Three 2012 signees — wide receiver Jeremy Smith from Pembroke Pines Flanagan; tight end Bryan Attaway from Kingsland (Ga.) Camden County High; and defensive back Denzel Conyers from Gulfport Boca Ciega — aren’t enrolled in school or with the team because of academic shortcomings.

Missed practice

Wide receiver James Louis, a transfer from Ohio State last year, missed practice to address some academic issues, according to an FIU source.

Some opportunities

The Panthers overabundance of returning starters, especially on defense, doesn’t mean the freshmen should immediately start thinking about special teams and redshirting judging from the amount of work they got Friday.

“We are forced to create extra periods for three and some of the fours because those guys are talented enough to contribute,” FIU football coach Mario Cristobal said. “We just have to see if they can get all the mental stuff.”

DAVID J. NEAL