Recruiting expert projects FIU football’s top recruits from Class of 2023
If anyone wonders if FIU had any “Power Five-type” talent on its 2022 football roster, consider that wide receiver Tyrese Chambers has since transferred to Maryland, tight end Rivaldo Fairweather landed at Auburn and inside linebacker Gaethan Bernadel signed with Stanford.
In total, FIU coach Mike MacIntyre has lost eight starters to transfer or graduation.
But, since December, FIU has added 27 recruits , including North Fort Myers linebacker Atavious Weaver, who signed on Wednesday.
Here then – with the help of famed recruiting guru Larry Blustein -- is a closer look at how FIU’s 2023 roster is taking shape so far:
▪ Overview: Carol City safety Mister Clarke, rated FIU’s 10th best recruit by 247Sports, is No. 1 on Blustein’s list.
“He’s the crown jewel of the entire class,” Blustein said. “He’s got great instincts. He was overlooked by ‘Power Five’ schools.”
Keyone Jenkins, FIU’s consensus top recruit in this class, is No. 2 on Blustein’s list, and the Miami Norland duo of safety Jamari Holliman and defensive lineman Mykeal Rabess tie for third.
▪ Quarterback: FIU added Miami Central star Jenkins to a depth chart that includes Grayson James (10 starts in 2022), Haden Carlson (one start) and redshirt freshman Amari Jones. Gunnar Holmberg, who started FIU’s 2022 opener, has retired from football following a concussion and a shoulder injury.
“Jenkins is a program-defining QB,” Blustein said. “He’s athletic and has a lot of big-game experience for a high school kid.”
▪ Running back: Lexington Joseph returns as the starter, but FIU signed South Dakota transfer Shomari Lawrence, a former Pompano Beach Blanche Ely star. Kejon Owens and Antonio Patterson are also on the depth chart.
Joseph and Owens are both from Miami Central, giving this position a strong South Florida feel.
“Lawrence is elusive,” Blustein said. “He will fit right in with the guys FIU has at running back.”
▪ Wide receiver: FIU signed junior-college transfer Ja’Coby Matthews and two freshmen from West Palm Beach: Luby Maurice and Kyle McNeal. Maurice is a bit ahead of McNeal in terms of development, Blustein said.
Replacing Chambers won’t be easy, but FIU returns Kris Mitchell, Jalen Bracey, Dean Patterson, Artez Hooker, Mike Jackson and Ross Fournet.
▪ Tight end: Perhaps Louisville transfer Christian Pedersen can replace Fairweather. FIU also signed two freshmen: Braiden Staten of Tennessee and Rowdy Beers of Colorado.
▪ Offensive line: FIU signed Gardner-Webb transfer Travis Burke, who could be an immediate starter at left tackle. Freshmen Daniel Michel, a tackle from Dillard, and guard/center Jaheim Buchanon will also get chances.
“Michel is a work in progress,” Blustein said. “For now, he will add depth.”
▪ Defensive line: Looking for immediate help, FIU signed three transfers: Claude Larkins (North Carolina State), Jack Daly (Bryant) and Marquez Tatum (junior college). FIU also added two freshmen: Antoine Cobb and Rabess.
Larkins, who won a state title at Hollywood Chaminade, and Daly could start for the Panthers, who bring back Jordan Guerad, Ty Danzy, Jeramy Passmore and Will Prendergast. Larkns comes from a good football family, including his brother, William, an offensive lineman who is part of the Indiana Hoosiers’ Class of 2023.
▪ Linebacker: This could be the Panthers’ strongest position as they return three of four starters in Shaun Peterson and Alex Nobles outside and Donovan Manuel inside.
FIU added Miami Hurricanes transfer Avery Huff, who starred at St. Thomas Aquinas, and Elijah Anderson-Taylor, who started all 11 games last season, leading Northern Colorado with 111 tackles. FIU also signed two freshmen: Weaver and outside linebacker Toddrick Brewton from Miami Northwestern.
Blustein said Huff has talent but struggled to “pick things up” in Miami’s system. As for Brewton, Blustein said: “I love that kid. He could make an impact right away..”
▪ Cornerback: FIU signed Bryant transfer JT Anderson and three freshmen: Holliman, Preston Thompson and Victor Evans III.
“Holliman is a beast,” Blustein said.
▪ Safety: FIU returns emerging star Demetrius Hill, but the Panthers graduated Dorian Hall.
The Panthers added three safeties: Kent State transfer JoJo Evans, who could start right away, and freshmen Clarke and Landon Hale.
FIU also returns CJ Christian and D’Verick Daniel, and Holliman could play safety, too.
This story was originally published February 1, 2023 at 9:38 AM.