FIU Football 2024 Analysis – The Receivers

MIAMI, FL – With football approaching for the FIU Panthers, anticipation for the upcoming season requires a deep dive into all aspects of the team, ensuring the best view of what 2024 could look like for the 305.

In this article, we’ll be detailing the Wide Receivers and Tight Ends of the FIU Panthers, including the candidates that could become the next WR1, some of the new transfers that look to make a name for themselves, and the state of the tight end group and their offensive role.

Let’s get to it.

Moving On From Mitchell

The big story with the wide receiver group is that Kris Mitchell, has transferred to Notre Dame, leaving the Panthers with a big question – who will be the receiver that takes the mantle now?

That’s still up in the air, as the receiver core for the Panthers is filled with experienced veterans and savvy newcomers. It’s been fun watching them develop in the Spring practices, and the Fall should answer the remaining questions about what a starting lineup could look like.

But for my money, I’d bet that Dean Patterson will be the main target for Keyone Jenkins this upcoming season. Aside from Mitchell last season, the redshirt junior made a name for himself as a reliable weapon, racking up 28 receptions for 423 yards and a touchdown.

If there’s one part of the field where FIU has done a great job transforming players into stars, it could be the wide receiver position. Along with Kris Mitchell, past Panthers like Tyrese Chambers and NFL Pro Bowler TY Hilton had spectacular seasons with the Blue and Gold.

At first glance, Patterson could be put in a situation where he can replicate the success seen in recent memory. He’s got the height (6’2) and hands to become that reliable connection to Jenkins who can go for 1K yards.

Alongside Patterson is Eric Rivers, another redshirt junior who saw some success in 2023, with 370 yards and two touchdowns off 32 receptions. He could also be in the process of getting his workload increased for the better.

The New Look Hands For The Panthers

Looking towards some of the transfers and signings, there’s a lot of room for breakout stars.

One of which is Desna Washington, a 6’5 grad student who is arriving from a season with the New Mexico Lobos. The frame alone favors deep lobs, and his ability to corral passes makes him a deep threat, maybe even a problem in double coverage.

Washington caught 29 passes for 336 yards and three touchdowns with the Lobos, and conveniently cashed in on 16 yards against the NM State Aggies in a 27-17 loss. Hopefully, he’ll have the opportunity to get some well-deserved revenge this season in late October.

On the other side of the spectrum, redshirt freshman Luby Maurice impressed coaches and coordinators last year in practices before opting to redshirt the season. While he’s not new to FIU, he could still see playing time for the first time in his career.

Despite having a smaller frame compared to other receivers, he boasts solid speed and agility for a wide receiver, something that Miami football teams seem to pride themselves on having.

A few other new receivers to keep an eye out include for Nazeviah Burris, a grad student coming from the Stetson Hatters of FCS. One of the best receivers Stetson has had in recent memory, he brings both reliability and longevity down to FIU.

In addition, Juju Lewis also looks to finally make an impact on the field. The Sophomore from Davie spent the last two seasons at Georgia Tech but did not see any action in either campaign.

The Best Of Both Worlds

Along with the wide receivers, I’ll briefly go over the tight end position for the Panthers. However, it’s worth noting that tight ends in general at FIU tend to provide their talents to blocking for Jenkins more often than scoring touchdowns, but they still serve important roles regardless.

Two tight ends stand out and will likely see more playing time than others. Rocky Beers is one half of the Beers Brothers, with Rowdy leaving the team to pursue becoming a firefighter.

Rocky was the only tight end to record a touchdown last season, and it was in the finale against Western Kentucky. Still, the redshirt junior who came from the Air Force Academy has proven to be a reliable blocker and a solid receiver when need be.

In addition to Rocky, look out for Josiah Miamen, a senior originally from the Iowa Hawkeyes who enters his third season with the Panthers. Similar to Beers, his receiving statistics are solid but not extraordinary, because he’s primarily a blocker.