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Five Florida International Players Who Could Cause Problems

By Chris Bengel

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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Oct 24, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; FIU Golden Panthers running back Alex Gardner (1) runs with the ball in the first half of a game against the Old Dominion Monarchs at FIU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; FIU Golden Panthers running back Alex Gardner (1) runs with the ball in the first half of a game against the Old Dominion Monarchs at FIU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

Dual-threat running backs don’t exactly go on trees nowadays.

However, Alex Gardner fits the mold for the Golden Panthers.

While Gardner didn’t have a great game against Indiana, the junior tailback is coming off a strong 2015 campaign. He rushed for 760 yards and nine touchdowns while also hauling in 60 catches for 442 yards and a touchdown.

He ended up leading the team in rushing and finished second on the team in receiving.

Gardner is very elusive when he is able to get into the open field. He is also a very physical back despite only being 5’10.

The junior running back is able to pinball off of defenders quite frequently.

Gardner is used very often in the screen game due to his quickness. He could be compared to a Brian Westbrook type of player based on his versatile skillset.

Despite totaling just 27 yards on the ground against the Hoosiers, Gardner is as explosive as tailbacks come and the Terps will need to key on him throughout Friday’s game.

Next: A record setter under center

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