‘Showtime for Shomari’: FIU running back primed for big season if he lands starting job
It’s almost time.
It’s very nearly here.
It’s getting close to “Showtime for Shomari.”
When the FIU Panthers open their 2023 season on August 26 at Louisiana Tech, it’s expected that Shomari Lawrence will be starting at running back for the visitors.
With FIU’s leading rusher last year, Lexington Joseph, out for the season due to a knee injury, Lawrence sits atop the depth chart, followed by redshirt freshman Antonio Patterson, fourth-year sophomore Kejon Owens and junior-college transfer T.J. Snowden.
“This is what I wanted,” said Lawrence, who transferred to FIU after three years at the University of South Dakota. “I wanted to go somewhere I could fight for the spot, fair and square.
“I don’t care who was here (before). I’m coming here for me and the team. I want to show them why I should be the guy.
“We are all here to compete. Competition will help you grow.”
Lawrence had his best collegiate season last year, gaining 597 yards and averaging 5.6 per attempt for a 3-8 team. The Coyotes finished in ninth place in the 11-team Missouri Valley Conference, sporting a 2-6 record in league play.
FIU is coming off a similar season, going 4-8 overall and finishing tied for ninth place in Conference USA with a 2-6 record.
Lawrence, however, offers the Panthers hope at running back. He arrives at FIU in great shape at 6-foot and 204 pounds, having dropped his body fat from 11.0 percent to 6.5.
In fact, he is 14 pounds lighter now than when he started his college career in 2020. He is hoping to show the sprinter speed he displayed at Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, where he said he posted track times of 21.7 seconds in the 200 meters and 10.8 in the 100.
“I’m an all-around back,” Lawrence said. “I can catch. I can run. I’m fast. I can get loose in the open field, and I’m a tough guy to bring down.
“My signature move is to drop my shoulder and bounce off of you or -- I’m not going to lie – I have a lethal stiff arm with either hand.”
If all of that is true, it could be Showtime for Shomari very soon.
THIS AND THAT
▪ FIU’s Fan Fest is set for Saturday August 12. The event starts with football practice from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the practice fields. After practice, fans are invited for an autograph session with players and coaches. From there, the event shifts to Monty’s in Coconut Grove for the Annual Panthers Block Party from 3 to 6 p.m. Tickets to the block party, with food and open bar, are $30.
▪ FIU defensive end Jeramy Passmore, who devotes much of his free time to working with South Florida youth-football programs, has been named a candidate for the Wuerffel Trophy. Named after former Gators quarterback Danny Wuerffel, the trophy is considered college football’s top award for community service.
▪ FIU’s Daton Montiel is one of 49 punters on the Ray Guy watch list. The award goes to the nation’s top punter. Montiel averaged 42.1 yards per boot last year.
