Photo by Don O’Brien via Flickr
Jose Velez/Contributing Writer
One is how many times the FIU football team tasted victory in the disappointing 2013 season, which involved one of the youngest teams in college football, a new coach, a new mindset, and a new regime. Head Coach Ron Turner and his staff have brought experience to a young football club and last year’s nightmare season will be used as fuel for the 2014 season.
Let’s begin with this year’s recruiting class that involved Dillard High School wide receiver and former University of Miami commit Dennis Turner. It may be far-fetched to some, but Dennis Turner has drawn comparisons to former FIU football star T. Y. Hilton, who is now a promising player of the Indianapolis Colts.
The University has brought in a number of recruits who can provide help in their freshman year and make an impact. Another prospect to keep an eye out for is Jacksonville Raines High School running back Alex Gardner. ESPN.com and 247.com has him as a three-star running back while others have him at two stars. Either way, FIU scored big with this recruit.
The 2014 FIU Panthers football team will go into this season with a better grasp of Coach Turner’s “pro-style” offense, which should have a better results than the ones we saw in 2013. With experience of the 2013 players, a decent recruiting class and returning coaches that will add energy to the team, expect FIU football to turn things around. Patience will play a role, but the path taken is the correct one.