FIU Panthers Prowl

Fast FIU Guy on List For Award Named After All-Time Plodder

Of Fred Biletnikoff late in his Hall of Fame NFL career, his Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler wrote in an autobiography, "They said Freddy lost a step, but Freddy didn't have a step to lose."

Biletnikoff couldn't outrun your mother if she was wearing her best date night heels. A lit cigarette hung from his mouth in the pregame locker room and the Raiders knew it was time to hit the field when they heard Biletnikoff barf. Still, he spent 14 AFL-NFL seasons making some A-list defensive backs feel after the game the way he did before the game. Canny with subtle moves that got defenders moving this way while he went that way, Biletnikoff retired from the NFL after the 1978 season at No. 4 all-time in receptions (his AFL years were counted, of course). His status in pro football history outranks his status as a college player, though he was an All-America pick at Florida State and had his No. 25 retired. So, there's a little irony that it's college football that gives The Biletnikoff Award to the best wide receiver of the year.

And FIU's T.Y. Hilton has been named to the Biletnikoff Award's watch list.

It's not an exclusive club (see below), but for a program still saying nationally and locally, "Hey, over here!" it's happy preseason noise. Hilton's a secret only to the casual college football follower. He's on Athlon Sports preseason All-America team, as the third team all-purpose man. Most preseason guides rank Hilton as the Sun Belt's best NFL prospect. No matter that he'll be the focus of opposing defenses. Like most elite college athletes, he'll still put up great numbers if for no other reason than he's a much better athlete than those trying to stop him.

The Biletnikoff favorite has to be last year's winner, Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon, who rolled up a ridiculous 1,782 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns on 111 catches. Blackmon's closest competition might be over in Norman, Oklahoma, where OU's Ryan Broyles caught 131 passes for 1,622 yards and 14 touchdowns. But, who knows? The usual run of injuries, surprises, underachievements and someone barely on the watch list could be walking off with The Freddy.

Anyway, the rest of the watch list, in alphabetical order:

Arkansas' Joe Adams; West Virginia's Tavon Austin; SMU's Cole Beasley (he'll get big numbers in June Jones run-and-shoot); Indiana's Demario Belcher (an IU man for a major award? Brotha, please); UM's Travis Benjamin (if Jacory Harris doesn't create too many Jim Thorpe Award candidates); Auburn's Emory Blake; Southern Mississippi's Kelvin Bolden; TCU's Josh Boyce; Virginia Tech's Jarrett Boykin; Mississippi State's Chad Bumphis (wonder if his grandparents had turkey-loving dogs); Virginia's Kris Burd; Alabama's Duron Carter; Syracuse's Van Chew; Arkansas Greg Childs; Utah's Devonte Christopher; Oklahoma State's Josh Cooper; Arizona's Juron Criner; Michigan State's BJ Cunningham; Texas' Mike Davis; Northwestern's Jeremy Ebert (no Siskel from Illinois?); Houston's Patrick Edwards; Notre Dame's Michael Floyd; Arkansas State's Dwayne Frampton (be cool if he had the hair...); Texas A&M's Jeff Fuller; Wake Forest's Chris Givens; San Jose State's Noel Grigsby; Arkansas' Cobi Hamilton; Alabama's Darius Hanks; Rutgers' Mark Harrison; Miami of Ohio's Nick Harwell (Woody and Bo jointly roll over in their graves, Woody a little faster); Clemson's DeAndre Hopkins; South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery; Illinois' Al Jenkins; Tulsa's Damarius Johnson; SMU's Darius Johnson (see Beasley above); North Carolina's Dwight Jones; Cal's Marvin Jones; Bowling Green's Kamar Jorden; Washington's Jermaine Kearse; Georgia's Tavarres King; East Carolina's Lance Lewis; Nevada's Rishard Mathews; Alabama's Marquis Maze (all these WRs, you'd think Bama still had Stabler and Namath back there); Minnesota's DaJon McKnight; Iowa's Marvin McNutt; Missouri's TJ Moe; Penn State's Derrick Moye; Toledo's Eric Page; Kansas' Daymond Patterson; Hawaii's Royce Pollard; Ohio State's Devier Posey; Michigan's Roy Roundtree; Pitt's Mike Shanahan (can this one win anything big without an Elway?); Boise State's Tyler Shoemaker; UConn's Michael Smith; Oklahoma's Kenny Stills; Boston College's Bobby Swegert; Texas A&M's Ryan Swope; Texas Tech's Alex Torres; Duke's Donovan Varner and Conner Vernon; Oregon State's Markus Wheaton; Western Michigan's Jordon White; Central Michiga's Cody Wilson; Wahsington State's Marquess Wilson; Cincinnati's D.J. Woods; USC's Robert Woods; Arkansas' Jarius Wright; Baylor's Kendall Wright; Louisiana's Ladarius Green; Tulane's Ryan Grant; and LSU's Rueben Randall.

That's the list. Here's The Freddy Film.

 

There's an Ebert on this list from a Chicago-area school and you expect me to resist?

 

Hilton to return for senior season

FIU wide receiver T.Y. Hilton announced Wednesday that he will return for his senior year after flirting briefly with a jump to the NFL.

Hilton, the Sun Belt Conference player of the year, chose to remain on campus for his final year to earn his degree and improve his draft stock for 2012.

"The No. 1, thing he was looking, was with most of the kids that leave school early, they wanted to come back and get their degree,” said Hilton’s father, Tyrone Hilton. “He is happy with this decision, and I support him.”

Full story to come ...

UPDATE: Here's the story.

Hilton to announce decision today

Will T.Y. stay or will he go? We should know by the end of the day.

Conference player of the year T.Y. Hilton is expected to announce his intentions for his senior season at some point Wednesday.

Not sure which way Hilton is leaning yet, but when we hear something, we'll let you know.

If you want up-to-the-minute accounts of his status, I suggest following me on Twitter, which is the fastest and easiest way to get the news out.

As for Mario Cristobal, yes, as many of you have noted, he didn't get the job at Pitt, where numerous reports linked him as a possible candidate. The Post-Gazette claims he was one of eight interviewed for the job, which ultimately went to Todd Graham.

Sorry I didn't get this out yesterday. My one day off for the week.

Hilton to go pro? Check back Wednesday

T.Y. Hilton will decide whether or not to jump to the NFL by Wednesday morning, and a formal annoucement is expected by the end of the week.

This is according to his dad, Tyrone Hilton, who had previously said that the Sun Belt's player of the year would likely have his mind made up after meeting with FIU coach Mario Cristobal Sunday.

Apparently, Hilton -- who was on a float with Cristobal Sunday as part of the Three Kings Parade -- is still mulling his options.

It seems he's not the only one.

Cristobal has been named by several publications as a potential candidate for the University of Pittsburgh's head coaching opening, but the school has been tight-lipped on specifics of its search process.

When we hear more, you'll hear more.

Projecting T.Y. Hilton's draft value

So news came yesterday that T.Y. Hilton might skip his senior season and declare for the NFL Draft as a freshman junior.

Certainly, few FIU fans would begrudge him that choice. He's already broken most every FIU receiving and offensive record, and made the signature plays of the Panthers' Sun Belt championship run -- not to mention their Little Caesars Pizza Bowl championship.

So can he? Of course. But should he?

Scouting websites haven't really given a grade for Hilton, because he's considered part fo the class of 2012.

But it's instructive to see the value of the player he's been most often compared with: Troy's Jerrel Jernigan.

Both are of the same mold: Smallish, lightning quick, and versatile.

And if Hilton's graded anywhere near as high as Jernigan, he should think long and hard about taking the plunge.

Several websites list Jernigan as one of the top receivers in this year's relatively weak class, and he's been slotted to go anywhere between the first and fifth rounds.

Now, we're hearing that Hilton's projection wouldn't be quite that high (probabaly no better than third round), and the depth of the position will surely improve when underclassmen decide to declare.

But if the Advisory Committee comes back with a strong evaluation, FIU fans may have to brace themselves for a Hilton-less 2011.

FIU's Hilton named SBC's top offensive, special teams player

T.Y. Hilton's monster game against ULM (291 all-purpose yards, four touchdowns) has earned him a rare double-play. He's the Sun Belt Conference's offensive and special teams player of the week.

Furthermore, Rivals.com named Hilton the conference's top overall player of the week.

More on this to come, but first, the weekly conference call ...

Q&A with FIU offensive coordinator Scott Satterfield

The GPP sat down with FIU offensive coordinator Scott Satterfield ahead of Saturday's showdown with Western Kentucky.

Q: How would you assess Wes Carroll’s play so far?

SS: Well, everyday has just been a process to try to get better. We strive for perfection, so if we fall a little bit short, we’ll still be pretty good. We’ve struggled a lit bit throughout the season thus far, hit or miss, real inconsistency throwing the football. He’s managed the offense well, though. We’ve had had some good drives, some 14-play, 16-play drives, and some of them, not just one. We’ve been able to manage the offense well. But there are times where we’ve gotten guys open and we’ve not been able to hit. But overall, I think he’s done well. He’s gotten better and better. I think he had a solid day at Pittsburgh. That was one of the better defenses we’ve faced this year. He’s protected the ball, for the most part, and I think he’s coming around. He’s learning the offense. He’s getting more comfortable running the offense. And you can’t get that just in practice. You have to play in the games. So I’m glad we had the four games before we’ve started conference play.

Q: How far along are you in learning what he’s comfortable with, and what he does well?

SS: Again, everyday, he’s working on his accuracy. That’s the main thing. We’ve got to be accurate when we throw the football. The reading process in the passing game, he’s gotten better at, so we’re actually throwing to the right guys. Now we have to get the accuracy part. I thought Saturday’s game against Pittsburgh was his best game, in terms of throwing the ball, accuracy-wise. I think there were one or two balls where he wasn’t accurate on, but I think that’s one thing he’s gotten better with. In practice, we don’t want any balls on the ground. We’re trying to complete every pass, whether it be a walkthrough or whatever. And it think that’s one thing he’s gotten better with.

