David Delsoin headed to FIU

Quote:David Delsoin headed to FIU
When Chris Amos started the football program at Sheridan Hills Christian School five years ago, he had two linemen, Jared and Jacob Wheeler, on the squad as seventh and eighth graders respectively.

While the Wheelers moved on and eventually landed at American Heritage, the football team grew and the Sharks became competitive. Jared Wheeler eventually signed with the University of Miami.

On Sunday, the program that practiced on a patch of grass between the baseball and softball fields across the street from the Hollywood school, made history with its first Division 1A commitment.

When lineman David Delsoin gave his verbal commitment to attend FIU, it gave this program a huge lift, and in the process, kept the pipeline from south Florida flowing to the school.

“David is a very special athlete,” head coach Joel Dunn said. “He really has helped to put this program on the map, and we have been able to respond.”

Recruited by schools such as Troy and Purdue, the recruitment for Delsoin began to heat up recently with many programs starting to request tape. Florida schools such as UCF and FAU showed interest and other programs were impressed by what they had watched during the season, in the summer and last season as a junior.

With record-setting running back Frainy Alfrena (Northwood, Michigan) grabbing headlines last season, and Delsoin following this year, Sheridan Hills had become a destination the past few months for big time colleges to pass by.

“It’s about staying close to home and getting the chance for my family to see me play,” said Delsoin. “A few weeks ago, my mother came home and had high blood pressure and just that gave me a sense that I didn't want to be too far away from her."

Delsoin was also impressed by the direction FIU is headed in and the need to sign top-flight line prospects.

"When I came here to Sheridan Hills, they hadn't won a game," Delsoin pointed out. "After a few years, we were right in the playoff mix. I think the same thing is going to happen at FIU. I'm sure of it!"

The 6-foot-6, 280-pounder, who plays on both sides of the ball, was singled out for his outstanding play last season, At off season combines, he started to turn heads and college scouts began to notice and appreciate what they saw.

“We were on David from his sophomore season,” said Charles Fishbein of Elite Scouting Services. “We had the pleasure of evaluating him early and sent the information and his tapes out to some 50 colleges and universities. FIU landed yet another quality athlete.”

With the commitment of Delsoin, FIU now has impressive athletes such as national recruit Richard Leonard (Killian), and other locals such as Wade Isaac (DL, 6-2, 255, Norland), Khambrel McGee (CB, 5-9, 170, Northwestern), Sam Miller Jr. (DB, 5-10, 175, LaSalle), Randy Williams (S, 6-1, 195, Miami Springs) and Caleb Vincent (LB, 6-2, 225, Hollywood Hills).

Statewide standouts include Mac Brown (DB, 6-0, 155, St. Petersburg Gibbs), Justin Halley (S, 6-2, 181, Boca Raton), Jake Medlock (QB, 6-3, 220, Neptune Beach Fletcher) and Ocala Trinity Catholic running back Kedric Rhodes, a 5-10, 185-pounder.

Catch up on all our stories, rankings, commitments and all other archived information by clicking on Miami Herald Recruiting Information:

Anthony Gaitor, Toronto Smith expected to play for FIU

Quote:FIU is expected to have two of its top defensive playmakers when it faces Louisiana (Lafayette) at noon Saturday at FIU Stadium.

Defensive back Anthony Gaitor, who sustained a minor shoulder injury during Saturday's 27-10 defeat at Arkansas State, is day-to-day and expected to be ready to play against the Ragin' Cajuns.

Middle linebacker Toronto Smith (knee) also is day-to-day and expected to play.

Quote:FIU defensive back D'Haiti will be ready for Louisiana-Lafayette
Defensive back O'Darris D'Haiti, who sustained a shoulder injury late in a loss to Arkansas State last week, is ``good to go'' to play against Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday, coach Mario Cristobal said.

D'Haiti practiced Tuesday, wearing an orange noncontact jersey. D'Haiti, a senior, is expected to start his third consecutive game Saturday. He replaced starting defensive back Dez Johnson, who sustained a season-ending back injury Oct. 3. Johnson was the sixth FIU starter lost to injury for the season.

Defensive back Anthony Gaitor also wore an orange noncontact jersey Tuesday, but he is expected to play Saturday. Gaitor sustained a shoulder injury against Arkansas State.

Defensive lineman James Jones (leg), who also was injured against Arkansas State, also is also expected to play.

Linebacker Winston Fraser will miss his second game in a row because of a stinger he sustained against Western Kentucky on Oct. 10.

