With FIU’s August 31 opener at Central Florida fast approaching, running back depth has become a concern because of a knee injury to key backup Thomas Jones.
The Panthers are in great shape at starting running back. Senior Alex Gardner, who missed all of spring practice due to a toe injury, has returned to form, looking to improve on a 2016 season in which he ran for 930 yards, had a 5.1 average and six touchdowns — all team highs. Gardner is also FIU’s career rushing leader with 2,272 yards.
He started all 12 games last year and has impressed new FIU coach Butch Davis, who earlier this fall compared him to Clinton Portis, a former Miami Hurricanes running back who went on to become a two-time Pro Bowl player in the NFL.