CFN: FIU PREVIEW

[Brad]

By Pete FIUtak

Any and all journalistic integrity is thrown out here. Having been called Fiu since I was around three, I'm ecstatic to have FIU join the D-I ranks. I have my FIU Football visor on and have a foam No. 1 finger saying GO FIU up in my office. I'd be lying if I said I didn't e-mail all my friends with a picture of the cheerleaders with FIU on their chests. For my own piece of mind, FIU can't stink.

Unfortunately, this will be a rocky first season in the D-I world as a full-time member of the Sun Belt conference coming off a 3-7 season with one of the worst defenses in DI-AA. Head coach Don Strock is still building the young program, and it needs more time to get on more solid ground.

Yes, FIU went 0-4 against D-I teams last year and got obliterated by teams like Georgia Southern and Western Kentucky, but there were occasional signs that this might be a decent Sun Belt program in time. There's some pop to the passing game, one of the Sun Belt's best offensive lines, and a ton of returning experience to expect a bit of a first year splash. This won't be a winning season, but there will be some good moments and an upset or two along the way to get Golden Panther fans excited.

The Schedule: The D-I world won't be kind early going on the road to face Kansas State and Texas Tech before the Sun Belt opener at Arkansas State. There are only four home games with one coming against North Texas, so there can't be any hiccups along the way before the season finale against new arch-rival Florida Atlantic.

Best Offensive Player: Junior TE Samuel Smith. WR Cory McKinney is a close number two, but Smith is a better player with better pro upside. He's a strong, 253-pound blocker with excellent hands. If helps that former Miami Dolphin Bruce Hardy is an assistant coach.

Best Defensive Player: Senior CB/FS Nick Turnbull. The 6-3, 211-pound senior is making the transition from safety to corner to help out the struggling pass defense. Pen him in as an All-Sun Belt performer as one of the league's best all-around defensive backs.

Key player to a successful season: CB Matt Castillo. No one will want to throw at Nick Turnbull, so Castillo has to turn into more of a ball-hawk on the other side. FIU's pass defense was 115th in DI-AA last year for a reason.

The season will be a success if ... FIU wins five games. That's asking a lot considering how far the program still has to go, but it's a good goal to shoot for with a team that returns 47 lettermen.

Key game: Nov. 19 vs. Florida Atlantic. This will be the measuring stick for the two D-I Sun Belt newcomers. There is a mini-recruiting war between the two young programs, so the winner of this game should have a big edge.

2004 Fun Stats:

- Fourth quarter scoring: Opponents 108 - FIU 44

- Sacks: FIU 18 for 97 yards - Opponents 9 for 76

- Lost fumbles: Opponents 6 - FIU 4

Basically ... The offense gets enough veterans back to hope for an overall improvement after averaging 379 yards and 26 points per game. The line gets everyone back after only allowing nine sacks, and QB Josh Padrick should grow into a steady leader in his third starting season. The key will be to find a steady runner to replace the 1,133 yards and 12 touchdowns of Rashod Smith with Julian Reams getting the early look.

Star of the offense: Senior WR Cory McKinney

Player that has to step up and become a star: Redshirt freshman RB Julian Reams

Unsung star on the rise: Redshirt freshman QB Tavares Kendrick

Best pro prospect: Junior TE Samuel Smith

Top three all-star candidates: 1) Smith, 2) McKinney, 3) C Victor Cernius

Strength of the offense: Experience, offensive line

Weakness of the offense: Experienced running backs

Quarterbacks

Josh Padrick has two years of starting experience and looks to put it all together now that he knows the system backwards and forwards. David Tabor proved last year that he can provide a spark off the bench when needed, but he's the clear number two. All eyes are on redshirt freshman Tavares Kendrick as he has the size and talent to eventually be the team's star.

Player to keep an eye on: Tavares Kendrick, RFr. ... Quarterback Rating: 4.5

Projected Starter

- Josh Padrick, Jr. - Padrick is a veteran who showed signs of becoming a good passer throwing for 2.269 yards and 12 touchdowns, but he also pitched 13 interceptions. While not a runner, he's mobile and won't take too many sacks with his quick release.