Q: Compared to other offenses, how difficult is this to pick up?

SS: It’s not that hard of an offense to learn. We basically run our offense. We’re not putting any new plays in, week-in and week-out. We’re running the same stuff, just out of some different looks. Once he gets the base down, which he has, we can start tweaking after that. It’s not that difficult of an offense to learn. We’ve picked it up pretty well, and not we’re in conference play, ready to move forward.

Q: What are defenses doing to keep T.Y. Hilton bracketed?

SS: Well, that’s a good question. Wish I knew what was going on. [Chuckle]. We always try to get the ball to T.Y. He’s a good player. There’s just been certain instances when we’ve tried to get him the ball, and whether they put a linebacker underneath and a safety over the top, he hasn’t been able to get clear. It’s not been good for us. We’re trying to get him the ball so he can do some things. We put him in the backfield so he can run the ball, some sweeps to get him the ball. Yeah, we’re constantly making an effort to try to get him the ball. I think the Maryland game, he had the most touches this season. But they have got a linebacker locked down on him and a safety over the top. Saturday, we put him on the outside and they put the corner down on him and the safety over the top, which they haven’t been doing all game. It’s making it harder to get the ball to him, but we’ve got to do some things creatively, motions, to get him free.

Q: How can you get better running the ball?

SS: Hopefully, now that we’re starting conference play, we’ll be able to run the football a little bit better, a feel. Again, we’re trying to get the five guys on the field at the same time, the O-line guys. We’ve kind of been shuffling the guard position. We’ve started three guards this year. We’re trying to find the right combination of five guys. Once we find those five guys, I think the cohesiveness with the guys up front [will improve]. Caylin [Hauptmann] just got here in the summer. Rupert didn’t play much last year. The guards have been shuffled around. The group of offensive linemen, now they’ve played four games together, they’re starting to mesh a little bit. I think the played well in the Pittsburgh game, who has one of the better D-lines we’ll see this year. I feel like, now that we’re in conference play and we have four games under our belt, we’ll start to run the football.

FIU At The Movies -- Episode IV

Four years ago in a blog not that far, far away from you....it began as a simple way of recapping the FIU sports year. After smashing box office records, a sequel was called for in 2008. Then, although the GPP did not sign for a three picture deal, there were no issues in making the trilogy last summer.

And now....FIU At The Movies, Episode IV.

A look at the FIU sports year by referring to motion pictures released during the Panthers athletic season (August 2009 to June 2010). Cell phones off please. And now your feature presentation.....

The Goods -- FIU softball has the goods as it gets its 1st NCAA Tournament win and features the Sun Belt Pitcher of the Year (Kasey Barrett), Sun Belt Player of the Year (Ashley McClain), Sun Belt Freshman of the Year (Brie Rojas) and Sun Belt Coach of the Year (Beth McClendon).

Final Destination 4 -- No. 4's final destination is the end zone. Just ask Kansas (2008) and Alabama (2009) as the first time Goodbye touches the ball in each of his first 2 seasons, he takes it back for 6.

The Open Road -- FIU hoops late November/December schedule where the Panthers spent 24 days on the road.

All About Steve -- Sun Belt voters got it wrong when they picked some dude from North Texas as the winner of the SBC Basketball Tournament halftime dance-off. How could you not vote for Vanessa (right)?

Play The Game -- Why won't the Coral Gables school play FIU? Nah, never mind, I won't bother anymore.

Gamer -- Scott "El Oso" Bryant (left) breaks the all-time FIU tackles record held by Keyonvis Bouie.

Whiteout -- What Scott Rembisz's pitching did to opposing Sun Belt bats at the conference tournament.

The Other Man -- The Hooters were looking at Carlos Munera to punt, but fullback John Ellis had the ball on the fake punt and rumbled 25 yards to set up the tying TD.

Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs -- The SBC Baseball tourney started cloudy, but once FIU broke that "pressure barrier" as TT calls it, the Panthers (right) were hitting meatballs the rest of the way en route to the Sun Belt title.

Bright Star -- Marlon Bright wins the Sun Belt's Behavior Award among his many accomplishments during his FIU career.

Free Style -- Actually, 3 Style for FIU women's hoopster Monika Bosilj, who broke the program's all-time record for 3 pointers with 188.

Adventures Of Power -- Jabari Henry (Freshman All-American, SBC Frosh of the Year) leads FIU with 12 HR. Jabari homers in 1st college at-bat (3-run bomba vs. Maryland) and to finish his first season at FIU, Jabari homers off MLB's No. 6 overall pick Barret Loux of Texas A&M.

One Good Man -- Long time FIU media relations guru Rich Kelch retires last December. Don't know much about Rich, then click HERE

Good Hair -- Garrett Wittels' "bird's nest" (left) does not get cut during his 56-game hitting streak. It must be good hair.

AstroBoy -- FIU QB Paul McCall graduates and heads off to Mars training in the desert.

Hubble 3D -- How Sun Belt Tournament MVP Jeremy Patton's eyes saw the baseball in Murfreesboro.

Saw VI -- Only the Dade County Youth Fair stopped Jeremiah Harden when he turned the corner and saw 6 in the spring game. He'll see more 6s this fall.

As Seen Through These Eyes -- GW and Robin Ventura talk about what only their 56+ hit streak eyes have experienced.

The Fourth Kind -- Yarimar Rosa (left), with another out-of-this-world season, is honored with a 4th All-American nod. The first 4-time All-American at FIU and probably the greatest volleyball player ever at FIU.

Storm -- On a scorching Halloween day, FIU storms back in the final minute and wins in OT against Louisiana. PMC hits Greg Ellingson for 6 in the back of the end zone with 10 seconds left in the 4th quarter. Dustin Rivest kicks the winning FG. Tyler Clawson dominates on D in OT and Tourek Williams blocks the tying field goal attempt to seal the victory.

The Other Side Of Paradise -- My day as Dazzlers audition judge (right). I'm ready for 2011.

Legion -- Alex Legion transfers to FIU and the legion of top recruits for the 2010-11 hoops season headed to FIU.

Mammoth -- Mike Martinez's moonshot HR at the SBC tourney. Ball landed inside the Middle Tennessee football stadium which has 2 decks so the ball had to clear the 2nd deck. Although, there is a rumor that the ball is still travelling somewhere along the interstate pass Murfreesboro and heading to Churchill's in downtown Nashville.

Green Zone -- They may be green by class designation -- freshmen -- but these Sun Belt Freshmen of the Year are not green on the field or court. FIU's Jabari Henry (baseball), Brie Rojas (softball) and Jovana Bjelica (volleyball) all won the conference's Freshman of the Year Award in their respective sports.

Kick Ass -- Once again the FIU volleyball team (right) is at the top of the Sun Belt and coach Danijela Tomic wins another Sun Belt Coach of the Year Award.

Hey Watch This -- GW decides to hit in 56 straight games and captures the nation's attention.

The Good Heart -- FIU DB and Rudy Finalist O'Darris D'Haiti (left)and what he does each day for his family.

Touching Home -- What the FIU baseball lineup did a lot of this season with their XBox .337 team batting average.

Oceans -- Actually, it's pools for FIU diver Namiko Shibata, who was named the Sun Belt's Most Outstanding Diver this past season.

Endgame -- The closing abilities of FIU receivers coach Frank Ponce, who was named the Sun Belt's Top Recruiter this past season.

Whiz Kids -- FIU's APR improvements by its teams. Especially, the baseball team that scored an FIU baseball-best 975 and who broke even in practice hours -- yeah, they lost 2 hours a week, but also gained 2 hours back due to their solid 975 score. No scholarship losses and no postseason ban.

Waking Sleeping Beauty -- Yes, the sleeping giant has been dozing for a while, but in the past year the sleeping giant garned a Sun Belt baseball title and NCAA Tournament appearances by the baseball, softball and volleyball teams. Women's soccer and tennis teams became 2009-10 regular season Sun Belt champions and top recruits arriving in all sports at FIU.

  

Opening Game Time; FIU/MLB Draft

 
The time has been announced for the Rutgers/FIU football season opener on Sept. 11. The Scarlet Knights and Panthers will kick it off at 8 p.m. as the game will be televised by ESPN GamePlan and ESPN3.com.

The game will also be shown on tape delay locally on Channel 39. Here is the fiusports.com release

Post your thoughts on the opening game kickoff time and vote down below.

FIU/MLB DRAFT

Tonight is the 1st round of the 2010 MLB Draft. FIU signee and Brito shortstop Manny Machado was picked 3rd overall by the Baltimore Orioles.

FIU signee and catcher Kellin Deglan was taken No. 22 overall by the Texas Rangers.

Looks like two scholarships just opened up.

Texas A&M righthander Barret Loux, who defeated FIU in the regional last Friday, was taken No. 6 overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

You can check back here to see should any other signed Panther or future Panther go in the 1st round. And I will also post here any other Panthers that get drafted in the next two days of the draft which runs through Wednesday when the 50th round is completed.

PANTHER PAWSE

You good people are more than welcomed to post whatever you like on the GPP, but please keep it clean and stick to 1 screen name.

anonymous you had a conversation with yourself in the last post when you used xyz. And you've also used jli, jl and fiuer (not FIUer, who has been posting on here since the blog started).

gabster, you joined the GPP as Miguel Alfonso, then went to cane4life, fiu2big2tall, throwback.

You are both welcomed on here, but use one name.

Q&A

UltimateFIUFan: Hey Pete, let us know the status of FIU football players in NFL. I've heard rumors of trade talks with Antwan Barnes. How about Chandler Williams, is he with the Chiefs? Last season's players Levine, Bryant, etc., what their status? Thanks.

PP: Antwan could be moved, because the Ravens drafted Sergio Kindle, who would take some snaps from El Monstruo. CW is still in KC. Nothing new on Andy or El Oso.