-- PETE PELEGRIN

UL Notes: Gautier will be backup QB for FIU game

Quote:Bustle declined to comment on UL's offensive game plan against FIU (1-6, 1-3) and whether Gautier would fill McGuire's spot in the quarterback rotation. There's a chance the Cajuns could use only Masson at quarterback this week.

FIU running back Kendall Berry on the rise

Quote:``He's up to 200 pounds and running well,'' coach Mario Cristobal said. ``He ran well against Troy, and he's getting better in protections. He's earning that trust. He's going to keep getting more and more playing time.''

FIU faces early kickoff, strong running game

[quote] The Panthers, who have been preparing by getting up early each day this week, are eager for the noon kickoff.

``I'm excited playing in the hot sun,'' freshman defensive end Tourek Williams said. ``This is how we play year round and in summer camp, so we don't have too much to worry about the heat.''
quote]

FIU's struggling with injuries in spiraling season

Quote:After going 5-7 last season, a remarkable improvement following an 1-11 mark in 2007, the Golden Panthers (1-6, 1-3 Sun Belt) have stumbled this year going into Saturday’s 11 a.m. matchup with UL (4-3, 2-1) in Miami. They have already lost five players to season-ending injuries and another for the year due to academics.


Those issues have made life rather frustrating for third-year coach Mario Cristobal, a no-nonsense guy who still has high hopes for his team in the future.


“I think we got hit by the injury bug pretty good, and some of our playmakers have missed a lot of time,” said Cristobal, a former University of Miami offensive lineman and assistant with both the Hurricanes and Rutgers. “You can never use that (injuries) as an excuse, but we just haven’t been able to make up for those players quite yet. There is plenty of progress in some other areas.

Football Prevails in Thrilling OT Battle

MIAMI - The FIU football team's first home win of the season couldn't have been scripted any more perfectly. The Golden Panthers scored the game-tying touchdown with 10 seconds remaining and blocked a field goal in overtime to rally for a 20-17 win against Louisiana.

Trailing by a touchdown with 2:27 remaining in the fourth quarter, FIU refused to back down and tied the game with 10 seconds left when Paul McCall connected with Greg Ellingson deep in the center of the end zone on fourth down.

FIU (2-6, 2-3) took its first lead of the game in overtime when Dustin Rivest connected for a 24-yard field goal. The Panther defense came out and stuffed running back Julian Shankle on third-and-two, forcing the Rajin' Cajuns to attempt a 29-yard field goal.

FIU's special teams came out and blocked its third field goal of the season to steal the victory.

"It's a great win for our program - one that we needed against a team that had beaten a Big 12 opponent earlier this season," head coach Mario Cristobal said.

In the first series of the game, FIU's defense forced the Louisiana offense to three-and-out, but the Rajin' Cajuns recovered by forcing wide receiver Ty Frierson to fumble on the 30-yard line. Fullback Yobes Walker had a 1-yard touchdown rush to take the lead, 7-0, with 11:35 remaining.

With 8:06 to go in the first quarter, safety Jeremiah Weatherspoon stopped Louisiana's drive with his first interception this season and the fourth of his career. Unfortunately, the offense couldn't gain momentum from the play.

After the defense held Louisiana to three-and-out again, the Golden Panthers found their rhythm and capped an 80-yard drive with a Kendall Berry 1-yard touchdown run with 2:02 to go in the first quarter. It was the second career touchdown for the sophomore.

Louisiana responded just before the break when Louis Lee motored in a 40-yard touchdown reception to complete a six-play, 84-yard drive. But FIU wasn't done yet.

The Panthers moved their way down the field in the last 1:06 of the half thanks in part to a third-down completion to Ariel Martinez and another 20-yard reception by Jon Faucher. With 10 seconds to go, McCall took one final snap and rushed out of bounds, where he was hit late by linebacker Grant Fleming, with one second left on the clock.

Rivest converted a 26-yard field goal as time expired and FIU headed into the half with a 14-10 deficit.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Panthers were primed to score after entering the red zone under the 14-minute mark of the fourth quarter, but Darriet Perry fumbled at the 18-yard line.

FIU was its own worst enemy again midway through the fourth quarter when McCall was sacked and fumbled the ball, giving Louisiana possession on the Panthers' 39 yard line. Still, the defense held tough at the goal line, and when quarterback Chris Masson overthrew the ball in the end zone, the Rajin' Cajuns had to settle for a field goal, 17-10, with 2:27 left in the game.

The Panthers showed grit in the final two minutes by moving 69 yards with big plays from athletes like Wayne Times, who shook off defenders and pushed ahead for a 16 yard gain to the 4-yard line. On fourth down with 10 seconds to go, McCall found Ellingson for the game-tying touchdown.

