FIU Football: Running Backs Coach Eric Hickson Extended

In 2023, FIU running backs Shomari Lawrence and Kejon Owens combined for 1,076 yards. As a whole, the Panthers' running back room saw a lot of improvement after starter Lexington Joseph ran for 566 yards and five touchdowns in 2022.

Running backs coach Eric Hickson's success with his position group, as well as strong recruiting, has earned him a one-year extension through 2024, G5 Football Daily has learned.

Hickson joined the FIU staff in 2022 in head coach Mike MacIntyre's first season and immediately saw improvement. The Panthers had a total of 1,492 rushing yards that season led by Joseph, E.J. Wilson and even help from quarterback Grayson James who ran for over 300 yards.

In 2023, the Panthers lost Joseph due to injury, so they had to rely on newly-transferred running back Lawrence and the inexperienced Owens, but they found more success as the season progressed.

Now, as we enter 2024 Hickson, will have Lawrence, Joseph and Owens in this running back room along with the newly-recruited St. Augustine running back Devonte Lyons.

There will be questions as to who will be get the most reps, but at the end of the day, this is a good situation to have. Stability with their position coach makes it even better.