Gooch7: PETE: I think GW season is one of the best by ANY FIU athletes in school history but don't forget Tayna Lawerence 2nd place finish in the 100m Dash (Track)! Then followed it up with One Bronze, Two Silver, and One Gold Medal in TWO olympics.. Not bad for a Golden Panther!

PP: And let's not forget former FIU track star and Olympian Ronald Forbes.

Lot of debate in the last few posts about TT's decision to hold back Scott Rembisz for a possible Sunday matchup with Texas A&M or UM. My 3 cents on it is that if FIU could not beat a team (Dartmouth) with a team ERA of nearly 7.00 (6.97 ERA before the game vs. FIU) then the Panthers have no business playing Sunday against either top 25 team.

Should FIU have won against the Big Green, Rembisz gave the Panthers the best shot of defeating either the Aggies or Hurricanes.

Right now, I don't think any other pitcher on the FIU staff could have hung with A&M or UM if Rembisz defeats Dartmouth and FIU plays Sunday.

Yes, it's a roll of the dice that did not come up for FIU, but like TT said he was thinking of winning the entire regional and not just one game.

This kind of debate is the beauty of sports where everyone has their opinion on how they would have played it. It's great.

What's your opinion on this and the Sept. 11 kickoff time?

Online Surveys & Market Research

Online Surveys & Market Research

Canadian Spoon

Former FIU safety Jeremiah Weatherspoon signed with the Calgary Stampeders. Been told the Stampeders like Spoon as a starter. He is currently in rookie mini-camp north of the border.

Will have a wrapup post on the 2010 FIU baseball season in the next few days

Once again, congratulations to Garrett Wittels (below, right, thanks Alex J. Hernandez photo) on his active 56-game hitting streak. The greatest season by an FIU athlete that I can recall. Although, T.Y. Hilton's freshman season and Yarimar Rosa's All-American seasons are both a close second.

Mark your calendars, GW's historic run continues February 18, 2011 when FIU opens the season against UMass in a 3-game series at FIU Baseball Stadium.

Been assigned to MLB Draft duty the next 3 days so I will keep you updated on which current Panthers and which future Panthers get picked and when they are selected.

Of course, the first FIU player drafted Monday -- well what could have been an FIU player -- will be Brito shortstop Manny Machado, who is projected to be taken by the Pittsburgh Pirates as the No. 2 overall pick.

PANTHER PAWSE

Pack your lunches, we're going on a field trip later this week.

TheChampionUnderdog: Hey pete, is Garrett going to continue letting his hair grow out until next season?

PP: If he goes hitless in one game during summer ball, he might cut it. If he puts together a hitting streak during summer ball, then you might see hair coming out of No. 10's batting helmet next February.

I'll give you my thoughts on the 2010 FIU baseball season later this week. For now let's get your thoughts and your vote....

Online Surveys & Market Research

155 Days til Season Opener

Spring practice is done after Wednesday's Blue/Gold Spring Game and now the countdown begins for the 2010 season opener vs. Rutgers on Sept. 11 at FIU Stadium. Just 155 days.

The next time you'll see the Panthers on the football field might be for one of the few open practices when camp rolls around in the second week of August.

The last time we saw FIU on the field was Wednesday in the spring game and what came out of that was: an aggressive, faster defense, a stud running back in the making and an offense that took some time to get going, but when the QBs got time to throw and the playmakers got a hold of the pigskin we saw what FIU is capable of when it has the ball. Now they just have to put it all together when Sept. 11 rolls around.

You can take to the poll question at the bottom of this post.

THE CHILI WAS CERTAINLY HOT

Yes, it was against an offense they see everyday in practice and yes, the offensive line was missing some key cogs (Brad Serini, Rupert Bryan and Austin Tottle on Wednesday), but the Panthers D certainly came out in the spring game like they just ate a 5-alarm bowl of chili from new DC Geoff Collins's kitchen.

What was most encouraging of the D's performance was that many of the young defenders (sophomores) were the ones making plays. FIU will rely on a lot of these young guys this season, because that's what the majority (18 sophomores) of FIU's D is comprised of in 2010.

Although it was old man -- if we can call a senior that -- Jarvis Wilson (above, right, thanks Alex J. Hernandez photo), who unleashed havoc in the O's backfield early with 3 sacks of Wayne Younger. Sophomore LB Winston Fraser (left) had a hand in 1 of the 3 sacks. It seemed like Jarvis is a lot quicker this year.

WF also got in on a QB hurry later on and with DL Tourek Williams chased down Younger which is not easy to do considering the QB's elusiveness. DL Kasey Smith, who coaches expect big things from, had a tackle for loss.

Other sophs who made plays early on were Markeith Russell and Josh Forney with some tackles in the backfield.

Although both GC and OC Scott Satterfield kept the play calling very simple, the FIU D did blitz a lot.

Probably, one of the sophs you have been expecting to breakout, did so Wednesday. Pooh Bear Mars (right) had 6 tackles in the game and about half of them were for a loss using his speed and power to get into the backfield. It seems like the game is slowing down for PBM this spring.

DB Chuck Grace made a couple of plays: batting a Wesley Carroll pass and CG also went over the middle and batted a pass away intended for Wayne Times. Emmanuel Souarin, who has had a good spring, kept it going in the spring game with a couple of tackles at the line of scrimmage on pass plays.

Senior Kreg Brown had a pick and defensive lineman James Jones almost had a pick that would have gone for 6 if he holds on.

One thing that might have had GC hot when he watched the film later was that there were a handful of missed tackles -- which was an issue last season even though GC was not here in 2009. Although on some of those plays, we have to give credit to No. 6.

HARDEN MAKES IT LOOK EASY

No. 6 would be new running back Jeremiah Harden, (left) who made the spring game his personal showcase.

What will stand out for most about JH's performance Wednesday will be the 69-yard TD run that only the Youth Fair was able to contain him from running onto SW 107th Ave. 

But more than that is what JH showed when he first gets any handoff. As you may have read in a previous post on here, WC -- JH's high school teammate -- described JH as a guy that gets lost going into a pile, but somehow always finds his way out for extra yardage.

Besides that ability, what I've noticed from JH is his vision of knowing where the blocks are going to be and knowing when to cut it back, because there are no open running lanes in front of him. That's what makes JH a special back.

On the long TD run, we saw that once JH got around the right corner he put it into an extra gear and then some to out run the D.

Now FIU has to develop another back to complement JH. A slimmer Darriet Perry has the ability to be that back. He needs to get back in the flow after missing half of last season with an injury. 

Freshman Kedrick Rhodes could possibly be the Ricky to JH's Ronnie -- if you will. If you're looking for a sleeper in this position battle come camp look toward senior Trenard Turner, who has a knack for breaking tackles, but has been injured most of his FIU career.

SPREADING THE WEALTH

Like you've read a zillion times on here, the FIU spread O will go as the O-line goes. Missing 3 key OLinemen Wednesday didn't help, but still the O had some trouble getting going early on which occurred in some games last season.

However, once the O got some rhythm we saw what the playmakers can do.

TE Jonathan Faucher, who along with Colt Anderson has improved, caught a 16-yard TD pass from WC.

WC also hit Junior Mertile (right, thanks AJH photo), who looks fully recovered from his knee injury, for a 56-yard TD.

Again Times continues to look better and better. WT led all receivers with 4 catches for 73 yards and what makes him dangerous are his moves in the open field. The moves are T.Y. Goodbye-like.

WC had the better day of the 2 QBs throwing the ball and directing the O. But at the end of the day, the stats were similar between the 2 QBs. WC was 8 of 11 for 90 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT. WY went 8 of 15 for 80 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT.

Future FIU playmaker Willis Wright and future FIU safety Randy Williams and many of the Miami Springs Golden Hawks took in the spring game as they sat near the 40-yard line.

PANTHER PAWSE

Will have a mid-season look at the FIU baseball team on the next post. The Panthers are in Murfreesboro, Tenn. this weekend taking on a tough Middle Tennessee. Saturday's game is on TV on CSS's Sun Belt Game of the Week.

The lovely Golden Dazzlers are putting on their annual variety show on Saturday, April 17 at U.S. Century Bank Arena. As we saw last season, the Dazzlers can put on a show with their tribute to Michael Jackson (left, thanks AJH photo) and their salute to Harley Davidson (right, AJH photo) Here is some more info from an e-mail sent by the Dazzlers:

The Variety Show is an annual fundraiser (and biggest) which we have done in the past. This is the 5^th one.

It is an all dance event featuring the Golden Dazzlers performing various dance routines showcasing many styles of dance such as lyrical, jazz, pom and hip hop. Group numbers, solos, duos and all sort of combinations will be involved. In addition, we have guest performers from the community, giveaways and interactive crowd games. 

After spending all year performing at football, basketball, volleyball, and baseball games (not to mention the appearances and community events) this is finally an event where it’s only about us, by us. It’s the Dazzlers turn to shine!

We would love the fans’ support on this one!!!!

Tickets are now on pre-sale for $ 8.00 at the football fieldhouse and at the door at the arena on show day for $ 10.00.

As you may have noticed by the photo on the left in the rail, Adam Beasley is joining the FIU beat and will handle the print duties.

A little about Adam: besides bringing plenty of writing experience from Syracuse and working in newspapers in 5 states, Adam is a busy guy at the Herald.

In addition to FIU, Adam also covers soccer for the Herald and works in the news department. In news, Adam will be a charter member of the breaking news team. Adam will continue to split his time with the continuous news desk, writing breaking news and 1A takeouts for the daily newspaper and the Sunday newspaper.

Q&A

O'darris D'haiti #20: How did saloney joseph do as I worked out with him before he tried out for the team. He is a small guy but the kid has heart. You think he will stay with the team by what u seen so far in practice and the spring game?

PP: Saloney looked quick. He's not that big of a back at all, but he might surprise if given some extra reps. Not sure if he will be back for fall camp. All depends on the health of the RBs.

