Since spring practice began, the FIU Panthers have introduced more offensive vs. defensive drills and more in-game scenarios. One of the big talking points on Day 5 was the status of quarterback Hayden Carlson, who did not practice.
FIU head coach Mike McIntyre told the media that Hayden Carlson has been excused from practice because he is dealing with family issues.
The quarterback room is very inexperienced with Karlsson potentially out for a few more days. However, McIntyre believes the number of reps his young players are getting is helping them prepare for the season and potential in-game opportunities.
“I think they're all improving every day,” McIntyre said of his QBs. “We practice on two fields, and when you watch practice, they do a lot of repetitions. The quarterback repetitions are 11-on-11 drills. That way they get better passing skills. It's not real football, so you become real football.'' When you're playing 11-on-11, you're getting a lot of reps. Everyone is improving.”
One quarterback who made an impression on Day 5, at least in McIntyre's eyes, was freshman Clayton Dees.
“Clayton seems a little upset,” McIntyre said. “He doesn't think it's too big for him. He's taking everything in very well mentally. Now he picks up speed when he thinks he should go with it. That's difficult for quarterbacks. I think, 'Cause they see it, but then they had to.'' Everything closes a little early, so speed it up. ”
Dees was the only quarterback player McIntyre and his staff brought in this cycle. At 6'2″ tall and weighing 180 pounds, Dees has a strong pocket presence and has been very accurate thus far. At Palmetto High School, Dees threw for 3,528 yards, 27 touchdowns, and ran for 566 yards. Ta.
Along with the progress at quarterback, one name that stood out to McIntreier is Georgia Tech transfer JuJu Lewis. Although Lewis never appeared in a game for the Yellow Jackets, he was highly scouted. After entering the portal, he decided to return to his home state of Florida and join McIntyre's team.
“Juju is very athletic, has strong hands and has a high catch rate,” McIntyre said. “I'm very impressed with that and can't wait for him to continue to move forward and play more and more, but I feel like he's a good receiver and will help us this year.” I am.”
Fans will have a chance to see Lewis and Dees in person at FIU's 2024 Spring Game on Saturday, April 13 at FIU Football Stadium.
