MIAMI (July 13, 2020) – FIU football had nine student-athletes named to Phil Steele’s Preseason Conference USA All-Conference Team, the national publication announced on Monday. The Panthers were led by First Team selection D’Antne Demery.
Demery, a 6-5, 320-pound senior offensive lineman from Brunswick, Georgia, played in all 13 games last season while starting 12 times at left tackle. Demery earned All-Conference USA Honorable Mention after aiding an offensive line that allowed just 14 sacks on the year, which tied for the fifth-lowest in the nation and led the league. Demery was named to Athlon’s Preseason All-Conference First Team last month.
Sterling Palmer, Jamal Gates and Tommy Heatherly comprised the second team, while JJ Holloman (Third Team), Shane McGough (Third Team), Chris Whittaker (Fourth Team), Dorian Hall (Fourth Team) and Richard Dames (Fourth Team) rounded out the third and fourth team selections respectively.
FIU enters its fourth season of the Butch Davis era in 2020, as the Panthers seek to continue their bowl streak and head to their fourth-straight this fall. The 2019 season was highlighted by a 30-24 victory over the Miami Hurricanes at Marlins Park. The Panthers lost one of its most talented classes ever, as two players were selected in the 2020 NFL Draft and four were signed to undrafted free agent contracts to lead the way for Conference USA.
FIU will look to replace James Morgan at quarterback, who was taken in the fourth round by the New York Jets. The wideout core of Shemar Thornton, Bryce Singleton and JJ Holloman will be a big key for the new Panther QB, as Thornton returns as the leading receiver with nearly 700 yards last year. On defense, the Panthers will look to replace Stantley Thomas-Oliver III in the secondary, who was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round. The twin duo of Richard Dames and Rishard Dames will seek to do that, as the pair combined for over 100 tackles, four interceptions and 11 pass breakups last season.
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