You Got Gold: Pete, the regular signing period for college hoops should be starting soon, right? I think it's mid-April til mid-May. Does Isiah have any scholarships left for 2010?

PP: IT does not have anymore scholarships left for this season, but you never know if all the players from last season will be back and maybe a scholie or 2 opens up here or there. Will have any updates if they happen. If anything else, check back in October when practice begins.

Last I heard, we might find out around mid-summer if it will be an early "Christmas" season for FIU.

Online Surveys & Market Research

2nd Spring Scrimmage

The Panthers went through their second spring scrimmage on Thursday afternoon at FIU Stadium.

The scrimmage like all practices this week was closed to the public and media, but after speaking to some sources, here is some of what happened during the scrimmage.

The defense got after it with four sacks. Tourek Williams, (right) who continues to shine this spring, got a sack on one play and a tackle for loss on another. Was told TW really stood out on Thursday.

Little Canada, James Jones -- recovering nicely from off-season surgeries -- and Andrew Mattox had the other sacks.

Was told on his sack, Mattox chased the down the quarterback across the field showing off some of the quickness that earned him Volusia County Defensive Player of the Year two years ago. Mattox is turning into one of the better walk-on additions in the program's 8-year history.

Wayne Younger (left) got the majority of snaps on Thursday, because Wesley Carroll had to leave early for a class. WC threw just one pass and completed it for nearly 40 yards to Ariel Martinez.

WY continued his strong spring going 15 of 23 for 168 yards and 2 TDs.

Among WY's top throws on Thursday, he connected with T.Y. Goodbye for a 38-yard TD. WY also found T.Y. for another good gain and Ty Frierson as well.

No shocker here, Goodbye led all receivers with 6 catches for 90 yards. Yeah, No. 4 is pretty good.

WY's other TD came on a short pass to emerging tight end Colt Anderson. That's CA's 2nd TD catch in as many scrimmages.

Although from what one source said, CA did not have to make his video game move to score this time, unlike the XBox move he made on his 38-yard TD in the first scrimmage.

Trenard Turner led the running game with the only rushing score from inside the 10-yard line.

From what another source tells me, after the offense did its work, the defense took over again to end the scrimmage.

Word is defensive back Emmanuel Souarin again made tackles for loss and played good pass coverage. Defensive back Antwoine Bell had a pass deflection.

Linebacker Winston Fraser, (right) healthy again, ended the scrimmage with an interception that he almost returned for a TD.

From what I was told, Fraser played very aggressive Thursday and looked as quick as ever. WF is one LB that can really be a difference maker on this defense in the upcoming season. You all saw what he did when he was on the field last season.

PANTHER PAWSE

LIVE GAME BLOG is back tommorrow (Friday) and all through the 3-game series this weekend between FIU and Louisiana. Will be on-line at 6:54 p.m. tommorrow. First pitch is at 7 p.m.

While the Panthers will be playing baseball Friday. The Golden Dazzlers will be playing babeball as they make their baseball debut at Friday's game.....The photos -- such as the one on the right never get old.

No word yet on the spring game. But it could be sometime in the middle to latter part of next week.

Q&A

FIU observer: Is Jonathon Jackson still on the team?

PP: Yes he is and he's made some plays this spring.

c-UM: Dont sell us short now Pete, we have 16 wins, not 15

PP: Yes, FIU has 16 wins. My mistake.

SouthPaw: Pete, what's the status of Edgar Theliar and Derrick Clark? Are either expected to be back for Fall practice?

PP: No, neither will be at FIU.

You Got Gold: Hey Pete, Could you update us on the McVay and Leith injuries?

PP: Leith is still expected back at some point this season to give FIU another lefty out of the pen. McVay is not pitching this season as he recovers from elbow surgery.

Thanks to Alex J. Hernandez photo gallery for pictures

Time for a spring poll question:

Online Surveys & Market Research

As Promised...1st Spring Scrimmage

We're down to 5 spring practices before the Spring Game. FIU will hold its second spring scrimmage this Saturday at 12 noon at FIU Stadium. A 12 p.m. scrimmage?? Could it be to get a feel for opening the season Sept. 11 at high noon in 90-degree weather against the northern-based Rutgers?? Something to think about.

So to get you ready for Saturday's scrimmage, here's what went on in the Panthers first spring scrimmage back on March 12.

A HARDEN DAY'S WORK

Two of the most important units on the Panthers team this fall will be the offensive and defensive lines, because both are relatively young and inexperienced. In the scrimmage, each line got the upper hand on the other during different times in the 100-play workout.

The O-line carved up some nice holes for the FIU RBs, but some of the FIU RBs made their own holes such as newcomer Jeremiah Harden.

In what might be a sign of things to come later this fall, Harden (left) had a punishing 22-yard touchdown run in where he broke three different tackles. On 2 of the tackles, JH powered through 2 pairs of defenders. JH doesn't look like a big, bruising back, but as former high school teammate and current FIU teammate Wesley Carroll put it: "Jeremiah will run into a pile of players and when you think he's stopped, Jeremiah will pop out of the pile and break one."

On this TD run, JH did not encounter a pile, but on 2 different occassions it appeared JH was going down. Instead he broke free. The run brought to mind when Darriet Perry carried three Hooters defenders on his back for 13 yards in the 2009 Don Shula Bowl at Dolphin Stadium. JH finished the scrimmage with 6 carries for 35 yards.

Speaking of DP, he had some tough running too. DP looks a lot lighter than last season and my 2 cents think that will help him more this season. DP also made a nifty 1-handed catch on a pass thrown behind him.

THE TIMES IS NOW

Wayne Times (right, thanks Alex J. Hernandez photo) was the featured receiver in the scrimmage as T.Y. Goodbye sat out with bumps and bruises -- nothing serious. He is expected back for Saturday. Tight end Dudley LaPorte will miss the remainder of spring ball with a small fracture in his foot. DLP is wearing a boot and should be healed by the time camp rolls around in August.

Times showed some sticky hands and his new muscles helped him break some tackles that he probably does not break last season. WT led all receivers with 7 catches for 44 yards.

Although the O-line paved the way for 145 rushing yards on 27 carries (5.4 yards per carry), they had a couple of false start penalties that were bug-a-boos last year.

Future FIU O-lineman David Delsoin and future FIU QB Jake Medlock took in the scrimmage.

GAITOR, BEAR, and CHESE

Sound like maybe a Cajun dish? Nah, just some of the defensive standouts in the scrimmage. And that's how you spell chese for this particular post.

The defense got going once the offense entered the red zone.

Kasey Smith had a sack and defensive back Dez Johnson, who is back after getting a medical redshirt from last season, broke up a pass in the end zone that ended the possession on 4th down.

We won't really know how much the D has improved under new DC Geoff Collins until they start playing against an offense with a different color jersey and helmet, but one thing that has been prevalent through spring ball is that the D looks more physical than last season.

DB Emmanuel Souarin, who is having a good spring, had a big hit to stop a short pass. Safety Jonathan Cyprien is not making it comfortable for receivers to go over the middle.

Anthony Gaitor (left, thanks AJH photo) is healthy and he's shown it on pass D. He knocked away two passes.

The Pooh Bear Mars you have been waiting for is starting to be unleashed working at middle linebacker. PBM broke through the O-line and got the tackle for loss on a screen pass. You could tell on the play that PBM has some quickness.

Walk-on DB Jose Cheseborough had a sack. Everytime I look over at No. 27, he seems to be making a play.

Linebacker Aaron Davis made 2 consecutive plays: making a tackle in the backfield for a loss and on the next play, AD broke up a short pass.

CAN'T CORRAL THE COLT

The quarterbacks played pretty even in the scrimmage. Wayne Younger was 14 of 28 for 100 yards. WC was 5 of 15 for 75 yards and a TD.

WC connected with Colt Anderson (right) for the only passing TD on a pass down the middle. CA made the play when he faked out 2 defenders on his run into the end zone. The move got the rest of the team hooting and hollering on the sidelines. The TD went for 38 yards.

Keep your eye on Anderson, because he can be a big part of this offense. He has the size, hands and athleticism to play tight end at the Division I level.

Yes, DLP is a huge part of this team's offense, but CA is developing as a solid tight end and you can't forget about Jonathan Faucher and Joey Harris, who have become 2 big bodies that can catch the football.

Toward the end of the scrimmage, Kendall Berry broke off a 23-yard run. KB led all RBs with 54 yards on 6 carries.

The scrimmage ended with the D stopping the O inside the 5-yard line. Cyprien had a pass breakup and redshirt freshman Terrance Taylor deflected the pass on 4th down to end the day.

After the D denied the O, DC Collins dove into his defense's celebration pile.

PANTHER PAWSE

Thanks again to all you good people for the kind words. Let's get to your questions:

Q&A

alt7787: Since you're back I've got a question on top of my L.A. Fitness one, but answering that one is at your discretion. Haha. Josh Johnson has been somewhat weak this spring training, is it anything to be legitimately concerned about or will Josh be good to go opening day?

PP: The L.A. Fitness reference in the previous blog was about a husband and wife who yelled from the second floor of that gym asking me where have I been for the past week.

Josh Johnson (right) will be fine. Most every player has a bad outing during the spring. The Marlins have bigger concerns than JJ such as who will be their 3-4-5 starting pitchers and will Leo Nunez hold up as the closer. It could be a long season if the Marlins starting pitchers struggle early like they did last season and wear out the bullpen.

gpantera: In order to write informative FIU Blogs, will the Herald allow you to cover FIU in person by attending practices, games, travel with team, etc?

PP: I will be at games. We're still ironing out the schedule as far as how the beat will be covered between me and TBA or his cousin TBD. You'll keep getting the daily blogs on here that have won Oscars, Tonys, Grammys, Emmys and Espys and there will be times when I'll also be covering on the print side.

chrisfiu: On a side note, great to hear the Dazzlers will also be at the baseball games. Will the dates be given out in advance?