Top Backups

- David Tabor, Sr. - The first ever FIU recruit, he's a decent reserve able to come through with a comeback win over Youngstown State. He finished the season completing 17 of 28 passes for 190 yards and three touchdowns with three interceptions. While not the passer Josh Padrick is, he's more of a scrambler.

- Tavares Kendrick, RFr. - A tremendous athlete, the 6-3, 237-pound young passer is the future of the program. He'll spend another year learning under head coach Don Strock and will push Josh Padrick for the job next year.

Running Backs

It's asking a lot to replace what Rashod Smith provided last year as he was the offense at times. Julian Reams needs to establish himself early on as the same type of workhorse, while Adam Gorman has to heal up his hamstring and play like he did in 2003. The fullback situation is solid with three good prospects.

Player to keep an eye on: Julian Reams, RFr. ... Running back rating: 3.5

Projected Starters

- Julian Reams, RFr. - The 5-11, 195-pound Reams has good size and excellent speed looking to fill the void left by Rashod Smith and his 1,133 yards and 12 touchdowns. Expect him to be a factor as a receiver as well. He was a track star in high school as a sprinter and triple jumper, while he has the power to get the hard yards.

- Fullback Aston Wilson, Sr. - Wilson can do a little of everything with his real talent as a pass blocker. The 224-pound veteran will get a couple of carries and caught seven passes for 60 yards, but he'll be used mostly as a blocker.

Top Backups

- Adam Gorman, Sr. - The 211-pound senior is a good power back with a nose for the goal line rushing for 736 yards and eight touchdowns including a 73-yard dash in 2003. He also caught 22 passes for 234 yards and a score. Hamstring problems limited him last year to only 15 carries for 56 yards, but he's expected to play a big role again this season.

- Ben West, Soph. - West only was able to play in three games, but he still finished as the team's second leading rusher with 137 yards and a 6.2 yard-per-carry average. He's extremely fast and can be used as a kick returner. He was ineligible this spring, and is iffy to return this fall.

- Fullback Marcus Jones II, Jr. - Mostly a special teamer, Jones will spend more time in the backfield as a blocker behind Aston Wilson.

Receivers

This should be a major positive as the year goes on. Cory McKinney and Andre Rollins are huge targets, while Chandler Williams and Julius Eppinger are good speedsters. The tight ends are excellent with Samuel Smith sure to get a few All-Sun Belt honors and James Williams a starter for just about any other league team.

Player to keep an eye on: Lloyd Moss, RFr. ... Receiver rating: 4.5

Projected Starters

- Cory McKinney, Sr. - The 6-3, 217-pound McKinney is a physical receiver with good deep speed leading the the team with 58 catches for 675 yards and four touchdowns. Easily the greatest receiver in FIU's young history, he has a catch in 33 straight games and will once again be Josh Padrick's prime target. He's a good mid-range receiver and dangerous at producing yards after the catch.

- Chandler Williams, Jr. - A solid reserve the last two years, Williams finished second on the team with 46 catches for 525 yards and three touchdowns. He's expected to do more now that he has the full-time flanker role able to be the go-to target if needed.

- Tight end Samuel Smith, Jr. - At 6-3 and 253 pounds, Smith will be one of the Sun Belt's best blocking tight ends. He's also a valuable receiver finishing third on the team with 42 grabs for 510 yards and three touchdowns. He's great at exploiting openings in the middle of the field.

Top Backups

- Andre Rollins, Sr. - A tight end sized receiver, the 6-4, 225-pound senior led the team with a 16.2 yard-per-catch average, but he only made four grabs for 65 yards missing half of last year. He has had problems with a shoulder injury, but he'll be expected to be a strong backup behind Cory McKinney.

- Julius Eppinger, Sr. - One of the team's quickest receivers, Eppinger has been used more on kick returns than as a receiver. He'll be the number two flanker behind Chandler Williams.

