FIU’s offensive lineman bonded together through their shared love of fishing
A good fisherman needs patience.
Focus and timing are key, too.
All of those traits could be factors this season among FIU’s offensive linemen, most of whom love to fish.
It’s one of the ways they bond.
“I love the attitude in our room,” FIU offensive line coach Joshua Eargle said. “To be a good o-line, you have to have five guys who move and think as one.”
Wyatt Lawson, a starting guard for FIU, took his love for fishing to new heights recently when he helped his o-line coach’s seven-year-old son –Stallings “Smash” Eargle – catch his first peacock bass.
But, bonding aside, the Panthers have a lot of work to do on the football field.
Last year, the Panthers allowed 46 sacks, which ranked them tied for 124th in the nation. FIU had the same ranking in terms of its rushing average (2.85 yards per carry).
Neither of those things can be pinned entirely on the offensive line, but the unit can’t be absolved of any blame, either.
This year, the Panthers have to replace starting right tackle Phillip Houston, who transferred to Colorado.
In addition, standout center John Bock II will miss FIU’s first nine games due to a banned-substance suspension, issued by the NCAA.
But despite all of that, FIU coach Mike MacIntyre said offensive line is his team’s most-improved unit -- due in part to a great offseason in terms of conditioning.
Barring injury, FIU’s starting o-linemen for the Panthers’ season opener on August 31 at Indiana will comprise of: left tackle Travis Burke; left guard Naeer Jackson; center Jaheim Buchanon; right guard Lawson; and right tackle JaDarious Lee.
Buchanon, a redshirt freshman, is the biggest question mark as he has zero collegiate snaps. But Eargle said Buchanon has “changed his body” – getting leaner and stronger.
As for the rest of the line, Jackson made 12 starts last year; Burke made 10; Lawson made eight; and Lee made two.
But don’t overlook Lee despite just those two starts.
“Lee was our third tackle last year, and he played two-thirds of our snaps,” Eargle said. “Over our final four games, he might have been playing the best football of anyone on our line.”
Eargle said Jackson, a 6-7, 320-pounder, is “my big dancing bear” because of his great feet.
“He’s the vocal and emotional leader of our unit,” Eargle said.
Beyond the starting five, FIU has more depth now than they’ve had in a while, according to Eargle, who said he has 20 linemen he can trust.
FIU’s backups include redshirt freshmen Mykeal Rabess of Norland and Daniel Michel (Dillard) as well as North Carolina State transfer Jaleel Davis.
The Panthers also have an experienced backup center in Ming Tjon. In addition, Eargle said Stetson transfer Chad Staley is a “darkhorse” candidate to win time at center.
Denzel Dorn, a redshirt freshman from Gulliver, could earn time now that he has gained 35 pounds. He is now listed at 6-6 and 280 pounds.
THIS AND THAT
▪ Kicker Chase Gabriel made a career-high nine field goals last season, and his 75-percent success rate was also a career high (9-of-12). He made a 50-yarder last year, and his career best is 53 yards in 2021.
FIU special-teams coordinator Zac Roper said Gabriel, now a fifth-year senior, can be even better this season. “His flexibility has improved, and that’s how you can gain leg strength,” Roper said. “He’s done a great job working on his body.”
▪ Roper raved about long-snapper Jackson Lee, a third-year starter. Roper said Lee is FIU’s leader on special teams.