PP: I'm going to get more info for you on when the Dazzlers (left, thanks AJH photo) will be performing at baseball games. Maybe they will break out new baseball outfits. Just not the baggy throwbacks the baseball team wears for Sunday home games.

Gooch7: PETE: Since there is ONLY one week till the Spring Game will the Herald and FIU advertise the game so we can have a good turn out.

PP: I'll find out more for you about what FIU is planning for the Spring Game.

ThePerfectFan: OMG it is so good to have you back PP!! I want to ask a question about pitching for the FIU Baseball? Why do all the pitchers start such a wonderful season and all of a sudden they start falling like flies in such a short time? Are they been overworked, not given them enough confidence? Given them too many innings to pitch? What is it can someone please explain?

PP: The lack of depth on the FIU pitching staff is one reason. FIU has to manage the way it uses its pitchers carefully this season, because whether it was losing 2 of its top pitchers (Ebert, Mejia) to the major leagues or injured pitchers (Garcia, McVay, Leith) and another not being eligible (Dodds) the Panthers are playing without a full staff this season. That's the hand they were dealt and you try and make the best of it.

I don't think it's a case of pitchers not having confidence, but sometimes they pitch a little more this season, because of the lack of depth. And at times it has worked fine such as Daniel DeSimone (right, thanks AJH photo) pitching a complete game last week and giving FIU 7 innings in Tuesday's win vs. Jacksonville -- both outings helped the FIU bullpen get some much needed rest. At other times, the opponents catch up to FIU's lack of depth such as last weekend vs. Troy and hot-swinging Rutgers from 2 weeks ago. It's going to be interesting to see how FIU fares down the stretch against a tough-hitting Sun Belt where 14-12 games can be the norm as the weather gets hotter and as the season heads down the stretch.

*BTW, FIU is not changing its colors to green and white, what DD is wearing in the photo on the right is the green hats and socks the Panthers wore on March 18 vs. Southern Utah in celebration of St. Patrick's Day.

josh: Pete anything new about the Norwegian bball player Torgrim Sommerfeldt? I know you mentioned a few weeks back about him possibly coming to play?

PP: Nothing new on Torgrim. However, there is another top player that might be popping up on FIU's radar. Need to double check what I'm hearing before posting on here. Let's just say if all of Isiah's commits and the players he is recruiting end up signing with FIU, then you might be watching the 2011-2012 All-Sun Belt First Team wearing FIU across their chests and playing at the Bank. Stay tuned.

Spring Forward: Practice Opens

There was football weather at FIU Stadium on Wednesday afternoon as FIU began spring practice. A windy and chilly day, of course nothing like the high of 45 degrees that awaits a thin-blooded native Miamian in Hot Springs, Arkansas on Friday.

Lots to get to from Wednesday's first practice. Thanks to Roy Viera for all of the photos from Wednesday's practice. Will try on Thursday to post larger photos than the ones currently on here. Having a little trouble with this blog's photo posting.

First thing I noticed on Wednesday was No. 1 playing defense. That's right, receiver Marquis Rolle has become safety Marquis Rolle. MC said the switch was made, because there are a ton of receivers on the team and the Panthers need help at safety this season. Rolle has never played safety before, but he's got the size and athleticism to play the position.

Speaking of safety, Ash Parker is back for one final season after tearing his knee in the last two season openers (2008 at Kansas and 2009 at Alabama). Ash will not participate in contact drills this spring -- only in non-contact stuff. Maybe playing the season opener at home is the charm for Ash.

Noticeably bigger from another off-season in the weight room: Wayne Times (not looking like a freshman anymore), T.Y. Hilton (above, right with a solid 175 pounds with muscles), Winston Fraser looking like a senior. Tourek Williams and Jonathan Jackson both up to 250.

New defensive line coach Cedric Calhoun was in FIU gear and coaching up the Panthers D-linemen. So was new linebackers coach Juan Navarro as he coached the LBs.

On the D-line, James Jones, who returned from knee and shoulder surgery, was full-go on Wednesday. He should definitely help the FIU pass rush this season, if his play at Kansas in 2008 was any indication. Jonathan Jackson is getting close to being 100%, but he will be limited in the spring as he prepares for fall camp in August.

Expected to miss the spring with injuries are: OL Rupert Bryan (leg stress fracture), RB Darian Mallary (shoulder surgery), WR Rockey Vann (knee) and DB Jarrell McGee (knee).

The newest Panthers made a connection. As he went through his reads and no one was open, QB Wesley Carroll scrambled out of the pocket and found Jeremiah Harden, who cut across the middle for 7 yards. You can read more about these two in Thursday's MH.

Catches of the Day: Times making a 1-handed catch with his body going the other way on a deep pass down the middle. Receiver Ariel Martinez (left, thanks RV photo) going up, up, and away for a pass over the middle. Somebody find some playing time for this guy, every time I turn around he's catching everything thrown his way. Junior Mertile doesn't look like he missed a beat returning from last year's knee injury. JM made a couple of nice catches.

If you didn't know the chili was hot on defense, you certainly learned Wednesday afternoon. New DC Geoff Collins (right, thanks RV photo) is a walking Cuban coffee colada. New OC Scott Satterfield was not heard from Fort Lauderdale like GC, but he got his points across constantly instructing the FIU QBs. Last time FIU had an OC/QBs coach that played QB was James Coley -- now Florida State's OC. SS played QB at Appalachian State.

Wayne Younger (left, thanks RV photo) looks bigger and he must be, because there was some extra mustard on his fastball today. You sure you don't need another pitcher, Turtle?

Pooh Bear Mars and Aaron Davis came close to picking off passes. On both plays, each LB had a nifty pass break up.

New punter Josh Brisk sure gets some hang time on his punts and seems to have a strong leg. Is it Munera-like? Not sure yet have to see more punts.

PANTHER PAWSE

Former FIU defensive back and Rudy Award Finalist - O'Darris D'Haiti is organizing a charity flag football tournament to benefit the relief effort in Haiti. The tournament is this Saturday, March 6 at FIU's North Campus.

If you are interested it is $10 per person and you need at least 5 people on your team. Or if you just want to watch it's $5 general admission. The tournament will take place in the rec fields behind the North Campus library by the basketball courts.

For more info: contact O'Darris (right, thanks Alex J. Hernandez photo) at odhai001@fiu.edu

Will have a LIVE HOOPS BLOG of Saturday's opening game of the Sun Belt Conference tourney between FIU and Denver. Tip-off time is scheduled for 9:45 p.m. (Eastern). Game probably won't start until about 10 or 10:15 p.m., because there are other games being played on the same court before FIU's game. Regardless, expect the LIVE BLOG to begin at 9:43 p.m.

Q&A

NYCFIUFan: Hey Pete, since Fomenter has fallen off the face of the earth and I was in second place, can I get the opportunity to post?

PP: Go ahead. You are a double winner in the 3rd annual GPP Win A Blog. E-mail me your blog with whatever photos or art you want on it and I'll post it on here.

Gooch7: WHAT ARE THE TOP 10 MALES AND FEMALE ATHLETS IN FIU HISTORY? PETE: Maybe we can post up a survey to see what people truely know about FIU Athletic History!

PP: Go ahead and start posting. I have to do some research to get my list. We'll have a poll question on the top athlete later.

Spring Practice Preview

Spring is here. The best time of the year. Pitchers and catchers have already reported to their major league camps and the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues will open shortly. The college baseball season is underway and, oh yeah, how about the first look at the 2010 Panthers football team.

Although most of the highly-regarded 2010 FIU signing class will not participate in spring football (except running back Jeremiah Harden and punter Josh Brisk), the 15 practices FIU has lined up, including the Spring Game, will be the first of many opportunites for some Panthers to start winning jobs.

There is plenty to look for during the 15 spring practices (which as of now are open to you). We will get to all of it throughout the spring here. [With the exception of this Friday through Sunday practices, because yours truly will be in Arkansas for the Sun Belt Basketball Tournament]. 

But as you get ready for the first practice on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. at FIU Stadium, here are 5 areas to look for this spring.

BETWEEN THE LINES

The FIU lines needed some beef last season and from everything I've been told, the Panthers offensive and defensive linemen have had another strong off-season in the weight room. T.Y. Hilton has made substantial gains where he's up to 175 pounds. 

Outside of Brad Serini and Cedric Mack, there are no other seniors on the offensive line. The O-line has a new boss in Alex Mirabal (right, thanks AJH photo), who coached the tight ends the past 3 seasons. Mirabal will bring a fire to coaching the linemen and besides the added muscle, maybe that's what this unit needs to perform better this season. Serini and Mack will have to help their fellow younger linemen if FIU plans on being an explosive offense this season. If the line can't block, the Panthers will have a tough time moving the ball this season. Dave Istanich and Rupert Bryan got some valuable playing time last season as freshmen. Both held their own against bigger opponents. Now it's time for some of the other young OL to get going before the big boys of the 2010 class arrive. Derrick Wimberly, Austin Tottle and Giancarlo Revilla among others will get a long look in the spring to see who will become regulars with Serini and Mack.

The D-Line will have just one senior in Thatcher Starling. So it will be imperative for the younger linemen on both sides to really emerge this season. Tourek Williams, Andrew Mattox, Josh Forney, Andre Pound, Kasey Smith need to take that next step. The expected returns to health of James Jones and Jonathan Jackson -- whether it's in spring or fall camp in August will also give the D-line a boost.

GET YOUR DEFENSE HOT

"Get Your Chili Hot"....FIU hopes translates into get your defense hot as well. New defensive coordinator Geoff Collins moves down the Turnpike from Orlando and arrives with an MC-like energy and enthusiasm to coach a defense that needs to improve.

