MIAMI – The FIU Golden Panthers are currently in first place in Conference USA’s East Division and getting contributions from its young talent.

Atlantic High School alumni Jason Mercier has been one of the young talents on the Golden Panthers squad that has taken full advantage of his ability to play early and often.

The 6-3, 262-pound freshman has been very active in the Panthers recent success. Mercier has tallied a total of 19 tackles, 7 solo, 12 assisted, and one fumble recovery.

Although the freshman has been used sparingly throughout the season, he’s made the most of his time. As the season progresses, Mercier has progressed and freshman typically become a commodity for teams like FIU that experience attrition as they get into the thick of their conference schedule.

Mercier most productive game was against Miami (FL), where he did a little bit of everything as he recorded two solo tackles, seven assisted tackles, and one fumble recovery.

During the Rice game Mercier would be escorted to the locker room with a injury right before halftime that was undisclosed until the post game conference with head coach Butch Davis, where he stated he had a stinger and returned to finish the game.

Asking about the freshman’s injury turned into Davis expressing his appreciation for the body of work Mercier has put together this far in the season.

“I’m proud of him,” Davis said. “As a young freshman coming in he’s tough, he’s strong, he’s physical, and the upside for him. We’re playing a lot of freshman, and if you check the boxes of these young freshman playing and stuff, they’re going to have a heck of a future.”

Mercier has done enough to keep himself in the conversation and on the field for FIU. It will be interesting to see how he progresses as the season goes along.

FIU has five football games remaining in the regular season, and Mercier will have five more opportunities to show his worth and make an impact on this Panthers squad.