MIAMI – Senior linebacker Reggie Peterson and junior wide receiver Dean Patterson highlighted a total of 13 FIU football players who earned mention to the 2024 Athlon Sports Preseason All-Conference USA Team, which was released this week.
 
Peterson and Patterson each earned mention to the first-team defense and specialists respectively.  Peterson, a former walk-on, posted a breakout season in 2023 which saw him start all 12 games and finish with 104 tackles – which marked the 10th best single season total in program history.
 
Patterson led Conference USA in punt return average in 2023 in addition to catching 28 passes for 423 yards at receiver.
 
Representing the Panthers among the second team honorees was running back Shomari Lawrence and Patterson on the offensive side, while defensive lineman Jeramy Passmore, cornerback Brian Blades II and safety CJ Christian earned mention defensively.  Senior punter Daton Montiel was a named as a second-team specialist.
 
Rounding out the FIU honorees were third-team choices Naeer Jackson (OL), Hezekiah Masses (CB) and Jamal Potts (DB) and Chase Gabriel (PK).  Fourth-team selections included sophomore quarterback Keyone Jenkins and senior running back Lexington Joseph.
 
The Panthers return a total of 17 starters from last season's squad and open the 2024 season on Saturday, August 31 in a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff at Indiana which will be aired nationally on the Big Ten Network.
 
Athlon Preseason All-Conference USA Selections
First-Team Defense
LB Reggie Peterson
 
First-Team Specialists
PR Dean Patterson
 
Second-Team Offense
RB Shomari Lawrence
WR Dean Patterson
 
Second-Team Defense
DL Jeramy Passmore
CB Brian Blades II
S CJ Christian
 
Second-Team Specialists
P Daton Montiel
 
Third-Team Offense
OL Naeer Jackson
 
Third-Team Defense
CB Hezekiah Masses
DB Jamal Potts
 
Third-Team Specialists
K Chase Gabriel
 
Fourth-Team Offense
QB Keyone Jenkins
RB Lexington Joseph
 
TICKETS
For more information on FIU Football season and individual tickets, including student ticketing, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit the FIU Athletics Online Ticket Office.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIU.Football on Instagram and @FIUFootball on Twitter and Facebook.
 
General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.
 
2024 FIU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 31	at Indiana (Saturday)	Big Ten Network	3:30 p.m.
Sept. 7	CENTRAL MICHIGAN (Saturday)	ESPN+	6 p.m.
Sept. 14	at Florida Atlantic (Saturday)	ESPN+	6 p.m.
Sept. 21	MONMOUTH (Saturday) (Homecoming)	ESPN+	6 p.m.
Sept. 28	LOUISIANA TECH* (Saturday)	ESPN Platforms	6 p.m.
Oct. 8	at Liberty* (Tuesday)	CBSSN	7 p.m.
Oct. 16	at UTEP* (Wednesday)	CBSSN	9 p.m.
Oct. 22	SAM HOUSTON* (Tuesday)	ESPNU	7:30 p.m.
Oct. 29	NEW MEXICO STATE* (Tuesday)	CBSSN	7 p.m.
Nov. 16	at Jacksonville State* (Saturday)	ESPN Platforms	2 p.m.
Nov. 23	at Kennesaw State* (Saturday)	ESPN Platforms	3 p.m.
Nov. 30	MIDDLE TENNESSEE* (Saturday)	ESPN Platforms	2 p.m.

 
HOME GAMES IN BOLD CAPS
ALL TIMES LISTED ARE EASTERN (ET)
* CONFERENCE USA GAME