Among the necessary ingredients to a better FIU D are: a suffocating run D, more consistent pressure on the QB and tighter coverage in the secondary. Everywhere GC has been the defenses have improved. Are the Panthers the next improved D on GC's resume? It all starts with the play of the D-line. Also some of FIU's young linebackers (Kenny Dillard, Pooh Bear Mars, Markeith Russell) should progress this season to fight for playing time alongside Aaron Davis and Little Canada. At safety, Terrance Taylor has all the tools to join Jonathan Cyprien as one of the best safety tandems in the conference.

BACKS OF THE FUTURE ARE NOW THE PRESENT

The year long wait of sitting out due to NCAA transfer rules is over for QB Wesley Carroll (left) and Harden, who were teammates at St. Thomas Aquinas High. WC is like a kid in a candy or toy store with the weapons he has. JH is expected to be a difference maker with the ground game. Again, a lot of both players 2010 seasons will depend on the O-line's progress. Although, WC is not Wayne Younger with his feet, WC can move, throws real well on the run and has good touch on his passes. Harden looked like a man among boys while running the ball on the scout team in practice last season. With some help from his teammates, he can do the same in 2010.

JUST GIVE THEM THE DAMN BALL

T.Y. Hilton, Junior Mertile, Greg Ellingson, Wayne Times, Dudley LaPorte (right), Willis Wright in the fall -- yes, I would say Wesley Carroll can be one happy quarterback with the type of targets he has to throw to. And if everyone is healthy, you can expect Goodbye to see some single coverage, which he will no doubt exploit. DLP returning from a foot injury could have a monster season. Will be interesting to see how quickly the FIU receivers and their new QB get used to each other.

NEW KICKS

FIU has new kickers for the 2010 season. Jack Griffin is the leading candidate for the placekicking duties, although don't be surprised if MC brings in some competition this spring or in fall camp. Brisk has some huge shoes to fill with Carlos Munera graduated. CM made an art of punting last season and really set up the FIU D well in field position. These two positions will definitely have all eyes on them, because they will be just as important as the lines, especially late in games.

PANTHER PAWSE

FIU hoops got some bad news today as starting senior forward J.C. Otero (right, thanks AJH photo) has a torn knee and is out for the Sun Belt Tournament. J.C. tore the knee late against Western Kentucky last Saturday. The Panthers will miss J.C.'s passing and shooting abilities in Hot Springs.

Will have a LIVE HOOPS BLOG of Saturday's opening game of the SBC tourney between FIU and Denver. Tip-off time is expected to be at 9:45 p.m. (Eastern). Game probably won't start until about 10 or 10:15 p.m., because there are other games being played on the same court before FIU's game. Regardless, expect the LIVE BLOG to begin at 9:43 p.m.

Score an E on the GPP, I placed a photo of Pablo Bermudez in the last blog when I meant to get one of Lammar Guy on there. The caption of the photo I received said Lammar Guy and the only visible number on the jersey is a "2" so I thought it was 42 (Guy) and instead it was "12" Bermudez.

A photo of Guy has replaced the Bermudez photo on the previous blog.

And to the reader making the asinine racial comments -- those have been deleted.

Q&A

LonePanther: Hey Pete, still predicting a W for our opener against Rutgers this season?

PP: Can't tell you on March 2. Check back in late August for my season predictions. Was off last season, I had FIU at 6-6, but they went 3-9 so I'll have to put in some extra study time in the film session on the team before making the 2010 guesses.

And while the FIU 2010 schedule is a bear on paper, remember they don't play football on paper, unless it's the paper football game you played in high school with the triangle football.

Yes, FIU could easily be 0-4 to start the season, but what's not to say they knock off Rutgers and/or Maryland and begin 2-2 or 1-3. The Panthers could be much improved or might still need more development -- we won't know for sure until the season is underway. Injuries happen here and there and maybe this is the year the football injury gods do not frown upon FIU, unlike last season.

As far as the Sun Belt schedule, that's the conference FIU is in and that's the level of competition FIU is currently at. With lesser FIU teams the past few years, FIU has hung around with many of the SBC teams. If the Panthers are improved, then they should be able to beat any SBC team.

c-UM: PETE, what is your outlook on the "concessions" at the games? Can PG not cough up minimal money to bring in a serious pan con bistec guy? He should atleast try to reach out to the Gazituas (ex-player; owners of Sergio's) and see if they could help out with that.

PP: Outside of the chicken sandwich at the baseball stadium, the concessions need an overhaul. Not sure what it would cost to revamp the food at the FIU stadiums and arena. But send an e-mail or a phone call to the FIU athletic department with your ideas. Click here for all the info you need: FIU Athletics  FIU reads this blog. Also have the Gazituas contact the FIU athletic department and see what happens.

Great ideas are floated around all the time, but if you good people don't take action -- like the FIU Alumni Association has with the Annual Panther Previews and tailgates -- then nothing will ever have the chance of being accomplished. Click on the link above to take action.

chrisfiu: Pete, what happened to the win-a-blog contest held in December? Was that blog ever posted? I don't recall reading it, maybe I missed it...

PP: Never heard back from Fomenter. So nothing was ever posted. I know 2nd place winner NYCFIUFan received the 2009 Sun Belt Football Yearbook via U.S. Mail.

 

No. 1 Center in Nation To Visit FIU

Christmas is in March for FIU. We should know later this summer if the Panthers get to open the present that is on coach Isiah Thomas's Christmas wish list.

The nation's No. 1 center for 2011 -- Rakeem Christmas -- will visit FIU in March, likely near the end of the month.

Christmas (right) has several perennial Top 25 teams also hoping he lands under their X-mas tree. Among them: Florida, Georgetown, Oklahoma, Texas.

ISIAH'S POST GAME THOUGHTS

Here's what IT had to say about the 32:09 he was a part of Thursday's game against Middle Tennessee, which saw the FIU coach ejected with 7:51 left in the game. A game which had one of the worst officiating crews seen in an FIU game in a long time.

IT's opening thoughts about the game:

"I will fight for my team. We play tough. We play scrappy. We play with a lot of heart, but I think the perception of our team right now is hurting us. In the last 6 games, we’ve lost by four points or less. If we win those 6 games, we’re 10-7 and that would put us tied for first, second or third in the conference. The last 6 games we’re averaging 70 points and opponents are averaging 73."

"I think what’s happening to us is the perception of our team I hope going into tournament play will be different than what it’s been in the first half of the season. I hope we can change that perception. I think our kids play hard. They are doing all the right things out on the floor and hopefully the perception of our team will change and I hope it can change quickly."

 

What did you think happened on the non-call foul on Tremayne Russell that brought you off the bench?

 

"I thought when Tremayne went up he got hit on the arm. I could have been wrong, but that’s what I thought. It was more than just that. I just think that what I need to try to figure out is how do we change the perception of our team going into tournament play. Forget what the record may say, over the last 6 games if we get a call here or there you’re sitting at the top of your conference as opposed to being at the bottom of it."

 

Do you think it's just a matter of winning to change the perception of your team?

 

"I think winning changes perception. When you’re coming from the bottom and this is what I told our players. There are the haves and the have nots and right now we’re the have nots. The haves don’t want you to have it and the only way you’re going to get it is to take it. And that’s the only way you are going to change perception, you have to go and take it."

 

 

"I think going into tournament play we got to be a little bit more mentally tough and win a couple of basketball games. There are 4 games next week that we got to win."

 

(FIU wins 4 SBC tourney games and they go to the Big Dance)

 

Normally, you are not one to jump up and holller on the sidelines. Do you think you will be that way now?

 

"I’m not one to react and when I do react there is damn good reason for it and I thought tonight I had a good reason for reacting. Now did I go over the line? Yes. Is that my normal behavior? No. I felt that I needed to stand up and fight for my team. The perception of my team right now has got to change, because our kids are playing really good basketball over the last 7 to 8 games and you have to give them credit for that. If people haven’t noticed, then my job is to kind of make them notice it."

 

BAND IS BACK

 

FIU is bringing back the marching band. The university will make an announcement on Friday. We'll have to wait until then to get the details.

 

FROM DAZZLER TO DOLPHIN

 

Former Golden Dazzler Kelly (right) dropped by the baseball press box last weekend so that she could get her picture on the GPP. No, kidding. But Kelly did drop by and told yours truly she is now a Miami Dolphins cheerleader.

 

Been quite a fall for the Dazzlers. One Dazzler -- Vanessa (left) --- was Sports Illustrated's Cheerleader of the Week and a former Dazzler is now cheering for the local pro football team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FUTURE FIU BASKETBALL SEASON TICKET HOLDER?

 

JH: Hey, T.Y. these are some good seats here in the FIU student section.

 

T.Y.: Yeah, it's a Good-Buy and they're so easy to order that a caveman can do it.

 

JH: So let me get this straight: you guys have Isiah Thomas as coach, you have the No. 17 signing class in the nation playing here next year and the Golden Dazzlers cheer at every home game....Where do I get FIU Basketball season tickets?

 

 

 

PANTHER PAWSE

 

Will have a LIVE HOOPS BLOG on Saturday night starting at 7:56 p.m. of the FIU/Western Kentucky game. It's the season finale for the Panthers before they head up to Arkansas for the Sun Belt Tournament beginning next Saturday. Tip-off Saturday is at 8 p.m.

 

Spring football practice begins next Wednesday, March 3 at 3:45 p.m. Going to have Jimmy Buffet drop by the GPP to help me preview the Panthers 2010 Spring Football.

 

** Thanks to Alex J. Hernandez for the IT and T.Y. photos.

 

Size, Size, Size

If real estate is all about location, location, location, well, then the 2010 FIU signing class is about size, size, size. With the latest signing class, FIU addressed several positions of need, particularly getting bigger on both the offensive and defensive lines -- which was missing from both lines last season.

Of course, when you talk about this FIU class you have to start with receiver Willis "Man-Child" Wright, who just made the FIU offense that much better with his size and strength. That's M-C on the right there shaking hands with high school and newest FIU teammate Randy Williams. (Thanks to Phil De Stefano at the River Cities Gazette for the photo)

Both players bring much needed size with M-C at 6-2, 205 and Williams, a safety, enters FIU at 6-2, 210.

