Reports: FIU’s Offensive Linemen Formed a Strong Bond Through Their Mutual Passion For Outside Activities

A successful fisherman must possess patience, focus, and impeccable timing. These same qualities could prove essential this season for FIU’s offensive linemen, many of whom share a love for fishing as a way to bond. “I really appreciate the attitude in our room,” said FIU offensive line coach Joshua Eargle. “To excel as an offensive line, you need five players who move and think as one.” Recently, starting guard Wyatt Lawson took his fishing passion to the next level by helping his coach’s seven-year-old son, Stallings “Smash” Eargle, catch his first peacock bass.

However, the Panthers have significant challenges to address on the football field. Last season, they allowed 46 sacks, placing them tied for 124th nationally, and their rushing average of 2.85 yards per carry ranked them the same. While not all the blame falls on the offensive line, they must improve.

This year, they need to fill the gap left by starting right tackle Phillip Houston, who transferred to Colorado, and cope with center John Bock II’s nine-game suspension due to a banned-substance violation. Despite these hurdles, FIU coach Mike MacIntyre believes the offensive line has shown the most improvement, thanks in part to a rigorous offseason conditioning program.

For their season opener on August 31 at Indiana, the projected starting offensive line includes left tackle Travis Burke, left guard Naeer Jackson, center Jaheim Buchanon, right guard Lawson, and right tackle JaDarious Lee. Buchanon, a redshirt freshman, is the biggest uncertainty with no prior collegiate snaps, but Eargle notes he has transformed his physique to become leaner and stronger.

The rest of the line has more experience, with Jackson starting 12 games last season, Burke 10, Lawson 8, and Lee 2. Despite limited starts, Lee made significant contributions, playing two-thirds of the snaps last year and showing strong performance in the final four games. Eargle describes Jackson, a 6-7, 320-pound player, as “my big dancing bear” due to his footwork and leadership.

Beyond the starting five, the Panthers have added depth, with 20 linemen Eargle trusts. Notable backups include redshirt freshmen Mykeal Rabess and Daniel Michel, along with North Carolina State transfer Jaleel Davis. Experienced backup center Ming Tjon is available, and Stetson transfer Chad Staley is seen as a potential center contender. Redshirt freshman Denzel Dorn has added 35 pounds, now standing at 6-6 and 280 pounds.

Additionally, kicker Chase Gabriel had a standout season, achieving a career-high nine field goals with a 75% success rate. Special-teams coordinator Zac Roper believes Gabriel, now a fifth-year senior, can further improve. “His flexibility has enhanced, allowing him to build leg strength,” Roper noted. Long-snapper Jackson Lee, a third-year starter, is also praised by Roper as a key leader on special teams.