New recruiting class comes into focus

David Drucker/Contributing Writer

Panther football’s annual recruiting process is underway. The team’s newest class looks to include a solid foundation along with a several three-star players at key positions.

As in years past, FIU is finding many of its commits in its own backyard. Three-star guard and commit Richerd Desir-Jones attends St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale. The 6-4, 285-pound player also looked at Florida Atlantic University before opting to verbally commit to the Panthers.

Three-star linebacker Irick McDonald from Miami Springs had committed to the University in July. After weighing between University of Central Florida and Marshall University in his junior year, McDonald verbally committed to the Panthers after they caught his eye over the summer.

Three-star defensive back Ocie Rose is graduating from Booker T. Washington High this year. The University of Arkansas and Kent State University also showed interest in the safety before he chose FIU. He will join junior Richard Leonard, who is returning for his senior season, in the secondary.

Three-star outside linebacker Fermin Silva joined other Miami natives in committing to FIU on Dec. 14. Silva chose the Panthers over Cincinnati, Appalachian State University, Florida Atlantic University, and Marshall University. The 6-2 linebacker recorded 11 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and one interception as a senior at Miami Central High. Silva is ranked as the 90th best outside linebacker in the nation by 247Sports.com.

Freshman quarterback Alex McGough might run into some competition this spring when three-star quarterback Christian Alexander arrives at practice. As a senior, Alexander led Lakeland Christian to an 11-1 record. He started at least 10 games at quarterback for his varsity team in each of his four years in high school, throwing 105 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in the process. Alexander has some mobility, having added 34.8 rushing yards per game.

The young players will join a team that is retaining many of its leaders into next season. Some of this recruiting class will get a chance to learn from the veterans during the spring football practice, and the rest will get to shine come their graduations of high school. All in all, the Miami-dominated class will look to help one of their hometown teams by improving on the Panthers’ 2014 record (4-8) next season.