- Lloyd Moss, RFr. - The brother of Miami Hurricanes Santana and Sinorice, Lloyd is bigger at 6-1 and 214 pounds, but has a little bit of the same speed.

- Tight end James Williams, Jr. - Expect to see plenty of Williams as FIU goes to several two tight-end sets. He's a good receiver who caught the game-winning touchdown pass in overtime against Youngstown State, but he's not the blocker Samuel Smith is.

Offensive Line

One of the team's strengths, five starters return up front to a group that allowed a mere nine sacks and was decent at opening holes for the running game. It's a big line, but there aren't any stars outside of center Victor Cernius with several good, solid veterans. There is decent depth and even more size waiting in the wings.

Player to keep an eye on: G Roland Clarke, Soph. ... Offensive line rating: 5.5

Projected Starters

- Tackle John Shanahan, Sr. - A two-year starter on the left side, the 6-6, 315-pound Shanahan's emergence as a pass blocker was one of the keys to last year's passing attacks.

- Guard Ed Wenger, Sr. - He's not big at only 6-1 and 268 pounds, but he's strong and smart. He's one of the team's leaders and most experienced players. He'll be a steady performer on the left side.

- Center Victor Cernius, Sr. - The best player on the line, the 6-4, 317-pound senior has been a rock starting a tackle and guard before settling into the center job. He isn't just big and versatile, he's a powerful run blocker.

- Guard Ronny Silva, Jr. - At 6-2 and 340 pounds, Silva is one of the team's biggest linemen and has grown into a good blocker after moving over from the defensive side.

- Tackle Tim Dierks, Sr. - It has taken a while, but Dierks has grown into a good player using his quickness on the right side. He's a lanky 6-4 and 263 pounds, but he's a strong pass protector.

Top Backups

- T Patrick Mullen, Sr. - A massive player at 6-8 and 345 pounds, Mullen has seen a little bit of time and will push John Shanahan at left tackle. He can start if needed.

- G Roland Clarke, Soph. - The 307-pound South Florida transfer is ready to step in as a bigger option at left guard than Ed Wenger.

- T Johnathan Taylor, Soph. - The 325-pound senior was a starter a few years ago, but has been out trying to get back from a knee injury.

Basically ... This could be a big problem with the transfer into full-time D-I world after allowing 479 yards and 32.5 points per game despite only playing four D-I teams. Pass defense is the biggest concern moving star safety Nick Turnbull over to corner, and needing a steady pass rush to help out the cause. The run defense isn't a prize, but the front four is big and the linebacking corps should be decent.

Star of the defense: Senior CB Nick Turnbull

Player that has to step up and become a star: Senior CB Matt Castillo

Unsung star on the rise: Junior LB Keyonvis Bouie

Best pro prospect: Turnbull

Top three all-star candidates: 1) Turnbull, 2) LB Lance Preston, 3) SS John Haritan (if healthy)

Strength of the defense: Linebacker, experience

Weakness of the defense: Pass defense, proven pass rushers

Defensive Line

The run defense didn't do much of anything getting steamrolled for 203 yards per game, but there's hope for improvement with some 300+ pound tackles and good sized ends. There isn't much in the way of sure-thing pass rushers needing Myron Acoff to grow into the role on the left side. There's decent depth with the return of Mike Sherrill and Terrance Allen.

Player to keep an eye on: DE Myron Acoff, Soph. ... Defensive Line rating: 4

Projected Starters

- DE Myron Acoff, Soph. - 24 tackles, 2 sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss ... Acoff turned into a key starter starting the second half of the year. At 250 pounds, he's decent against the run and has a little bit of speed getting around the end.

- DT Brandon Higdon, Sr. - 20 tackles, 2 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss ... The 303-pound senior isn't the biggest player on the line, but he's the most productive and the key to the run defense. He's also a decent interior pass rusher.

- NT Pedro Farias, Sr. - 15 tackles, 2 tackles for loss ... A reserve so far, the 311-pound Farias has to be an anchor on the nose using his size and experience to be an immediate factor. He isn't quick, but he can get into the backfield.

