MIAMI (Sept. 1, 2020) - Thanks to their hard work and dedication to the FIU football program,
Obinna Nwankwo and
Nikholi Jaghai were awarded with scholarships on Tuesday following practice.
Head coach
Butch Davis surprised the pair of Panthers with the scholarship news as the rest of the team looked on. Since coming to FIU in 2017, Davis has awarded 14 scholarships to former walk-ons.
"It feels like all your hard work is recognized," Nwankwo said after hearing the news.
Nwankwo, an offensive lineman, joined FIU in 2019 after beginning his collegiate career at Florida A&M
"I'm happy, I really didn't expect that," Jaghai said following the surprise announcement. "All I can say is that I am grateful."
Jaghai joined the Panthers last season as well, after the defensive back began his collegiate career at Northern Iowa.
Both Panthers are South Florida natives, with Nwankwo being from Miramar and Jaghai from Miami Gardens.
FIU enters its fourth season of the
Butch Davis era in 2020, as the Panthers seek to continue their bowl streak and head to their fourth-straight this fall. The 2019 season was highlighted by a 30-24 victory over the Miami Hurricanes at Marlins Park. The Panthers lost one of its most talented classes ever, as two players were selected in the 2020 NFL Draft and four were signed to undrafted free agent contracts to lead the way for Conference USA.
FIU will look to replace
James Morgan at quarterback, who was taken in the fourth round by the New York Jets. The wideout duo of
Bryce Singleton and
JJ Holloman will be a big key for the new Panther QB, as Singleton returns from injury and Holloman makes his first appearance for FIU after transferring from Georgia.
On defense, the Panthers will look to replace
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III in the secondary, who was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round. The twin duo of
Richard Dames and
Rishard Dames will seek to do that, as the pair combined for over 100 tackles, four interceptions and 11 pass breakups last season.
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