Expect a new offensive coordinator for the football team to be hired by the end of the week. A new OC won't mean a new offense, however. FIU will stay with the spread option attack, but develop it more and diversify. Yes, they'll even have the quarterback line up under center for some packages. That makes sense, especially in super short yardage situations, when you've got a big quarterback like Jake Medlock, or long ones like freshmen E.J. Hilliard (6-3) or Favian Upshaw (6-2).
RECRUITING
Though Krop High's Johnnie Durante made First-Team All-Dade as a defensive back -- seven interceptions, four returned for touchdowns -- he'll initianlly be tried on offense at FIU. And Upshaw will get his shot at quarterback.
There are no FIU fans at Syracuse among the linebacker coaches. Palatka High linebacker Leroy Owens switched his commitment to FIU from Syracuse and, as noted on last night's post, Haines City linebacker Josh Glanton, an FIU commit, is feeling the weight of deciding between FIU and Syracuse. Also feeling the weight of the wait: FIU and Syracuse coaches.
FIU's going after Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast quarterback Travares Copeland hard as they're in competition with West Virginia and Rutgers. How hard? Copeland put this photo on his Facebook Wall from Wednesday afternoon.
Even if he's not deployed at quarterback, Copeland's got wide receiver speed and athleticism. If the scouting report I got on his personality (posted yesterday) is accurate, team leaders will have to make him realize that FIU spreads the ball around like orange marmalade on toast.
FIU pulled Port Charlotte defensive end commit Marcus Gilchrist's scholarship offer several days ago.
For next Wednesday's National Signing Day, FIU's throwing a soiree at the FIU Stadium's Stadium Club with free food and beverages at which they'll announce the 2012 recruiting class. Starts at 6 p.m.
BASEBALL
FIU's not in Baseball America's Top 25 to start the season, but that can change while they're still shoveling snow in Chicago according to the full baseball schedule, released Wednesday afternoon.
FIU opens Feb. 17 with a three-game set at Rice, BA's No. 6-ranked team, and a Feb. 24 three-game set at No. 20 Florida State. FIU's home opener is March 2 against Brown (heigh-ho).
Other scheudle highlights: their two three-game series against FAU will be March 16-18 (here) and May 17-19 (up there). Their exhibition against the split squad Marlins at Huh, We Thought Those Retail Spots Would Sell Faster Stadium: March 7. The Sun Belt Conference Tournament is May 23-27 at Western Kentucky.
JANUARY NIGHT MUSIC...
Play it, Stevie...
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