MIAMI – When it comes to the spring football circuit, it’s primarily about players getting themselves re-acclimated to the grind of it all.
But for some in particular, it’s also about familiarizing themselves to a new team, a new climate, and a fresh change of scenery.
Take Josh Turner as an example. As a transfer from Big 12 rising power Iowa, the American Heritage (Delray Beach) 2017 alum has been fitting in nicely with the Panthers team culture and head coach Butch Davis’ penchant for doing whatever it takes to win.
Turner has proven to be a bright spot in FIU’s secondary throughout the spring circuit. Though the redshirt sophomore did not record a tackle in the Apr. 12 spring game, the Panthers rising star made his presence felt by preventing big plays by the opposition when he was on the field.
As for junior defensive lineman and fellow American Heritage (Delray Beach) 2017 alum Noah Curtis, he’s showing everyone his athleticism and ability to stay around the ball when needed. The West Palm Beach native recorded a few tackles in the spring game and looks to secure a starting spot this upcoming fall season.
Meanwhile, sophomore defensive lineman and Atlantic (Delray Beach) 2018 alum Jason Mercier has been wowing the FIU coaching staff with his football knowledge and knack for holding his own whenever he’s on the field. With a few tackles of his own in the spring game, don’t be surprised if Mercier emerges as a full-time starter this season.
We have four more Palm Beach County players for FIU. They include the following:
•Senior running back and Atlantic 2016 alum Shawndarrius Phillips -several runs for positive yardage in the spring game
•Converted junior linebacker/special teams standout/Suncoast 2017 alum Josh Powell (Image 1)
•Converted junior linebacker and Dwyer 2017 alum Jamal Gates -several tackles in spring game
•Sophomore wide receiver/Atlantic 2018 alum Cadarius Gaskin
Davis spoke at length about his analysis of this past Friday night’s spring game.
“Going into spring number three, we made some significant progress,” Davis said about the start of his third season as FIU’s head coach. “So we should be more efficient and our execution should be better. But all and all, it still was a solid night overall.”
The FIU Spring Showcase wasn’t a typical spring game, which provided for a relaxing atmosphere in more ways than one. Both the offense and defense played under what was a running clock from start to finish.
There was at least one memorable moment during the showcase, which included a spirited drive that ended with a beautifully thrown 4-yard touchdown pass from Conference USA Newcomer of the Year James Morgan to senior wideout Maurice Alexander.
After the Spring Showcase, fans, family, and friends were treated to a special meet-and-greet session with the FIU players. This part was honestly the best part of this year’s Spring Showcase.
FIU is off for the summer, but the rising Conference USA program will return in August for up to 25 practices. These practice sessions will serve as the precursor to FIU’s first regular season game, which is set for Aug. 29 against Tulane.