Rivest gave FIU the go-ahead field goal in overtime, and freshman Tourek Williams blocked Tyler Albrecht's field goal attempt on fourth down to seal the program's first victory over Louisiana in school history.

"We sit in this room every single Sunday and I can't tell you how many times where we're this close to blocking a field goal. I'm talking millimeters," Cristobal said. "And these guys did it. They were getting closer and closer every week and one of our coaches was saying, 'We're going to block a kick to win a game,' and sure enough, a self-fulfilling prophecy."

The Panthers head to Middle Tennessee next Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

Blocked field-goal attempt lifts FIU to victory

Quote:Williams' large left hand got up high enough in overtime to block a 29-yard field-goal attempt by Louisiana-Lafayette kicker Tyler Albrecht and secure a 20-17 overtime win for the Golden Panthers on Saturday afternoon.

``A big part of the block was the big D-tackles we have in the middle,'' said Williams, a 6-4, former Miami Norland standout. ``It was a three-man block. All of us put six hands on the ball. The two inside guys cleared it up for me and I came through and put my hand up and watched the ball hit my hand. I thought it was still going in, but it was short.''

FIU linebacker Toronto Smith out for the season

Quote:The injury bug continues to bite FIU.

On Friday, the Golden Panthers learned they will be without one of their top defensive players for the rest of the season.

Starting middle linebacker Toronto Smith tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee and will miss the final five games of 2009.

FIU reserves step up, deliver

Quote:With a plethora of injuries this season, especially where nearly one-third of its starters are out for the season, FIU has adopted the title of a Baltimore Ravens book Next Man Up as its motto for the rest of the season.

The Golden Panthers (2-6, 2-3 Sun Belt) won't fret about who is or isn't healthy and instead are just calling on the next player available to step up and make plays.

FIU receiver T.Y. Hilton cleared for practice

Quote:Freshman receiver Wayne Times, who filled in for Hilton against the Ragin' Cajuns on kick returns and receiving, led FIU with five catches for 60 yards.

``He is a real, real good player,'' Cristobal said. ``He was phenomenal on Saturday.''

FIU Blog Look Back & Preview

Quote:Middle Tennessee quarterback Dwight Dasher (left), who sees FIU like a dog sees a piece of filet, is waiting. Dasher, who is generously listed at 5-10, feasted on FIU two years ago in Murfreesboro accounting for 5 TDs in a game that was 47-0 Blue Raiders at halftime.

Panthers Look to Carry Momentum Into Middle Tennessee

Quote:Coming off an emotional win over Louisiana, FIU will look to carry that momentum into their matchup with the Blue Raiders as the Panthers look to make it two wins in a row over MTSU. Last year the Panthers beat the Blue Raiders at home 31-21, aided by two Anthony Gaitor interceptions. If the Panthers are to repeat, they will have to contain MTSU's dynamic quarterback Dwight Dasher who leads the team in rush­ing and has thrown 11 TDs. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. (ET).

FIU's T.Y. Hilton back at practice

FIU receiver T.Y. Hilton was back on the practice field Tuesday.


His injured knee did not take any noticeable hits, and he walked away (he did not limp away) pleased.


``I felt kind of good,'' Hilton said. ``I'm taking it one day at a time and working with the coaches and training staff. The speed, it's up there.''


Between plays in the drills, Hilton continued to flex and stretch the injured leg.


``Just keeping it loose,'' he said.


Will he play Saturday at Middle Tennessee?


FIU coach Mario Cristobal answered -- well, maybe it wasn't exactly an answer -- that one: ``We won't know until game time.''

COACH SEES REAL CHALLENGE

Cristobal admitted playing Middle Tennessee (5-3) on the road Saturday presents a huge challenge for his 2-6 Golden Panthers, who are coming off a 20-17 overtime victory against Louisiana-Lafayette.


``You look at what they [Middle Tennessee] did last week against FAU -- they ended up blocking three kicks in that game and returned one punt [block] for a touchdown,'' Cristobal said. ``You are talking about a team that is dangerous across the board.''

-- BILL VAN SMITH

Casey Turner

Position: Running back.

Commitment: Soft verbal to Florida International.

Accolades: 2008 Times-Union offensive player of the year (three-star recruit according to Rivals.com).

I did make a soft commitment to FIU. The coaches there check up with me every week and have shown me the most love from the beginning. It's nice to know I have a home somewhere. They've made an effort to get to know my family and they are an up-and-coming program. I have a visit scheduled there for Nov. 14. I'm still going to see what's out there. Rutgers, Arkansas and UCF are showing me some interest. I have a visit set up to Rutgers on Dec. 5. I'm also still waiting to see if FSU will bring me in for a trip.

