Grading the Panthers: What are FIU’s strengths and weaknesses for the 2022 season?

QUARTERBACKS | B

Duke transfer Gunnar Holmberg, who was 3-8 as a Duke starter last year, beat out Grayson James and Haden Carlson to win FIU’s top job. He was especially good in the first half of last season. In his first six games — which included four contests against Power 5 schools — Holmberg completed 132 of 182 passes for 1,616 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions. That computes to 72.5 percent completions for an average of 269 yards per game, and if FIU can get that from Holmberg, they will be overjoyed.

RUNNING BACKS | C-

D’vonte Price, who rushed for 2,203 yards in four years at FIU, bolted for the NFL, signing with the Colts as an undrafted free agent. He left a huge void, and EJ Wilson had the most consistent fall. Lexington Joseph is explosive, but he battled some injuries in fall camp. Those two players are listed as co-starters. Kejon Owens is also competing for time. Offensive coordinator David Yost believes he has three quality backs, but he also said that depth is lacking.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT END: B

The presence of star receiver Tyrese Chambers elevates this unit. Chambers made his FIU debut last year, breaking school records for receiving yards (1,074) and touchdown catches (nine). He also ranked second nationally with 23.9 yards per catch. Tight end Rivaldo Fairweather is a playmaker as a receiver and blocker. Beyond those two, it remains to be seen who will emerge. Candidates at receiver include junior college transfer Jalen Bracey, and much-improved Dean Patterson. Tight end depth comes from Iowa transfer Josiah Miamen as well as Jackson McDonald and Kamareon Williams. Among the other wide receivers to watch are Ross Fournet; Randall St. Felix; Indiana transfer Jacolby Hewitt; Syracuse transfer Sharod Johnson; Miami Palmetto true freshman Mike Jackson; Kris Mitchell; Jay Barry Jr.; and Nate Jefferson.

OFFENSIVE LINE | D

Lyndell Hudson Jr., who has made 18 starts for FIU, should lead this unit, but he was hobbled by injury in the fall. Position coach Greg Austin may not yet know what he has as he is trying to find the five best blockers, regardless of position. Julius Pierce, who has spent the past three years as mostly a backup (one career start), is the center. Jacob Peace, who spent the past four years at an FCS program (Virginia Military), won the job at right tackle. Rey Burnett, who transferred from Houston Baptist last year and made two starts, is the right guard. With Hudson slowed, Shamar Hobdy-Lee starts out at left tackle. And John Bock, a true freshman and the first recruit of coach Mike MacIntyre Era, earned his spot at left guard. Key backups include junior college transfer Deyavie Hammond and Jahmari Sylvester, a third-year player who started the 2021 season finale.

DEFENSIVE LINE | D

New defensive coordinator Jovan Dewitt inherits a unit that allowed 38.7 points per game last year. FIU also allowed 229 yards rushing per game. Dewitt will use multiple looks, but fans can expect more 3-4 fronts than in recent years, with nose tackle Davon Strickland the standout. End Jeramy Passmore is back after making nine starts for FIU last year. Redshirt freshman Keegan Davis, who has gained 15 pounds of muscle since the spring, has impressed and will start at the other end. He is now listed at 6-3, 235 pounds. Steve Shannon, a true freshman from Miami Killian, has made an early impact. The same is true for junior college transfer Will Prendergast.

LINEBACKERS | C

The tragic death of Ole Miss transfer Luke Knox in August impacts this group emotionally and on the field. Donovan Manuel, a transfer who played 34 games at East Tennessee State, has quickly become a unit leader. Gaethan Bernadel won the other job at inside linebacker. On the outside, converted running back Shaun Peterson Jr. has speed and athleticism, and he will start opposite North Carolina transfer Alex Nobles. Syracuse transfer DJ Kinsler should get plenty of work on the outside.

DEFENSIVE BACKS | C

Veteran Dorian Hall, a 6-4 safety, is back after having been diagnosed with epilepsy. Pierce Withers, another veteran, missed time in camp due to a neck/shoulder injury. Due to those issues, redshirt freshman Demetrius Hill, who has yet to play a college down, and DJ Christian are at the top of the depth chart. True freshman Hezekiah Masses was the surprise of camp, winning a starting job at cornerback. Henry Gray is the other starting corner, and Jamal Potts plays the nickel. The Panthers like the 6-2 Potts, who gives them great size. Gray, who started his career at the University of Nebraska, started two games last year. Other candidates at cornerback include Andrew Volmar, who started four games last year; true freshman Larry Preston; and redshirt freshman Brian Blades.

SPECIAL TEAMS | C-

Tommy Heatherly, a booming punter who averaged 46.4 yards last season, is off to try to make an NFL roster. His replacement — Daton Montiel — is unproven at this level. Australian Jordan Doelling is still fighting to win the punting job. Kicker Chase Gabriel missed two extra points and five field-goal attempts last year and needs to be more consistent. Gabriel, who made a 53-yarder, has a strong leg, however. It remains to be seen which return men FIU will use, but Lexington Joseph and Tyrese Chambers would be explosive if they are the choices.

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This story was originally published September 1, 2022 at 11:17 AM.