Bryant University duo figures to help make an impact on FIU football team’s defense
Now that star wide receiver Tyrese Chambers has transferred to the University of Maryland, cornerback J.T. Anderson may have the biggest smile on the FIU Panthers roster.
Anderson can only hope to be as successful as Chambers, who started his college career at an FCS school (Sacred Heart) only to set single-season FIU records for receiving yards (1,074) and reception touchdowns (nine).
In two years at Bryant – which like Sacred Heart is an FCS school – Anderson played 10 games, making 17 tackles.
Following last season, two Bryant players – defensive tackle Jack Daly and Anderson – put their names in the transfer portal.
Daly played all 38 of Bryant’s games the past four years. The 6-3, 320-pounder made three tackles in Bryant’s opener last year, which – ironically – was a 38-37 overtime loss at FIU.
Panthers coach Mike MacIntyre said adding Daly’s big body to his defensive line was a no-brainer. Daly got an offer from FIU before Anderson, and he quickly accepted.
“When I came to FIU for my visit, I saw how much the guys cared for each other,” said Daly, a native of Connecticut. “It was a pretty easy decision to come here.
“I had a solid career at the FCS level, and I thought I could make the jump to FBS. I’m working on my hands and technique and staying low. Once I master those things for the run game, I can advance my pass rush.”
After Daly’s decision, Anderson got an FIU offer, too.
“They remembered me,” Anderson said of FIU’s coaches. “They took a chance on me.
“I told them that if they offered me, I wasn’t going to stack (other) offers. I was going to take my one opportunity.
“(FIU) needed (defensive backs), and I just came.”
Anderson, who is from Tampa, said coming back home was a huge motivation.
“I’m only four hours away compared to a 24-hour drive,” Anderson said of Bryant, located in Rhode Island. “I can’t ask for more. I’m back in my state, playing the game I love.”
With 2022 starting cornerback Adrian Cole out all of this spring following shoulder surgery, Anderson has been getting added work.
MacIntyre said Anderson has been making more plays this spring as he acquires a deeper understanding of FIU’s defense.
“He doesn’t have to think as much,” MacIntyre said. “It’s all reactionary.”
Anderson, a 6-1, 190-pounder, said he enjoys covering FIU’s smaller and quicker pass-catchers.
“I can run with any of our wide receivers – I’m just lacking in technique,” Anderson said. “But if I can lock up these smaller guys, just imagine what I can do against bigger (and slower) receivers.”
Anderson said he and Daly are happy to be done with the cold weather of Rhode Island.
“We’re grateful – it’s always warm here,” Anderson said with that big smile. “We’re balling here. We’re going to keep this defense up, you feel me?”
THIS AND THAT
▪ MacIntyre said two of the top performers this fall have been 6-0, 200-pound running back Shomari Lawrence, a transfer from South Dakota who has looked “physical and fast”; and 6-0, 260-pound defensive tackle Jamarrion Solomon.
▪ FIU has wide receiver Kris Mitchell, but the Panthers couldn’t sign his brother. Jon Mitchell, a four-star cornerback from Jacksonville, has committed to Penn State for the Class of 2024.
▪ The Panthers have three players committed for the Class of 2024: Miramar wide receiver Eric Nelson Jr.; Stranahan wide receiver Nick Smith; and Northwestern safety Sadonnie Gay. Nelson committed in January. Smith and Gay committed last week.
