4. FIU Golden Panthers College Football Preview 2021: Defense
– For all of the problems the team had last year, the defense had its share of positives. Overall it was a struggle – the O didn’t provide a lick of help – allowing 423 yards and 32 points per game, but the pass rush was okay and there were plenty of tackles for loss. The run D was another story getting pounded on way too easily, but …
– There’s promise on the front four. There isn’t any size on the inside, but there are enough options to come up with a solid rotation to do a bit more to hold up.
6-1, 263-pound Davon Strickland is back at one tackle after leading the way with four tackles for loss, 262-pound junior Jason Mercier is at the other spot, and there’s help at getting behind the line from the linebackers.
Jamal Gates is back on the outside after finishing tied for second on the team with 26 stops, but losing Tyson Maeva to Fresno State hurts. However, getting 240-pound veteran Hal Vinson from Texas State brings some much needed size and experience.
– The secondary is the biggest strength with four of the five top tacklers coming from the group – for good and for bad. The all-star brother combination of Rishard Dames at corner and Richard Dames at safety is as good as any in Conference USA. Dorian Hall is a good-tackling veteran at the other safety spot, and Josh Turner returns on the other side of Rishard Dames.