Five Florida International Players Who Could Cause Problems

Sep 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Fiu Golden Panthers teammates take the field before the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at FIU Stadium. The Indiana Hoosiers defeat the FIU Golden Panthers 34 -13. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Fiu Golden Panthers teammates take the field before the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at FIU Stadium. The Indiana Hoosiers defeat the FIU Golden Panthers 34 -13. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; FIU Golden Panthers tight end Jonnu Smith (87) runs with the ball as UCF Knights defensive back Drico Johnson (21) defends during the second half at Bright House Networks Stadium. FIU Golden Panthers defeated the UCF Knights 15-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; FIU Golden Panthers tight end Jonnu Smith (87) runs with the ball as UCF Knights defensive back Drico Johnson (21) defends during the second half at Bright House Networks Stadium. FIU Golden Panthers defeated the UCF Knights 15-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

When you think of Florida International, you may not necessarily think marquee playmakers.

However, tight end Jonnu Smith is one of the more talented players at his position in the nation.

In fact, Smith was named to the Mackey Award Watch List, which is annually given to the top tight end in college football. Past winners have included Dallas Clark, Tyler Eifert, Heath Miller, and Kellen Winslow II.

Smith is an extremely explosive pass catcher that has the ability to run after the catch. He also possesses great hands.

The 6’3 tight end has had three very strong seasons for the Golden Panthers entering the 2016 campaign. In the season opener, Smith caught a team-high eight passes for 83 yards.

During his career at Florida International, Smith has averaged at least 9.9 yards-per-catch and totaled 14 touchdowns. His best year came in 2014 when he hauled in 61 passes for 710 yards and eight touchdowns.

Smith led the team in receiving two of his three seasons.

This is the type of athlete that needs to be accounted for on every single snap.

Next: Running back capable of more