Manuel, Patterson impress as battles for starting spots on FIU football team heat up
Linebacker Donovan Manuel and wide receiver Dean Patterson are two of the surprises of FIU football practices this spring.
New coach Mike MacIntyre cautioned that it’s too early to draw much in the way of conclusions as Tuesday was just FIU’s seventh practice under the new staff.
MacIntyre also said he expects the quarterback competition -- between Duke transfer Gunnar Holmberg and holdovers Grayson James and Haden Carlson – will continue through the fall.
Meanwhile, Manuel, a former All-State linebacker from Atlanta, spent the past four years at East Tennessee State. The 6-1, 200-pounder made first-team All-Southern Conference, and he has a legitimate chance at starting for FIU.
Patterson, a 6-2, 200-pounder from the Tampa area, was Carlson’s teammate at Steinbrenner High, setting school single-season records for receptions (58) and yards (847). He also caught 11 TD passes.
Despite that, he arrived here as a walk-on, and now he has caught the attention of the new staff after catching just three passes for 34 yards for FIU last season.
There is no FIU 2022 depth chart yet, and the Panthers return just five players who started at least six games for them last year, including star wide receiver Tyrese Chambers.
The others are right tackle Lyndell Hudson Jr. (12 starts), defensive tackles Davon Strickland (12) and Jeramy Passmore (eight) and defensive back Pierce Withers (six).
At running back, Lexington Joseph (two starts) and Shaun Peterson are candidates to replace D’Vonte Price. Kejon Owens; EJ Wilson Jr. and Maleek Williams are also contenders.
Chambers is the go-to receiver. The other two spots figure to be a battle between Indiana transfer Jacolby Hewitt, Syracuse transfer Sharod Johnson and veteran Randall St. Felix (20 catches last year). Nate Jefferson, Kris Mitchell, Caleb Lynum, Artez Hooker, Teddy Richardson, Jay Barry Jr., Jalen Bracy and Patterson are also in what has become a fierce battle.
At tight end, Rivaldo Fairweather (five starts, 16 catches) and Iowa transfer Josiah Miamen lead a pack that also includes Kamareon Williams (one start), Jackson McDonald (one start) and Joe Hocker.
The offensive line – other than Hudson – will have to be completely rebuilt, with veteran left tackle Rey Burnett a player to watch.
FIU appears to be in good shape at defensive tackle with Strickland, Passmore and Savion Collins, a talented youngster. Ty Danzy (four starts) is the most experienced defensive end.
Gaethan Bernadel (two starts) and Manuel are the most experienced linebackers, and contenders include AJ Mathis, Chance Coleman, Nasir Carter, Ah’Mahri McCray, Tamarick Best and Reggie Peterson.
Withers leads a group of defensive backs who have each made a handful of starts. The list includes Andrew Volmar (three), Henry Gray (two), Joe Perkins (two) and Demetrius Hill (one).
THIS AND THAT
▪ FIU’s spring game is set for April 9 at 6 p.m. MacIntyre said it will be interactive with fans allowed to choose from a sheet to call plays for example. In addition, FIU students will have a punt-catching contest, and MacIntyre wants the alumni to come back and enjoy the event.
▪ FIU’s baseball team (9-12) snapped an 11-game losing streak on Saturday and has now won two straight contests. Among the losses was a 9-4 defeat to Jacksonville that set the FIU record for longest game at 20 innings. FIU went scoreless in the final 16 frames.