Texas sophomore making FIU starting quarterback competition a battle this spring
Grayson James may not be such an underdog after all.
James, a true sophomore out of Texas, had an impressive practice on Tuesday, and he is challenging frontrunner Gunnar Holmberg in the battle to become the FIU Panthers’ starting quarterback this fall.
“Grayson made some nice throws and had a really good day,” new FIU football coach Mike MacIntyre said of James’ performance on Tuesday, which included a perfectly placed deep throw in a two-minute drill. “He has a strong arm. It’s exciting to see that.
“(Offensive coordinator David) Yost is doing a good job with him, getting him used to our system.”
Holmberg, who made 11 starts for Duke last season, has the most experience of FIU’s three quarterbacks. James has zero starts, but he completed 18-of-27 passes for 162 yards with one touchdown and zero interceptions as an FIU backup last year.
Haden Carlson, a highly-regarded recruit a couple of years ago, is also competing for the QB job, although he has yet to throw a pass for FIU.
“Our other quarterbacks are making some plays, too,” MacIntyre said of Holmberg and Carlson. “It’s been encouraging.”
Tuesday was FIU’s 10th practice under MacIntyre, who said he’s pleased with the speed he has at wide receiver, running back and tight end.
The speed on defense hasn’t flashed yet, MacIntyre said, due to injuries in the secondary.
However, MacIntyre has been impressed with cornerback Brian Blades Jr. and safety Demetrius Hill, formerly of Miami Springs High. Blades is the son of Brian Blades, the former two-time national champion at the University of Miami who made the Pro Bowl as a wide receiver in 1989.
At middle linebacker, East Tennessee State transfer Donovan Manuel continues to earn MacIntyre’s praise.
Manuel – who wears No. 10, same as Grayson James – has quickly become a team leader.
“I have a lot of playing experience,” Manuel said. “We have young team. I’m trying to be the wise person.”
Overall, MacIntyre said FIU has improved its “physicality” this spring. The coach said every position group has gotten better, remarking that players have quickly learned the new system.
“They know the scheme,” he said. “But you don’t start getting good until there’s attention to detail within the scheme.”
THIS AND THAT
FIU’s “Pro Day” is Wednesday, and the Panthers’ top prospect eligible for the 2022 NFL Draft is running back D’vonte Price. Lindy’s magazine projects Price as a sixth- or seventh-round prospect, and no other FIU player made their list.
Lindy’s praises Price’s 6-2 frame but questions his quickness, receiving skills, instincts, creativity and even his long speed.
“Price is unlikely to ever lead an NFL running back room, but he could provide valuable reps throughut the year,” Lindy’s writes.
Also expected at FIU Pro Day: quarterback Max Bortenschlager, wide receiver Bryce Singleton, tight end Sterling Palmer, center Api Mane, linebackers Eric Mitchell, Jamal Gates, Daniel Jackson and Josh Powell; and defensive backs Josh Valentine-Turner, Richard Dames, Rishard Dames and Demarcus Robinson; and punter Tommy Heatherley.