2008 OUTLOOK: The Panthers won just one game last season and don't figure to be a major player in the Sun Belt in 2008. However, second-year coach Mario Cristobal has his system in place and FIU should make improvement.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
The offense as a whole struggled, but quarterback Wayne Younger gained a lot of valuable experience as a freshman. FIU has two solid and experienced tailbacks in seniors A'Mod Ned and Julian Reams, but the continued development of the offensive line is a must for the Panthers to make a major jump. The receivers made great strides in the spring.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
FIU should be improved defensively in 2008. Seniors Jarvis Penerton and Jonas Murrell return up front, along with junior defensive end Artis Warthen. Linebackers Scott Bryant and Michael Dominguez had very good seasons a year ago, while defensive backs Jeremiah Weatherspoon and Ashlyn Parker are outstanding.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
Senior Chris Abed returns at place-kicker, while junior Chris Cook is back at punter. FIU lost an outstanding return specialist in Lionell Singleton. His replacement will likely be Jason Frierson or Jeremy Dickens.

ROSTER REPORT

--Starting center Xavier Shannon transferred to Miami (Fla.) to play for his father, Hurricanes head coach Randy Shannon.

--QB Wayne Younger, who started last season as a freshman, didn't go through contact drills in the spring due to suffering a broken collarbone week 11 of last season.

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