MIAMI (July 31, 2019) - Day one of training camp is in the books for the FIU football team as the Panthers prepare their 18th season of football.
The Panthers return a talented roster in 2019, after coming off a school-record nine wins last season on their way to a victory over Toledo in the Bahamas Bowl. On Wednesday however, the Panthers were focused on a new season.
"Last year was phenomenal, but it's this year now," Quarterback
James Morgan said. "It's a different focus and now we have a whole new slate coming ahead of us. I think it's just a one game at a time mentality. We have the standard that we expect to win every game we are in and it's a must-win for us every game. We have to come out and prepare as hard as we can to make that a possibility."
Morgan had a sensational first year with the Panthers after transferring to FIU from Bowling Green. The Green Bay, Wisconsin native broke single-season school records for passing touchdowns (26), highest passer efficiency rating (157.6) and total offense per play (7.67). Morgan also garnered C-USA Honorable Mention, C-USA Spirit of Service Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List and Manning Stars of the Week to name a few distinctions.
Having a quarterback like Morgan under center certainly gives the Panthers confidence.
"When you have someone like him (
James Morgan) it's a blessing," Head Coach
Butch Davis said. "Just from the standpoint that you know he's going to do everything he can to make certain that every play he calls and executes on game day is going to be the best he can do."
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker
Sage Lewis posted one of the best seasons for any defensive player at FIU in 2018. After making the move to middle linebacker in 2018, Lewis broke the school record in total tackles (132) and solos (83) while ranking first in the league for both of those categories. Lewis' 83 solos ranked 10th in the nation last season, with that same number ranking third in the country among 2019 returnees. Lewis was awarded C-USA First Team honors following his stellar junior campaign in 2018.
"Day one was great," Lewis said. "I feel like we had a lot of guys knowing what to do, compared to other starts of past seasons."
As a reminder, season tickets for the 2019 FIU football season are now on sale. For more information, or to order your tickets by phone, please call
(305) FIU-GAME.
Click Here To Purchase Season Tickets
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