So much for opponents double and triple-teaming T.Y. Goodbye, because now FIU foes will have to pick their poison when they want to double cover. That triple-teaming of Goodbye last season, that won't happen again.

Not only does the addition of Man-Child make Goodbye even more dangerous -- if that's possible -- but suddenly the other FIU receivers: Wayne Times, Greg Ellingson, Ty Frierson and tight end Dudley LaPorte have a lot more room to roam with defenses having to figure out ways to stop the 2 former Miami Springs playmakers.

MC [the FIU coach, not the new WR] said he was looking to add size to his receiving corps. With M-C (6-2) he did that and also with the additions of receivers Glenn Coleman (6-2) and Mitch Wozniak (6-3).

POWER LINES & LINEBACKERS 

The primary recruiting focus was on the lines. FIU got 2 massive O-Lineman that are physically ready to start vs. TBA Sun Belt team on Sept. 4. David Delsoin (6-6, 280) and Ceedrick Davis (6-4, 305) now have to prove in fall camp that they can pick up the offense and have the technique to earn starting spots.

The FIU D-Line needed help from last season and they got it on Wednesday. Jordan White (6-4, 330) and Jerricho Lee (6-0, 285) are the kind of big bodies the Panthers have been looking for to plug into the interior D-line. Again, the size is there, now they have to go and grab the starting spots in August.

FIU struggled with its pass rush last season. MC believes he got some defensive ends to solve that problem. Isame Faciane (6-5, 265) and Jeremy Jermin (6-3, 235) both have the credentials and Bryan Robinson (6-4, 240) also will help sophomore Tourek Williams and the return of Jonathan Jackson should also fortify the D-line.

The FIU linebackers also got bigger. Another new Panther with tremendous size is linebacker Greg Hickman (6-1, 270). You could picture Hickman (left, trying on his new FIU cap) stuffing offensive backs with Aaron Davis, Big Ontario Smith and the young FIU LBs.

305 COVERAGE

You remember last season's lack of depth in the FIU secondary, because of the injuries and past years scholie limits. The Panthers got better there with 3 All-Miami-Dade first team defensive backs and 2 big safeties.

Richard Leonard, Khambrel McGee (right) and Sam Miller just made FIU's secondary coverage that much better.

MC gave a preview of what the returning FIU DBs and this trio of new DBs are in store for on D:

"[Defensive coordinator Geoff] Coach Collins is implementing several things that they did at Alabama involving man coverages and combo coverages. These are the ideal guys to run those specific schemes. They will be joined by two very long and rangy safeties."

The 2 very long and rangy safeties are Williams and Justin Halley (6-1, 190).

OFFENSIVE BACKFIELD

Let's not forget about the talent FIU added in the offensive backfield. Quarterback Jake Medlock (6-3, 210) has all the tools to be an elite QB in Division I football. Medlock has healed fine from his injury. He's been throwing a football since December and is currently playing on the Fletcher High basketball team.

Running backs Kedrick Rhodes and Jeremiah Harden give an immediate boost to the FIU running game. And again with the influx of additional receiver talent [see Man-Child], not only do the other FIU receivers benefit, but so do the running backs. It's like adding a power hitter to a baseball lineup -- everyone else in the lineup suddenly gets to see better pitches. Everyone else on the FIU offense suddenly has less attention from defenses.

OTHER NSD NOTES

FIU still has 3 to 4 scholarships available. MC said he might be saving them for "mature JUCO bodies".

MC also said FIU for another two years will not be able to recruit to redshirt. Until FIU has a full roster of 85. FIU had a roster of about 60 players last season. The main reason for not having the full roster is due to the past APR/NCAA issues.

 

Former Central Florida DB Corey Ammons did not qualify academically so he is not expected at FIU.

 

Whatchu signin 'bout Willis?.....FIU (for a better view, click on Phil De Stefano's photo on the right)

 

Below in the Pawse, vote on what you think of FIU's 2010 Signing Class.

 

PANTHER PAWSE

 

Will have a LIVE HOOPS BLOG from Saturday's FIU/North Texas game which is a rare afternoon game. The LIVE BLOG will begin at 1:56 p.m. Tipoff for the hoops matinee is 2 p.m. or 30 minutes after the FIU ladies take on NT.

 

Q&A

 

Gooch7: PETE: Big question. Do you think this recruiting class will be better then last years? I know the best way to judge that is in 2 or 3 years but what do you think?

 

PP: Yes, in 2 to 3 years we might have a better idea, but as of right now I think this is the best FIU recruiting class in the 8-year history of the Panthers football program. Here's why: not only did FIU add a T.Y.-like receiver, but the pressing needs along the lines were met. Although, it would not hurt if FIU can sign 1 more big O-linemen from JUCO that is ready to come in and contribute. Also getting 3 All-Miami-Dade first team DBs is huge. We're talking about 3 of the best DBs from the area where the best high school football in the country is played. And I think Greg Hickman is going to have a big impact on D.

 

CJ: I know we dropped mac brown.. whats the final word on him?

 

PP: Off-field issues that are not needed at FIU.

 

Jorge Suarez: Pete, can you inform us on what's going on with the last 3 spots we have open? Pete, anyway you can find out what JUCO players we could expect to be in spring camp?

 

PP: Looking like FIU is targeting more beef for the lines, but they could also go after the best players available regardless of position. I'll look into the JUCOs and see who shows up for spring ball.

 

OC FIU PANTHER: Hey Pete, I know its been crazy but I got used to your live blogs of the FIU Basketball games.

 

PP: The team is in Louisiana tonight. I'm in Miami. But come back on here on Saturday at 1:56 p.m. for the next LIVE HOOPS BLOG.

 

LadyInRed: Are we going to hear at anytime this year about BASEBALL????????? You know a glove, a bat, and a ball?? Season starts in TWO weeks!!!!!

 

PP: Had to re-read the question, when I first saw BASEBALL in all capital letters I thought of BABEBALL (yes, any reason to get Dazzlers photos on here). No, but seriously, I'm planning on heading out to FIU baseball practice this weekend and will have some baseball posts on here next week.

 

Time to exercise your right as an American and vote:

 

 

Online Surveys & Market Research

FIU Recruiting Prowl: WR/TE/Ks & National Signing Day

We've come to the final FIU recruiting preview of 2010 with a look at the Panthers receivers, tight ends and kickers.

Before we get to that, you can check out the Willis Wright interview right below this post.

Also, check back here on Wednesday morning for FIU signings on National Signing Day.

Early Wednesday morning, I will be visiting a few high schools where future Panthers will sign their letters of intent. As those letters roll in, will have the newest Panthers on here for you.

Just like T.Y. Hilton 3 years ago, Wright (left) will have his ceremony in the Miami Springs library on Wednesday morning and like T.Y. he will have an FIU and a West Virginia hat in front of him. When he picks one, you will know here.

The FIU Athletic Department also will have their own ticker of signings at fiusports.com. So check that out too.

MC will take to the podium at 12 noon in the President's suite at FIU Stadium to announce and comment on the entire class of new Panthers. You can also attend the NSD event at the Stadium Club at FIU Stadium on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. where MC will talk about his newest players and new OC Scott Satterfield and new DC Geoff "GYCH" Collins will be introduced.

Let's finish the FIU Recruiting Prowl with a look at the Panthers receivers. By now you know there is 1 DAY UNTIL NATIONAL SIGNING DAY.

RECEIVERS

It all starts with Goodbye, but with another season under the belts of several other FIU receivers, opponents may think twice of double and triple teaming No. 4.

Junior Mertile (right, thanks Alex J. Hernandez photo) returns from injury this season and he only runs a 4.4 and has one of the better sets of hands in the Sun Belt. Wayne Times showed plenty of potential last season and is only going to get better.

Greg Ellingson and Ty Frierson will be seniors and provide the experience.

We'll get to the potential recruits that might sign tommorrow in a second, but a couple of freshmen from last season could make the position battles here pretty intriguing.

Rockey Vann is as fast as any Panther -- check that blocked punt last season. Jairus Williams and all 6-5 of his frame can be a weapon in the red zone.

As far as the caballos (horses) expected to possibly sign on Wed. and we call them horses, because of their size and speed are: newest FIU commit Javon Bell (6-1, 4.4 -- 40), Glenn Coleman (6-2) and Mitch Wozniak (6-4).

But what would be the creme de la creme of this class would be signing Willis Wright, 6-2 with size, speed and hands -- just my 3 cents.

BACK IN 2010: Greg Ellingson, Ty Frierson, T.Y. Hilton, Ariel Martinez, Junior Mertile, Marquis Rolle, Wayne Times, Rockey Vann, Jairus Williams, Jacob Younger.

GONE IN 2010: Elliott Dix.

$.03 for 2010: Quarterback Wesley Carroll will be like a kid in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory with these receivers and the ones expected in. Let's see does WC throw to the fast ones, the tall ones, the ones with good hands. Oh hell, he couldn't go wrong to whoever he throws to in this bunch. Of course, and this is the BIG IF.....if WC has time to throw from his O-line's protection.

TIGHT ENDS

You say there are more weapons on the FIU offense? You are correct.

What we saw from tight end Dudley LaPorte (left) last season was a tantalizing glimpse of 2010. Remember, his only TD before breaking his foot. If you were watching it on ULM's web TV or you were at Malone Stadium in Monroe, La. then you saw DLP making a one-handed catch across his body in the corner of the end zone for 6. The only bad thing about the play was he broke his foot.

Jonathan Faucher had his moments in 2009, but the biggest surprise among the tight ends was quarterback-turned-TE Colt Anderson.

CA displayed lots of athleticism at his new position, even making a couple of one-handed catches. And at 6-4, he provides a good size target. Joey Harris returns to his original position after a stint on the D-line.

