FIU Football: Versatile Offensive Linemen Were Priority on Signing Day

FIU was able to sign five offensive lineman in 2023, but all five of them can play multiple spots on the offensive line, which stands out.

Although FIU head coach Mike MacIntyre definitely wanted to focus on the inside linebackers, given he only had three players on scholarship, the second position he felt that he needed to address was the offensive line. 24 hours prior to Early Signing Day, starting tackle Phillip Houston entered the portal.

"Wanted to keep improving our offensive line," said MacIntyre. "Keep guiding guys in that area. We felt like our guys really improved last year as it went along and we wanted to have more players there and more competition and keep improving that area."

MacIntyre wanted to address the offensive line this signing class by bringing in versatile linemen who can play multiple spots and can address needs throughout the entirety of the line when a player goes down, like it was seen constantly last season.

"We've had some nicked up injuries as the year went along," said MacIntyre. "I thought the guys as the year went on, those freshmen and sophomores kept getting better and better. We're feeling good about that. We lost a couple of guys in the portal and a couple of spots, so we wanted to make sure that we were able to shore up that area."

At 2 PM Wednesday, when MacIntyre began his press conference, they had five offensive lineman signed. Two freshmen, two transfers and one JUCO transfer.

The most notable signing that FIU made was 6'6", 315-pound NC State transfer Jaleel Davis. MacIntyre described Davis as tough with the ability to play both tackle and guard.

With the upcoming absence of John Bock II, the Panthers went out and signed Jon Rodriguez from Cardinal Gibbons High School. MacIntyre really emphasized that Rodriguez is mainly a center, but can also play multiple positions of the offensive line.

"Has ability to snap, but he also has length," said MacIntyre. "Really excited about getting another good player from a great program."

Along with being able to bring Davis from the ACC, the Panthers were able to get Ja’Kavio Nonar from Maryland. Standing at 6'7" and 285 pounds, Nonar adds size to the offensive line, just like Davis.

"He's excited to develop," said MacIntyre. "He can play the tackle spots. He's long, physical, athletic and we're really excited about having to Ja’Kavio in here and with the offensive line."

Standing at 6'5" and 325 pounds, Knajee Saffold, also known as KJ, easily stands out as the biggest offensive lineman. From Treasure Coast High, he started all 12 games in his senior season and can also play multiple positions on the offensive line.

"They [Treasure Coast] run that wing-T power game. He's the pulling tackle, pulling guard. Very physical, big. He's one of those guys, like a refrigerator and that's just pure muscle. Really physical. We're really excited about having KJ here and we have two young men from his program. We're really excited."