Focusing on the offensive line and the rest of FIU’s unofficial depth chart
Joshua Eargle, who is in his first season coaching FIU’s offensive line, said his Panthers blockers have grown greatly this fall.
“We’ve thrown a lot at this group,” said Eargle, who joined FIU last season, coaching tight ends. “I’m so proud of the development of our line.”
Eargle said his unit is deeper and better on the interior than it is at tackle.
“We have really good leadership at right guard in Jacob Peace and at center with John Bock,” Eargle said. “They are doing a good job of bringing the group together. They have instilled a sense of family.”
The Panthers may have found a gem at left guard in former Miami Killian standout Naeer Jackson, a 6-6, 320-pounder who moves well.
Gardner-Webb transfer Travis Burke, a massive man at 6-9 and 290 pounds, has won the job at left tackle due to what Eargle calls “extraordinary” movement skills in his hips and feet, especially for a player his size.
“He will likely be the biggest human on the field every week,” Eargle said. “When he walks out there, you’re going to notice him.”
Phillip Houston, who started five games last year, is the right tackle.
Primary depth players include Wyatt Lawson, who started five games last season on the interior; backup center Ming Tjon; and JaDarious Lee, a redshirt freshman who can play anywhere on the line. Other backups include Cole Smith, Jackson Schultze, Ashton Rivera and Bo Blanchard.
With FIU’s season opener fast approaching on August 26 at Louisiana Tech, here’s an unofficial look at the rest of the Panthers’ depth chart:
Quarterback: Grayson James, by virtue of his 10 starts last year, is atop our depth chart. Haden Carlson and true freshman Keyone Jenkins continue to challenge. Carlson had 414 passing yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions in his lone college start, which happened last year. Jenkins, a lefty, has a reputation as an elite leader and winner.
Running back: With Lexington Joseph out for the year, South Dakota transfer Shomari Lawrence is the only running back on the roster with significant college experience. Antonio Patterson, a redshirt freshman from Tennessee, is bigger this year and should get a shot to show his talent. Kejon Owens and T.J. Snowden provide depth.
Wide receiver: Kris Mitchell is the big-play guy with the best speed; Dean Patterson is FIU’s top route runner and hardest worker; and Jalen Bracey is much improved in the slot. Memphis transfer Eric Rivers has been the talk of camp – coach Mike MacIntyre loves those Tennessee players. Ross Fournet is FIU’s top blocker at receiver. True freshman Luby Maurice Jr. is a future star due to his ability to high-point a football; and Mike Jackson and Artez Hooker are developing.
Tight end: Former Iowa backup Josiah Miamen is the starter. Jackson McDonald, a former quarterback and Monroe County Player of the Year, has bulked up and will get snaps as the backup.
Defensive line: Jeramy Passmore, the most improved player on this unit, and Jordan Guerad are the starting ends. Bryant transfer Jack Daly has been dominant at nose tackle. Steven Shannon, the son of ex-Hurricanes coach Randy Shannon, has gained 30 pounds, up to 270, and he provides depth. His improvement ranks with that of Passmore. Other backups in what FIU hopes is an eight-man rotation are Will Prendergast, Keegan Davis, Travonte O’Neal and Jamarrion Solomon.
Linebackers: The starters are Donovan Manuel and Reggie Peterson on the inside and Alex Nobles and Khaya Wright on the outside. Manuel and Nobles are returning starters. Peterson is in his fourth year in the program, and Wright transferred in last year from Georgia Tech. Hurricanes transfer Avery Huff and Elijah Anderson-Taylor are the primary backups. Chance Coleman and Percy Courtney are young linebackers on the rise.
Defensive backs: Hezekiah Masses and Adrian Cole return as the starting cornerbacks, and Jamal Potts is again a key at nickel. Four players are rotating at safety, including D’Verick Daniel and C.J. Christian, who both played a lot last year. Transfers JoJo Evans (Kent State) and Ladarian Paulk (Memphis) are in the mix to start at safety. Depth DBs include Bryant transfer J.T. Anderson as well as Larry Preston, Jamari Holliman and Brian Blades.
Kicker: Chase Gabriel returns, but Lucas Matias is challenging.
Punter: Daton Montiel is secure.
Kick returner: Jalen Bracey and T.J. Snowden with Antonio Patterson and Kejon Owens as backups.
Punt returner: Dean Patterson with Eric Rivers and Mike Jackson as backups.
