FIU Panthers reshape defense ahead of spring game
Safety Demetrius Hill, a sixth-year senior, was one of the stars of FIU’s scrimmage on Friday.
Hill, a 6-2, 205-pounder from Miami Springs, had a couple of big hits, including one on tight end Jackson Verdugo.
Defensive coordinator Jovan Dewitt took note.
“I was excited about the hit,” Dewitt said. “But I was even more excited about his presnap communication. [The offense] gave us a funky formation. They motioned, and [Hill] had everyone [on defense] on the same page. It was literally like having a coach on the field.”
Hill said his ability to read an offense comes from his vast experience.
“It’s just playing football over the years, recognizing formations and plays,” Hill said. “I just had to get the defense lined up and execute my job.”
One reason Hill has been in college for so long is that he redshirted in 2021; became a freshman All-American in 2022; transferred to Illinois, where he got hurt and played just one game in two years; and then returned to FIU in 2025, becoming a backup to a pair of star freshmen.
Hill said he doesn’t look back with regret at his decision to leave FIU for Illinois. Instead, Hill looks forward.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in communications in December, and he envisions himself becoming an entrepreneur after his playing days are over.
In the meantime, he is a leader on FIU’s rebuilt defense, and he’s also an example of perseverance.
“It’s not what you go through,” Hill said. “It’s how you get through it.”
Indeed, with this team’s annual Spring Game set for April 11, FIU’s defense is getting through things just fine.
Dewitt believes his 2026 defense has more depth and added size in the interior of FIU’s line.
“We have 20 to 30 new guys on defense, and we should be disruptive,” Dewitt said. “But we have more work to do with our edge rushers so we can get more consistent production.”
FIU’s leaders at defensive tackle include Anthony Cunningham (6-4, 310 pounds); RJ Moss Jr. (6-4, 275); and ex-Chaminade-Madonna standout Anthony Smith (6-2, 350).
On the edges, Homestead High’s Dante Anderson (6-5, 250) and Miami Gulliver Prep’s Lamont Green Jr. (6-4, 230) are in the lead.
“The first thing our ends have to do is set the edge and stop the run,” Dewitt said. “Second, rush the quarterback,. And third, survive in coverage because we will occasionally drop one of those guys into a fire zone. But if you can’t set the edge and stop the run, you can’t play.”
Edge rusher Kenton Simmons is out for the spring due to injury, but he will return. The same is not true for three graduated starters on the defensive line: Keegan Davis, Quaylen Hill and Olasunkonmi Agunloye. Davis’ endless motor will be missed, and Hill and Agunloye did a solid job stopping the run.
Xion Chapman, a top backup on the line, is also gone, transferring to Minnesota.
At linebacker, the Panthers graduated Johnny Chaney Jr., who led the team with 107 tackles.
But the Panthers should be solid with returners Josiah Taylor and Percy Courtney Jr., who is fully recovered from last fall’s ankle surgery.
“It’s hard to replace Johnny, but Josiah and Percy have upped their games,” Dewitt said. “I’ve been a Josiah Taylor fans since he was a safety. I remember saying he could be one of the best linebackers to come through here, and hopefully he proves me right. I have a ton of confidence in him.”
Brayshawn Littlejohn adds depth. He played two seasons as a Missouri backup, and he had 4½ tackles for losses in 12 games last season for Appalachian State.
Dewitt also praised JaCorey Stewart’s speed. Stewart played four games over the past two years as a Kansas backup. Sophomore Kani Smith is another linebacker to watch.
At cornerback, the Panthers were hit hard by transfers: Mister Clark (Purdue); Brian Blades II (Wake Forest); Victor Evans III (Nebraska); and Ashton Levells (East Carolina).
That’s a massive loss of talent, and FIU responded by bringing in Myles Cunningham from Bucknell and Lawrene Johnson from rival FAU.
The one returning cornerback who saw substantial action last year is Jai-Ayviauynn Celestine, and he is making an impact this spring.
At safety, Panthers fans surely shed a tear when true-freshman star Jessiah McGrew transferred to Arizona State.
However, Shamir Sterlin (Conference USA All-Freshman team) and Hill (26 career games played) give the Panthers ample experience.
Wesley Miller, who started 23 games at South Alabama over the past two years, provides depth at safety along with DeAndre Boykins, who is in his sixth season of college. In fact, Boykins started 14 games for North Carolina in 2022, and he has played a total of 38 contests.
“Our safeties are very physical,” Dewitt said. “We have length, too.”
Overall, Dewitt said this of his defense: “Our line’s physicality has improved. Our linebackers are faster, and our secondary is smarter.”