As of this post, FIU has no commits for tight end.

BACK IN 2010: Colt Anderson, Jonathan Faucher, Joey Harris, Dudley LaPorte.

GONE IN 2010: Eric Kirchenberg.

$.03 for 2010: Although the receivers might be the focus for opponents to stop in the spread offense, you can't overlook the tight end spot here, because of the players on the unit. DLP could have a monster season.

KICKERS/PUNTERS

One of the players that will be most missed for the Panthers D and special teams in 2010 will be punter Carlos Munera. As consistent as they come, CM was usually on point putting the FIU D in good field position.

Former Duquesne punter Josh Brisk takes over the punting duties for FIU. Brisk was an All-Broward punter while at American Heritage.

Heading into spring practice, Jack Griffin (right, thanks AJH photo) will get first crack at the placekicking job with the graduation of Dustin Rivest. There is the distinct possibility that FIU brings in another kicker to compete with Griffin.

BACK IN 2010: Jack Griffin.

GONE IN 2010: Carlos Munera, Dustin Rivest.

$.03 for 2010

: We've talked about how crucial the plays of the O & D Lines will be for FIU in 2010, but the kicker and the punter will also figure into the Panthers success. The hidden yardage Munera provided will be tough to replace. And with a lot of games in the Sun Belt being tightly contested, field goals might figure into several of the outcomes.

PANTHER PAWSE

In our last poll question regarding who would win the No. 1 running back job for FIU, you good people believe it's Jeremiah Harden and by a mile. As of this post, 72.5% of you voted for JH. Poll is still open.

In that question, we had our first reader from Ghana join the GPP. The reader also thinks like you and voted for Harden.

Our latest GPP Worldwide update gives us:

GPP WORLDWIDE READERSHIP SCORECARD:

The GPP is now read in: 45 STATES: ALA, ARI, ARK, CA, COL, CT, DEL, FLA, GA, HI, IDAHO, IL, IND, IOWA, KAN, KY, LA, MASS, MD, MICH, MIN, MISS, MISSOURI, MON, NEB, NEV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, ORE, PA, RI, SC, TEN, TEX, UTAH, VA, VER, WASH, WEST VA., WISC.

39 COUNTRIES: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Scotland, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, U.S.A., Venezuela, Vietnam.

1 DISTRICT: Washington, D.C. and 1 TERRITORY: Puerto Rico.

 

Whatchu Talkin' 'Bout Willis....FIU?

On Wednesday morning in the same Miami Springs library that FIU receiver T.Y. Hilton chose FIU over West Virginia, Miami Springs receiver Willis Wright will have the same two choices: FIU or West Virginia.

This past season at Springs, Wright had 677 receiving yards and 10 TDs.

Got a chance to speak with WW and learn more about his thoughts as National Signing Day approaches.

PP: You're 2 days from National Signing Day. How are you feeling as the day gets closer for you to choose which college you'll play at?

WW: It's a normal day for me. I can't really say if it's FIU or West Virginia.

PP: On your official visit to FIU what did you think of the university and the football stadium and fieldhouse?

WW: Everything is good. It all looked very good. T.Y. has told me it's good place to play football and get an education. It's a growing program.

PP: How well do you know T.Y. and who else on the Panthers team do you know?

WW: I've known T.Y. since I was a kid. I also know Wayne Times and Anthony Gaitor. And Randy Williams, who played with me in high school.

PP: Did you play in the spread offense at Miami Springs and if so what do you think of that type of offense which FIU runs?

WW: Yes, we run the spread at Springs. The spread is a good offense for me, because I'm a receiver. The spread is a good offense for receivers.

PP: What did you think of the FIU coaching staff and how they handled your recruiting?

WW: It's a good coaching staff. Coach Cristobal is a good guy. FIU has been with me since the beginning and they always were checking up on me.

PP: Does playing college ball close to home going to factor in your decision?

WW: Not really. Football is football whether I play here or I play somewhere else.

PP: Were you surprised by the immediate success T.Y. had as a freshman at FIU 2 years ago? And if you do choose FIU, do you think you have that kind of impact in your first season of college football?

WW: Yeah, T.Y. surprised me that he could be that good so soon. It was a good kind of surprise. I knew he could play like that his freshman season.

Yeah, I can make that kind of impact like T.Y. did in my freshman season.

PP: I've read in other articles where some teams have backed off of you, because the teams are concerned about your grades. What do you think about teams that have backed off, because of your grades?

WW: My grades are going to take me to college. I don't know what those people are talking about. My grades are fine and I'll prove it.

PP: So with less than 48 hours until you sign someone's letter of intent, are you favoring one team over another?

WW: I'm not leaning toward anybody right now.

Q&A w/ new OC Scott Satterfield

Driving down 9 hours from South Carolina on Friday morning to get to Miami by Friday night for some recruits visits, new FIU offensive coordinator Scott Satterfield kept his eyes on the road, but also took some time to talk with the GPP.

GPP: What did you know about FIU before the Panthers and your former team Toledo played twice in the last two seasons?

SS: I had been down there a couple of years before for a high school football clinic at FIU Stadium before the first phase of the stadium was completed. The stadium was about halfway done to what it is now and I thought this is going to be a neat setting for college football with the way the stadium was going to be done.

What I knew of FIU is that it was a new program and it was in transition to building something special. It's basically a brand new program and we have a lot of lofty goals at FIU.

GPP: I know your focus personally when facing FIU the past two years was on how to attack the FIU defense. But what was the main concern for the Rockets when they played FIU or how did you guys game plan for FIU?

SS: The one kid everybody on Toledo talked about was T.Y. Hilton (left, thanks Alex J. Hernandez photo). The defense was worried all week on how do we stop him. You know in last year's game we punted 3 times with our quarterback on the field on 4th down, because we did not want to get T.Y. on the field for any kind of punt return.

GPP: Have you been able to sit down and watch film on FIU's offense from last season and what are some of your thoughts on the unit you are taking over?

SS: I haven't had much time to evaluate the offense with recruiting going on, but I have heard there are certainly a couple of good quarterbacks in Wesley Carroll and Wayne Younger. The running backs also have some talent and there are a lot of skilled wide receivers. I know a lot of starters were lost on the offensive line, but there are some really good young linemen already there. There are a couple of good tight ends with Dudley LaPorte (right) leading the way. There's only so much you can evaluate from film. When I get to see them in practice is when I really get to see what we have at FIU.

GPP: Reading your bio, you were basically the offensive coordinator at Appalachian State and Toledo right? And what is your offensive philosophy?

SS: At App State, I called the plays and coached the quarterbacks. So yes, I was basically the offensive coordinator. At Toledo, I was the co-offensive coordinator with O-line coach Matt Campbell.

What we want to do at FIU is similar to what we tried to do at App State and Toledo which is spread the field with a lot of multiple formations, lots of multiple. We want to utilize the best players at FIU. The best 11 players and if we have 13 or 14 best offensive players then we'll use 13 or 14 players. We'll go 5-wide some and use several different personnel groups. No huddle, we'll use a lot of different tempos with our offense. We want to run the football a little bit more. The running game is not at where it needs to be.

GPP: Do you envision this being a very different offense from what we've seen at FIU in years past?

SS: It won't be wholesale different from the previous offense. But when you have somebody new calling plays they will have their own ideas on what to call. The way we get the ball to our best players will be a little bit different.

GPP: When did you and coach Cristobal first start talking about you possibly coming over to FIU?

SS: We talked a lot at the Orlando coaches convention a few weeks ago. We got the ball rolling from that point forward. I'm really excited to be coming down to south Florida and FIU. Coach Cristobal and his staff are building something special and they are going about it the right way. There are a lot of great athletes down here. The spread offense is meant for this area. Players down in south Florida are meant for playing this kind of offense.

GPP: What kind of an advantage is it for the offensive coordinator to not only be the quarterbacks coach, but to have also played quarterback? (SS played QB at Appalachian State from 1993-95 and was 1st team All-Southern Conference after leading his team to a 12-1 record in 1995)

SS: It's a huge advantage when you get a guy calling the plays who also coaches the quarterbacks. I want our quarterbacks thinking exactly what I'm thinking. I think if you are calling plays from another position it's a little harder for the quarterbacks. I can tell you from firsthand experience having played quarterback, that that's what I would want as a quarterback: to have the offensive coordinator be also the quarterbacks coach.

GPP: What's the biggest difference between the players you recruited in the midwest when you were at App State and Toledo and the Florida players that you're recruiting at FIU?

SS: Kids down here are playing like sandlot football -- they run around and they know how to make people miss. They play year round down here and the competition is pretty strong. In other states you have to go 20 to 30 miles before finding those type of kids. Ohio high school football is really good. The players up there can run and you'll find a fast player like the type you find in Florida, but the difference is there are 3 or 4 of those types of players in every Florida high school.

Thanks to SS for joining us on the Prowl. You good people can meet SS on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at FIU's National Signing Day party at 6 p.m. at the FIU Stadium Club where MC will introduce the 2010 Signing class and his 2 new coordinators: SS and Geoff "Get Your Chili Hot" Collins.

PANTHER PAWSE

Will have a LIVE HOOPS BLOG from FAU Arena tommorrow (Saturday) for the FIU/Hooters hoops game. Looking to be on-line at 6:56 p.m. for the 7 p.m. tip-off.

Although, I have been told by FAU beat writer Ted Hutton that the game will likely start at 7:30 p.m. because the FIU/FAU women's game is at 5 p.m. before and there will be a 30 min. break between games. Regardless, look for the LIVE BLOG to begin at 6:56 p.m.

Q&A

kjharris02: Hey Pete, do u know when the Spring Blue/Gold game is?

PP: Don't have a set date on it, but expect the spring game to be the first or second Friday in April. Spring practice is expected to begin the week before FIU's spring break which begins March 15. So the 1st spring practice is looking like March 8. Will update on spring ball dates when I have them.