- DE Shaun Dudney, Sr. - 29 tackles, 2 sacks, 1.5 tackles for loss ... Dudney started every game growing into the defensive end role after splitting time at linebacker earlier in his career. He has the strength to be more of a run stopper, but he's needed most as a pass rusher.

Top Backups

- NT Nick Carreno, Sr. - 5 tackles ... A steady producer his first two seasons with 68 tackles and eight tackles for loss, Carreno looks to get back to form after a down 2004 pushing for time behind Pedro Farias on the nose.

- DE Mike Sherill, Jr. - Sherill was a star in 2003 as both a linebacker and an end making 84 tackles, but he didn't play last year and is now looking to regain a spot on the right side behind Shaun Dudney.

- DE Terrance Allen, Sr. -  A steady backup in 2002 and 2003, the 267-pound Allen will try to get back in the rotation big backup on the left side behind Myron Acoff.

Linebackers

This is an interesting group with two of the most productive returning players, Antwon Barnes and Alexander Bostic III, playing backup roles. Lance Preston is the star of the bunch able to play anywhere needed, while Keynovis Bouie is a good-looking prospect in the middle. Former Miami star linebacker and FIU defensive coordinator Bernard Clark should do some good things with this corps.

Player to keep an eye on: Keynovis Bouie, Soph. ... Linebacker rating: 4.5

Projected Starters

- Lance Preston, Sr. - 82 tackles, 1 interception, 4 tackles for loss ... The star in the middle last year finishing second on the team in tackles, Preston, a former JUCO star, will move to the strongside providing more bulk at 232 pounds than the 212-pound Gerrod Bodie.

- Keynovis Bouie, Jr. - 35 tackles ... The 217-pound junior was never 100% healthy last year, but he made an impact when he got his chance as both a linebacker and on special teams. He has the speed and hard-hitting ability to be a top producer in the middle, and he could play on the weakside if needed.

- Gerrod Bodie, Sr. - 34 tackles, 2 tackles for loss ... Bodie moves over from the strongside to the weakside to better utilize his speed and quickness. He's only 212 pounds, but he's tough and will be more of a threat to get into the backfield.

Top Backups

- Antwon Barnes, Jr. - 53 tackles, 3 sacks, 8 tackles for loss ... One of team's best linebackers, the 227-pound Barnes is a big-hitter who is always around the ball and makes big plays with the speed of a defensive back. He finished fifth on the team in tackles.

- Alexander Bostic III, Jr. - 70 tackles, 5 tackles for loss ... Bostic was a good producer on the weakside finishing fourth on the team in tackles, but will play a backup role behind Gerrod Bodie. He's a smart player with good speed and athleticism.

Defensive Backs

The FIU pass defense was abysmal allowing 276 yards per game, and that was against DI-AA teams. Safety Nick Turnbull will move to corner to try to ease the pressure, but a good number two cover-corner needs to emerge. The safeties can hit, but there will be a big problem is John Haritan isn't back from a neck injury.

Player to keep an eye on: SS Chris Williams, RFr. ... Secondary rating: 3.5

Projected Starters

- CB Nick Turnbull, Sr. - 74 tackles, 5 interceptions, 4 broken up passes ... The star safety will move to corner to serve as a top cover-corner on what was a horrible pass defense. The team's third leading tackler and, by far, the best pass defender, the 6-3, 211-pound Turnbull has 210 career tackles, 14 interceptions and 20 broken up passes.

- FS Marshall McDuffie, Soph. - 40 tackles, 2 broken up passes ... The 6-2, 201-pound McDuffie saw extensive time as a backup and turned in a decent season. He provides a solid pop and is one of the team's faster defensive backs.

- SS John Haritan, Sr. - 92 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 3 broken up passes ... A tackling machine, Haritan has 295 career stops and 21 tackles for loss. However, he's questionable for this season with a neck injury that might force him to redshirt. Even though he missed the final two games of the year, he still led the team in tackles for a third straight season.

