#1 – BACKUP QUARTERBACKS: The Alexanders (no relation),Christian (left) and Maurice (bottom left) will vie for the backup quarterback job behind starter junior Alex McGough. Bud Martin transferred to Eastern Illinois. Both Alexanders are redshirt freshmen. Because the Alexanders have worked a year in the offense, the Panthers did not go out and get an experienced transfer quarterback. The backup quarterback job will go to either Christian or Maurice Alexander. FIU coach Ron Turner said McGough had the best off-season he’s had in his two years as a Panther. Turner said McGough improved his mobility and is more athletic after the FIU coach changed McGough’s workout routine. Turner tailored the workout similar to NFL quarterbacks workouts where McGough worked more on his shoulders. Still, Turner told McGough to be ready because the young quarterbacks are coming after his job.
#2 – 6 NEW FACES IN THE SPRING: Although the majority of the 2016 signing class will start practice in fall camp in August, six new Panthers will participate in the spring. Among the early enrollees are twins offensive linemen Dallas and Douglas Connell, defensive lineman Newton Salisbury and safety Isaiah Hill. Tennessee transfer tight end A.J. Branisel, who worked with the FIU scout team last year, is eligible after sitting out last season due to NCAA transfer rules. Rutgers transfer fullback Jacob Kraut is also ready to go in the spring. The Connells get a head start on the incoming offensive linemen in the battle for the playing time. Salisbury has immediate opportunities with FIU losing three prominent defensive linemen to graduation. With no safety positions locked down, Hill can also make an early impact. Branisel has the chance to take over for graduated tight ends Ya’Keem Griner or Akil Dan-Fodio. Turner said Branisel contacted FIU after he learned how FIU uses the tight end in its offense. Turner said he recruited Kraut hard out of Jacksonville Fletcher High. Turner said Kraut has good hands catching the ball and can also run the football.
#3 – YOUNGER DEFENSIVE LINE & DEFENSIVE BACKS: FIU has just five returning upperclassmen on its defensive line with Imarjaye Albury being the only returning starter. Thus, the Panthers will rely on a lot of youth on their defensive front. Among some of the seven underclassmen D-linemen FIU will take a long look at in the spring are Anthony Johnson and John Broome. Turner said sophomore Fermin Silva (right) looks good. Senior Josh Glanton has also made strides. Turner said Salisbury “is a guy that jumps out off the screen when you watch his tape because of his motor. He’s a relentless pass-rusher and has good strength at the point of attack.” Some of the cornerbacks that can help fill the spots of Leonard and McKinnon include Emmanuel Lubin, who had some good games last season. Kenyatta Anderson, Mark Bruno and Deonte Wilson will all get their shots at the cornerback jobs. Defensive line and cornerbacks are the positions on defense where the Panthers have the most uncertainty right now.
#4 – LINEBACKERS BACK TO FULL STRENGTH: The strength of the FIU defense this season are the linebackers, who were all banged up last season. Treyvon Williams played in just
four games last season because of a lingering foot injury. Williams is full-go for spring practice. Davison Colimon, who was lost for the season in the opening game at Central Florida. Anthony Wint, who played most of last season with an injured hand, is ready to go. The FIU defense really missed the play of its starting linebackers last season, especially in run defense.
#5 – ON THE MEND: Some prominent players are expected to be limited throughout spring practice. Tight end Jonnu Smith, running back Napoleon Maxwell, safety Jordan Davis, and guard Jordan Budwig are all working their way back from injury and are not expected to be part of any contact drills. The glass is half full view of this situation is that there will be more reps for the reserves at those positions. FIU already knows what it has with Smith, Maxwell, Davis and Budwig. Tight ends such as Branisel, Mac Carey, Jonathan Pavlov and Ricky Fernandez will see more action in the spring. The younger offensive linemen will also get more reps in Budwig’s place. Anthony Jones, Alfonso Randolph, Collin Olsen and Kraut will get more carries.
via FIUsports.com