FIU Golden Panthers College Football Preview 2021: Top Players
Best FIU Golden Panthers Offensive Player
RB D’vonte Price, Sr.
Depending on which of the backs get hot in the rotation, Price doesn’t have to do it all. Former Arkansas transfer Maleek Willams has the upside to be a difference-maker after getting minimal work last year, and Shaun Peterson is a big option who can carry the load, but the 6-2, 215-pound Price is the four-year veteran who needs to handle the offense.
He ran for a career-high 581 yards and four scores, averages over six yards per carry for his career, and he’s good around the goal line. Now he needs the ball more as a short-range receiver.
2. WR Shermar Thonton, Sr.
3. OG Sione Finau, Soph.
4. WR Bryce Singleton, Jr.
5. TE Rivaldo Fairweather, Fr.
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Best FIU Golden Panthers Defensive Player
CB Rishard Dames, Jr.
It’s hard to go wrong with either of the Dames brothers for the top defensive spot. Richard is a veteran corner with 186 career stops with four interceptions and 13 brown up passes. The 5-11, 185-pounder can get behind the line, too.
Rishard is the lockdown corner with 89 tackles in three years with ten tackles for loss, a sack, six picks and ten broken up passes. These two lead a loaded secondary.
2. S Richard Dames, Sr.
3. CB Josh Turner, Jr.
4. S Dorian Hall, Jr.
5. LB Jamal Gates, Sr.
Top Incoming FIU Golden Panthers Transfer
OG Api Mane, Sr.
For an O line that needs bulk, here it comes. The 6-3, 334-pound former Kansas Jayhawk worked as a guard and center over two seasons, and he’ll be tried out at both spots as a potential anchor for a ground game that has the backs, but needs a blaster on the interior.