Thursday, April 11, 2002

Running back Tori Robinson returns to practice on limited basis
FIU quarterbacks show continued improvement as practices wind down

ith only two days left of FIU Football's Spring Practice, head coach Don Strock put his team through a 90-minute session in shorts and shells, and liked what he saw.

"Today was a very good day," he said. "I liked the hustle on the defensive side. The receivers knew what they were doing running their routes and the quarterbacks were sharper than they were Tuesday."

The Golden Panthers have been running spring drills using two signal callers, freshmen David Tabor (Kissimmee/Poinciana H.S.) and Joe Fleming (WPB/Palm Beach Lakes). While Tabor is No. 1 on the depth chart, he's no cinch to be starting the Golden Panthers first game next Aug. 29 against St. Peter's.

Strock went out and recruited much-heralded Sarasota quarterback Jamie Burke and also signed Merritt Island's Josh Padrick. While both are expected to immediately challenge for the starting role, Strock believes FIU can be successful with either Tabor or Fleming at the controls.

"We can certainly be competitive with either David or Joe as our quarterback," said Strock. "David is a fierce competitor and while Joe is learning a new system after playing the wing-T in high school, he's been picking up a little more each day and overall has done a good job."

unning back Tori Robinson (Miami/Southridge) was cleared to practice Thursday after missing the first two-and-a-half weeks with a heart irregularity. Robinson saw limited repetitions and Strock said he would see how the freshman felt after Friday's practice in full pads before deciding on his availability for Saturday's scrimmage.

he Golden Panthers will have their last practice of the spring tomorrow starting at 3:30 p.m. The inaugural Blue/Gold Spring Scrimmage is scheduled for FIU Community Stadium Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

-