More Potential Starters Revealed As FIU Fall Practices Progress

MIAMI, FL – We’re getting closer to Gameday as FIU Football Fall Practices progress, and the level of competition has not subsided. Week One of the season is two weeks away, and there are still spots that need to be filled on both sides of the ball.

That’s where these practices come to fruition. Here, we’ve witnessed veterans vying for increased playing time and newcomers seeking to establish themselves. These practices, alongside the weekend scrimmages, are what will convince the coaches of who will line up against Bethune-Cookman.

Two athletes are looking to earn the honor – senior safety Bobby Salla Jr, and redshirt sophomore wide receiver Kyle McNeal. Both players have different backgrounds as to how they got here, but the goal for both is clear.

Making Opposing Offenses Pay

Bobby Salla Jr is a native of Delray Beach and is pumped to continue his football career in South Florida. After his time in American Heritage, he spent two seasons at Temple, up in Philadelphia. The walk-on redshirted in 2021, and the situation became even more complicated in 2022. He spent most of his time as a wide receiver, but here at FIU, he’s all secondary for the Panthers.

After a reliable pair of seasons with limited starts, Salla is aiming to prove that he’s worthy of a few more starts as a safety. He’ll be part of a secondary that had extensive depth, but he believes he can fit right in in a nickel-style defense, which uses five defensive backs instead of four.

Hear from @FIUFootball safety Bobby Salla Jr (@bobbysalla21) following today's Fall Practice! 🏈#FIU | #Panthers | #PawsUp pic.twitter.com/UFKWiQOW4H

— Paws Up Podcast (@PawsUpPodcast) August 13, 2025

“I’m just a versatile player. Being at the nickel, I feel like that’s my strongest point,” said Salla. “I get to show all aspects of my game. Being heavy in the run game, I’m a bigger nickel than we usually have. I want to show that I can hit, I can bring everything. Whatever you ask out of a corner, I can show that. Whatever you ask for in terms of safety, I can provide that. I want to be a jack of all trades.”

Salla is very much accustomed to a new coaching staff, as this is his fourth different staff. Still, he noted how opportunistic this crew is. Whether you’re a walk-on or a veteran of the school, everyone gets a shot to prove their worth. He had an opportunity to enter the portal, but he’s confident in his ability to perform at FIU in a region that he’s all too familiar with.

A Fine Addition To The Arsenal

On the other side of the ball, the FIU offense has an interesting dilemma. They have veteran leadership at quarterback, a deadly-looking run game, and an offensive line that has potential. But their wide receivers are a mashup of returners that saw limited playing time or a hefty group of newcomers.

With players like Dean Patterson and Eric Rivers gone, it’s a next-man-up mentality. And that’s where a player like Kyle McNeal steps in. Another Florida native – this time from Riviera Beach – he’s vying for a chance to show what he’s got as an actual receiver.

That’s because he saw no action in 2023. The following year, he was primarily on special teams, making tackles. It’s certainly a far cry from his time in Dwyer High School when he logged 23 receptions for 369 yards and three touchdowns in his senior season.

Hear from @FIUFootball wide receiver Kyle McNeal (@KyleMcneal3) following today's Fall Practice! 🏈 #FIU | #Panthers | #PawsUp pic.twitter.com/UduTzTqoEO

— Paws Up Podcast (@PawsUpPodcast) August 13, 2025

But this is an opportunity for McNeal. You need three wide receivers that are ready to go for the B-CU game, and McNeal believes he fits the bill for one of them.

“I don’t try to compare myself with anybody else,” said McNeal. “I don’t have any style. I just have a mindset of just coming out here and dominating. I just have that mindset of “You can’t guard me.” And that’s just what I come out here with. “

Keeping it simple, by the books. He got solid advice from Rivers and Patterson before they went north to Atlanta at Georgia Tech. They knew he was going to be the next man up. They taught him the little things to prepare him for this moment. Now, it’s up to McNeal to impress wide receivers coach Jelani Berassa, head coach Willie Simmons, and anyone who doubts him.

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