I've been playing defense this season more and am happy that I've made some key plays for us. I never considered myself strictly an offensive player. ... It doesn't matter where I play in college. I'd be willing to play linebacker or defensive back.

FIU braces for quarterback Dwight Dasher
The name seems quite fitting. The player FIU's defense will be chasing Saturday at Middle Tennessee is Dwight Dasher.

The Middle Tennessee quarterback leads the team in passing, completing 150 if 277 passes for 1,847 yards, averaging 230.9 yards per game. He also leads the team in rushing, with 127 carries for 692 yards.

``They're very multiple, very diverse,'' FIU coach Mario Cristobal said of the Blue Raiders. ``Their running game has amassed 200-plus yards the past two weeks. Some of it is their quarterback, but not all of it. Their offensive line is playing great football. And their quarterback is not only one of the most dangerous guys in the conference, but in the country.''

GETTING BETTER

Receiver Greg Ellingson is doing a little extra running -- at Cristobal's request -- in his bid to get his starting spot back.

Ellingson did not start in last Saturday's overtime victory against Louisiana-Lafayette.

``He knows he has to get better,'' Cristobal said. But the coach also pointed out, ``He worked hard, came back in the fourth quarter and caught a touchdown [pass]. That's a good response.''

-- BILL VAN SMITH

Area coach gives FIU assistant thumbs up
Posted on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.

It remains to be seen how many area players the Florida International football program will sign this recruiting cycle, but a few local coaches already have given the Golden Panthers an “A” --- for effort.

“They’ve done a fabulous job in this area,” Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia said.

At last check, FIU had -- according to our reporting -- scholarship offers out to several area players. Here are some of them:

-Tarean Austin, Hillsborough, QB, Sr.
-Anthony Chickillo, Alonso, DL, Jr.
-Andre Davis, Jefferson, WR, Jr.
-Justen Davis, Alonso, WR, Sr.
-Mark Grant, Tampa Bay Tech, DL, Sr.
-Mark Hansson, Palm Harbor U., OL, Sr.
-Tim Jackson, Gibbs, DE, Sr.
-Tyler Moore, Countryside, OL, Jr.
-Phillip Ely, Plant, QB, Jr.
-Quentin Williams, Jefferson, QB, Jr.

"They realize we've got talent here," Alonso coach Mike Heldt said recently. "This is the most I've seen them around."

When Heldt says “they,” what he really means is Alex Mirabal -- the FIU assistant tasked with recruiting Tampa Bay. Garcia called Mirabal, who coaches tight ends, a “tireless worker.”

Not only that, but Mirabal apparently has a great relationship with high school coaches.

That’s probably because not long ago, he was one.

Before joining the FIU staff, Mirabal had successful stints as an assistant at both Miami Columbus and Miami Braddock.

“He’s an ex-high school coach from Miami,” Garcia said. “A lot of coaches who coached in high school have a good rapport with us because they know what we do.”

http://hometeam.tampabay.com/recruiting/...nt-thumbs/

Quote:Area coach gives FIU assistant thumbs up
Posted on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.

It remains to be seen how many area players the Florida International football program will sign this recruiting cycle, but a few local coaches already have given the Golden Panthers an “A” --- for effort.

“They’ve done a fabulous job in this area,” Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia said.

At last check, FIU had -- according to our reporting -- scholarship offers out to several area players. Here are some of them:

-Tarean Austin, Hillsborough, QB, Sr.
-Anthony Chickillo, Alonso, DL, Jr.
-Andre Davis, Jefferson, WR, Jr.
-Justen Davis, Alonso, WR, Sr.
-Mark Grant, Tampa Bay Tech, DL, Sr.
-Mark Hansson, Palm Harbor U., OL, Sr.
-Tim Jackson, Gibbs, DE, Sr.
-Tyler Moore, Countryside, OL, Jr.
-Phillip Ely, Plant, QB, Jr.
-Quentin Williams, Jefferson, QB, Jr.

"They realize we've got talent here," Alonso coach Mike Heldt said recently. "This is the most I've seen them around."

When Heldt says “they,” what he really means is Alex Mirabal -- the FIU assistant tasked with recruiting Tampa Bay. Garcia called Mirabal, who coaches tight ends, a “tireless worker.”

Not only that, but Mirabal apparently has a great relationship with high school coaches.

That’s probably because not long ago, he was one.

Before joining the FIU staff, Mirabal had successful stints as an assistant at both Miami Columbus and Miami Braddock.

“He’s an ex-high school coach from Miami,” Garcia said. “A lot of coaches who coached in high school have a good rapport with us because they know what we do.”