With National Signing Day on Wednesday, here is where FIU’s football class stands

FIU coach Mike MacIntyre has recently hired two assistants to bolster his staff’s South Florida credentials – Miami’s Corey Bell to mentor cornerbacks and Fort Lauderdale’s Eric Hickson to direct running backs.

But even though the rest of the staff is from outside the 305/954, it doesn’t mean they are outsiders.

With National Signing Day set for Wednesday, Panthers new defensive coordinator, Jovan Dewitt is proof of that concept.

“At every Dade and Broward high school I’ve visited since I was hired,” Dewitt said, “I gotten a big hug.”

That’s because Dewitt has recruited South Florida for years, especially while coaching at FAU, UCF and Nebraska.

Just about every major football program recruits South Florida, and the reason why is no mystery. Studies have shown that Miami has sent more players to the NFL than any city in the country. Houston is a distant second.

But Dewitt said his love for South Florida players goes beyond their talent.

“The biggest connection I’ve ever felt with players was with the guys in South Florida,” Dewitt said. “The kids down here are tough, and they love playing ball.

“I can relate to these guys. Most of them, they’ve through some (stuff) in their lives. Football is like religion to them. Practice matters to them. Games matter to them.

“Sometimes, they’re a bit loud. But that’s because they’re passionate. I couldn’t be more fired up to coach them.”

FIU is expected to announce its latest batch of recruits on Wednesday.

Here’s a look at recruits who have either signed with FIU or committed to the Panthers since MacIntyre was hired in December.

▪ Quarterback: If the coaches are right about Gunnar Holmberg, the transfer from Duke may be the most important FIU recruit in this cycle.

▪ Running back: Antonio Patterson figures to be a developmental recruit because of some older players already on campus at his position. But that’s not to minimize the talent of Patterson, who put up strong numbers in the Tennessee prep ranks.

▪ Wide receiver: Transfers Jacolby Hewitt (Indiana) and Sharod Johnson (Syracuse) will get a shot to start right away. Mike Jackson from Miami Palmetto will be a longer-term project if he signs.

▪ Tight end: Iowa transfer Josiah Miamen will challenge the holdovers, assuming Sterling Palmer and Rivaldo Fairweather return.

▪ Offensive line: Center John Bock signed in December, and FIU is hoping tackle Naeer Jackson signs on Wednesday. More depth is needed on the line.

▪ Defensive line: DJ Aiken is the only recruit so far at a position of need.

▪ Linebacker: The Panthers have added a lot of speed at this position with transfers Latarie Kinsler (Syracuse), Jesse Smith (City College of San Francisco) and Donovan Manuel (East Tennessee State). FIU is also looking to add prep linebacker Paras Clines.

▪ Defensive back: FIU picked up a pair of transfers in cornerback Adrian Cole (Syracuse) and safety Willie Reed (Central Michigan). They are also hoping to add players from the prep ranks: cornerback Jayden Oliver and safety Semaj Flagg.

In addition, Miami Central’s Trent Henry – if he signs – can play cornerback, safety or wide receiver.

▪ Punter: With Tommy Heatherly off to pursue his NFL dreams, FIU is looking to add Jordan Doelling from Australia.