- CB Matt Castillo, Sr. - 40 tackles, 2 broken up passes ... While a bit limited, Castillo is a good-sized corner with good tackling skills. A good athlete, he needs to use his experience to make more plays when the ball is in the air.

Top Backups

- SS Chris Williams, RFr. - With John Haritan's season in question due to a neck injury, Williams will become more of a factor. He's fast enough to be a major player against the pass, and big enough to fill a little bit of the void against the run.

- CB Zach Davis, Jr. - 4 tackles ... A decent kick returner and good tackler, Davis will see more action as the number three corner in the mix playing behind Nick Turnbull on the left side.

Special Teams

The kicking game will be fine if Adam Moss can fine tune his big leg. The return game should be fine with Julius Eppinger handling all the duties with Chandler Williams helping out.

Special Teams rating: 6

- Placekicker Adam Moss, Sr. - 13-19 FGs, 27-29 extra points ... Moss has been an interesting field goal kicker hitting 11 straight and going 9-of-9 from beyond 40 yards, but was 4-of-10 inside 40. He has a good leg, now he has to be more consistent

- Punter Chris Patullo, Jr. - Patullo will replace Doug Jones, but that won't be hard. Jones averaged a mere 37.9 yards per kick meaning Patullo or high school hotshot Dustin Rivest will be able to quickly do more.

With a fresh set of downs…

1st and Ten – You Got Mail, who’s going to carry it? – Ask a football coach who is more difficult to replace – a big time running back or a quality quarterback?  Most will tell you the one they just lost from the previous season, and for head coach Don Strock at Florida International that would be the running back position.  Rashod Smith was the foundation of the Golden Panther offense last year, rushing for over 1,100 yards on 230 carries.  He was the running game, so much so, that no other Golden Panther running back had more than 22 carries on the season.  But, with Smith’s eligibility now exhausted, the Golden Panther running game is in for a retooling of enormous proportions.  QB Josh Padrick is back to lead the offense, but a running game must emerge to assist him, and a runner must be found.  The candidates are plentiful, but are they capable?  Ben West seems as though he might be the best option – a combination of strength and speed, but he only played in three games last year.  Adam Gorman, the former St. Pete Catholic star, is more about power at 212 pounds, but, unfortunately, didn’t contribute much to the offense after a solid 2003 season.  Strock and his staff went out and got three running back recruits in case the dynamic duo doesn’t pan out accordingly.  Although a running back and a running game are not a guarantee for a successful season, the lack of each could be the guarantee for a tough season, the Golden Panthers’ first in the Sun Belt Conference.

2nd and Seven – Turn for the Better – Having a play maker on defense is a luxury these days in college football, so color the Golden Panthers lucky for having one in Nick Turnbull.  The 6’3” 212 pound senior is the all-time leading interception leader in FIU’s short football history, but he now moves to corner after playing safety last year (although he did audition for his corner appointment in the last two games of the year).  Turnbull had a strong season with five picks last year, but adjusting to playing corner for a full season is tougher than it sounds.  Regardless, Turnbull has the athletic ability and size to be a top notch corner in the Sun Belt.

3rd and Three – Just Throw them the **** Ball – Although the running back position has a little to be desired at this point, the pass catchers don’t.  Cory McKinney rolled up 58 receptions last season as the team’s go-to receiver, and Chandler Williams gathered in 46 balls.  TE Samuel Smith was third on the team with 42 grabs, and gives QB Padrick a threat in the middle of the field to take some heat off of the perimeter blazers.  With this trio of hands returning this fall, don’t be surprised to see the Air Strock offense in Miami.

4th and One – Run Stoppers? – The answer?  203.  The question?  What’s the area code in Connecticut?  No.  Okay, well, yes, that is true, but more importantly, it’s the rushing yardage that the Golden Panthers gave up per game in 2004.  A staggering number, yes, but considering that they now have to stop some of the best runners in the nation, especially Patrick Cobbs and Jamario Thomas, it takes on a whole new meaning (well, they’ll get a break when they play Texas Tech).  Either way to win this conference, shoot, to be competitive in this conference, that 203 must decrease to 145 or lower.  

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