Keyone Jenkins still the starter as FIU football looks to break two-game skid

Despite two straight losses – and some comments from his coach that were perhaps misconstrued – Keyone Jenkins is still FIU’s starting quarterback.

FIU coach Willie Simmons, in an exclusive interview with The Herald – said Jenkins’ job is “definitely not in jeopardy.”

The controversy started following FIU’s 28-21 loss to host Missouri State on Wednesday night. Jenkins was removed from the game with 11:10 left in the fourth quarter due to a groin injury. The injury was apparently so minor that Simmons said Jenkins could’ve re-entered the game.

However, trailing 28-14, Simmons opted to play veteran backup Joe Pesansky, who led FIU to a six-play, 65-yard touchdown drive.

After the game, Simmons made an eye-opening statement: “Joe gives us a bit more in the passing game, being able to see things and distribute the ball.”

If Simmons truly favored Pesansky, 22, as a passer, it would be stunning considering that Jenkins was the preseason Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year.

Jenkins is also a hometown hero, the guy who led Miami Central High to so much state-championship glory. Plus, Simmons – who was hired by FIU on Dec. 7 – made retaining Jenkins his transfer-portal priority this past winter.

But on Friday, in his chat with The Herald, Simmons gave some context to that earlier quote.

“(Jenkins) had gotten hurt,” Simmons said. “We felt his mobility was affected. He’s at his best when he can move around and extend plays. With him being injured, we felt it would hinder his overall ability, and we were having some issues protecting up front.

“Joe has experience (14 starts at the FCS level with Holy Cross), and he’s more of a natural pocket passer. Being down two scores, it had turned into a pass-heavy game for us. (Offensive coordinator Nick Coleman) and I made the decision to go with Joe.”

However, when FIU (3-5 overall, 1-3 Conference USA) returns to action on Nov. 8 at Middle Tennessee State, Simmons said Jenkins will be the starter just as he has been for virtually his entire three-year collegiate career.

FIU, which hasn’t played a postseason game since the 2019 Camellia Bowl, can still become bowl eligible by winning three of its final four games.

However, if FIU loses its next two straight – Middle Tennessee and then home against Liberty – don’t be surprised if Simmons turns to the QB he recruited, true freshman Christian Langford.

Langford, who is from the Atlanta area, has played just one game this season. That means he can play three more without burning his redshirt season.

“That’s always a possibility,” Simmons said of turning to Langford at some point. “The plan was always to get him into four games.

“We have to be strategic about how we use him. We don’t think he’s ready yet to take snaps as an every-down starter. Nick and I are talking about how we can get him some experience. But right now the game is moving too fast for him.

“If things go south to where our goals can’t be accomplished, we will evaluate it then. But right now, that’s premature.”

Clayton Dees is the other scholarship QB on FIU’s roster, and perhaps Simmons would want to give him some action, too, at least in that scenario.

Beyond all of that, though, Simmons has made it clear that his offensive line did not play well on Wednesday.

In addition, Simmons again voiced his disappointment in his wide receivers, and there is little doubt the coach will focus on that position for next year, both with freshmen and with transfers.

“We’re not attentive to details at wide receiver right now,” Simmons said. “Whether it’s (Jenkins or Pesansky), it’s difficult to throw the ball consistently when route depths are inconsistent … Up front, that was probably the worst we played all season.”