Here are 5 takeaways breaking down FIU’s spring football session
Now that FIU’s football program has concluded its spring practices, here are five takeaways on the Panthers as they set their sights on the fall and potentially a second straight bowl game:
1. STARS COME OUT
Three former FIU standouts – wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, tight end Jonnu Smith and linebacker Antwan Barnes – were among those who attended Saturday’s annual Spring Game. FIU coach Willie Simmons said great programs have their former stars return to campus often, mentioning Georgia, Miami, Alabama and Florida State in that regard.
“We need to see that here,” Simmons said.
Simmons also mentioned that he met rapper Pitbull – namesake of FIU’s football stadium – at a university event on Thursday.
“I didn’t want to fan-boy him -- there were a lot of people there taking pictures,” Simmons said. “But I shook his hand and introduced myself.
“Our players are excited that we get to play at Pitbull Stadium. It was good for (Pitbull) to see that we’re doing good things in this program. (Pitbull’s) brand is helping us build this program.”
2. STRONG SECONDARY
This appears to be one of the top units on the team, and it’s led by safeties Demetrius Hill and Shamir Sterlin.
Hill had two interceptions in Saturday’s Spring Game, and Sterlin may be the biggest leader on the entire team. Both of them have experience as starters at this level.
As a freshman All-American in 2022, Hill posted 95 tackles, 3½ stops for losses; three forced fumbles and one interception.
Sterlin, who was a redshirt freshman last year, posted 65 tackles, 2½ stops for losses and two interceptions. He also made Conference USA’s All-Freshman team.
“D-Hill had a phenomenal spring,” Simmons said. “He’s finally healthy again, and you’re seeing him return to his freshman form.”
FIU’s top cornerbacks are Lawrence Johnson; Ryan Gadson; and De’Vontae Floyd.
In addition, Tyderick Brown was named FIU’s most improved cornerback this spring.
Simmons likes the length of his safeties – both Hill and Sterlin are 6-2.
In addition, true freshman safety Eric Johnson (6-0, 190) made a far-ranging interception of a deep pass in the Spring Game. The play was nullified due to an off-sides call, but Johnson’s skill was evident.
Meanwhile, senior safety Ormond Wallace (6-0, 210) also made an interception on Saturday, diving for a tipped ball.
“The mark of a great defense is when the offense makes a mistake, you capitalize, and we’re showing signs of that,” Simmons said. “Ormond has trimmed down and gotten himself into shape. He’s moving better, and that (improved conditioning) is allowing him to go get the ball.”
3. QB DEPTH NEEDED
Simmons said he likes what he has at quarterback with starter JJ Kohl and backup DJ Alexander.
In addition, Zach Marker, a seventh-year college player who transferred in this year from Delaware, should return by June from ACL knee surgery. FIU’s fourth QB is Zachary Waters, a walk-on from West Boca Raton.
This will be the seventh college season for Marker, the fourth for Kohl and the first for Alexander.
“DJ should still be at his prom right now,” Simmons said of Alexander, who graduated early and enrolled at FIU in January. “A lot is being thrown at him, but he picks things up quickly.
“We’ll see what we have (in Marker) once he’s running full speed, but we still have one roster spot to fill.”
Other than Keyone Jenkins (Class of 2023), three of the four QBs that FIU signed to scholarships out of high school in recent years have not done much. That list includes Amari Jones (Class of 2022); Clayton Dees (2024); and Christian Langford (2025). Jones, Dees and Langford combined to pass for just 109 yards before leaving FIU.
4. SLEEPER LINEBACKER
Simmons raved about Kani Smith, a 6-2 and 210-pound sophomore who played defensive end at Pahokee High, producing 17½ sacks over his final two prep seasons. When Smith arrived at FIU last year at less than 200 pounds, he was switched to a new position, linebacker.
“There was a learning curve,” Simmons said of Smith. “But what jumps out about him is that he’s fast and tenacious. He’s a blur.”
Simmons said he could see a versatile role for Smith in which he is a “demon on special teams who lines up at linebacker in normal situations and moves to defensive end on passing downs.”
Smith needs to add more quality weight, but Simmons compared him to the aforementioned Barnes.
“Not to say that Kani will be Antwan Barnes,” Simmons said. “But Kani has that type of athleticism.”
5. AWARD-WINNERS
Simmons handed out several awards for the spring, including linebacker Josiah Taylor for top weight-lifter. Other weight-room awards went to wide receiver Kyle McNeal; linebacker Cam Davis; and defensive lineman King Massey.
The “most improved” awards, issue by position group, went to: JJ Kohl (quarterback); Devonte Lyons (running back); Kyle McNeal (wide receiver); Sean Burke (tight end); Zaire Flournoy (offensive line); Nick Watson (defensive line); Kani Smith (linebacker); Tyderick Brown (cornerback); Demetrius Hill (safety); and Robert Czeremcha (kicker, who went 3-for-3 on field goals in the Spring Game).