Who To Look Out For With FIU's Secondary In Spring Practice

MIAMI, FL – As Spring Practices continue for FIU Football, each position features veterans and newcomers getting snaps hoping to be the Week 1 starter. This is the same for FIU’s defense, specifically its secondary. Both sides of the ball have a solid number of returners, but the last line of defense for the Panthers should feature names you remember.

Looking To Run It Back

Brian Blades II is entering his final year with the Panthers. The redshirt senior has spent his entire collegiate career with the Panthers and looks to cap it on a high note.

Last season saw his most production as a defensive back, playing in all 12 games. He recorded 29 total tackles, seven pass deflections, and his first and only interception as a Panther – a 21-yard pick-six against Central Michigan to help put that game out of reach for the Chippewas.

Now, Blades has taken up a leadership role with the secondary as he looks to lock down a starting role against Bethune-Cookman.

“I’m just making sure for everybody new, coming in, that if they need help with the plays I’m always there and making sure my guys are good,” said Blades.

Familiarity With The Coaching Staff

Blades had the option to enter the transfer portal following this past season but chose to remain in the 305. The big reason? FIU Cornerbacks coach Anthony Gaitor, alongside wanting to “Win one for the crib.”

Most of the coaching staff received an overhaul for this season, headlined by Willie Simmons taking over as the head coach. But there is familiarity here and there, with Gaitor managing the secondary once again.

Statistically, FIU’s secondary was solid last season, boasting the third-best passing defense in Conference USA and 17th-best in FBS. They also had the second-best defensive efficiency and the second-most interceptions in CUSA. Among their best playmakers, Blades, Victor Evans III, and Mister Clark are back.

Even in Spring practices, this unit has looked sharp. There have been plenty of interceptions recorded already, even on Keyone Jenkins. “Guys are flying around, reading their keys, trusting their coaching and trusting what they see and attacking, not hesitating, and playing fast,” said Gaitor.

The Big 12 Was Great And All…

There’s a whole host of newcomers to this roster. One to look out for is none other than Jai-Ayviauynn Celestine, better known as G7. Don’t worry, the origin of the nickname is not too complicated. It was from a coach at the little-league level who couldn’t pronounce his name, with G7 being the name of a jet… fitting for his speed.

Celestine joins the Panthers following a few seasons with the Arizona Wildcats of both the Pac-12 and Big 12. His time on the field was spent on defense and special teams as a kick returner, with limited stats as a defensive back. Still, he’ll look to blossom in his hometown.

Regardless of whether playing in the Power Conference level or the Group of Five, football is all the same to G7. Still, being from Miami Palmetto High School, it means more to represent the 305.

“It feels good to be back,” said Celestine. “It feels like I never left. There’s nothing like playing football back home. It just feels good to be back home playing. I’m home. I’m in my backyard.”