FIU’s defense seeks improvement, looking for less ‘loafs’ and more ‘havoc rate’
Even in today’s world of analytics, some fans may not have heard of a statistic that is kept by FIU defensive coordinator Jovan Dewitt.
The stat is called “loafs”, and Dewitt told The Herald how a player would be charged with this unwanted stat next to his name.
“If you slow down or if somebody from your same position group passes you up in pursuit,” Dewitt said. “You also get one if you are not lined up right or if you are not willing to ‘throw your face in the fan’ to make a tackle.”
Dewitt said the standard is to have less than four percent of your total plays get judged to be “loafs.”
Another interesting stat on Dewitt’s defense is “havoc rate.” You get credit for causing “havoc” if you have a tackle for loss or if you. are part of “ball disruption”, meaning a forced or recovered fumble; a tipped pass or an interception.
Dewitt said he’s been happy with FIU’s havoc rate this fall, but the loafs have been higher than he wants, and that is often due to the absurd South Florida heat, which has reached 120 degrees on FIU’s turf field, the coach said.
On the positive side, Dewitt said FIU’s defensive line – since last year – has gotten longer, wider and more athletic.
“We put a lot of emphasis on recruiting bigger, thicker guys on the inside so we can hold the point,” Dewitt said. “We tried to recruit girth for the run-stopping stuff. Last year, we were a little light in the interior, and we were getting moved in critical run-down situations.”
To Dewitt’s point, FIU last year allowed 191.3 rushing yards per game, which ranked 110th in the nation.
Conversely, the Panthers ranked 16th in the country last year in passing yards per game (179.6).
This fall, Dewitt said coverage ability remains the strength of his defense. As for FIU’s run-stopping efforts, Marshall transfer Olasunkonmi Agunloye is the main addition. He figures to start at defensive tackle, and he is huge – 6-7 and 315 pounds.
Dewitt also mentioned true freshman Anthony Smith, who totaled 30.5 tackles for losses over the past two years, helping Chaminade win two straight state titles.
Smith is listed at 6-2 and 350 pounds.
“It’s a $5 cab ride to get around him,” Dewitt joked.
The hope for FIU is that players such as Smith and returning starter Quaylen Hill – listed at 6-foot and 320 pounds – can clog up the middle and allow Panthers linebackers to run freely to the ball.
In addition, Agunloye can use his height to disrupt passing lanes … or, as Dewitt phrases it: “We want to force quarterbacks to throw through the forest.”
At the two linebacker spots, Dewitt said the veteran leaders are Percy Courtney, Dwight Nunoo and newcomer Johnny Chaney Jr. But Dewitt saved special praise for sophomore Josiah Taylor.
“Oooh,” Dewitt said of Taylor, “he’s going to be really, really good.”
At cornerback, Brian Blades II is the standout, and Ashton Levells, back from injury, is also looking like a starter. Ayviauynn Celestine, who played 16 games at the University of Arizona, could be the slot corner.
Veteran safeties Demetrius Hill and Websley Ettiene figure to start. But this may be FIU’s deepest position with players such as Antonio Patterson, Shamir Sterlin, Sadonnie Gay and Jessiah McGrew pushing for playing time.
Patterson had been a running back until switching to safety last year.
“Antonio is as athletic as anybody you’ll ever meet,” Dewitt said. “Last year was a transition year at safety. Now he is starting to blossom in that role.”
Among the safeties, Dewitt said Patterson is the fastest; Sterlin has the most range; and Gay is the biggest and most consistent hitter.
As for McGrew, he has often taken command of the defense even though it’s his first year in college football.
“He’s not a normal freshman,” Dewitt said. “Keep your eyes on him.”
This story was originally published August 14, 2025 at 8:36 AM.