Football holds annual preseason media day

FIU Head Coach Mario Cristobal and select student-athletes took part in the Panthers’ annual Fall Camp Media Day Aug. 14 at the Stadium Club inside Alfonso Field at FIU Stadium.

Joining the sixth-year FIU head coach were offensive representatives Rupert Bryan Jr., Caylin Hauptmann, Jake Medlock, Kedrick Rhodes and Wayne Times; defensive players Jose Cheeseborogh, Johnathan Cyprien, Winston Fraser, Justin Halley and Tourek Williams; and placekicker Jack Griffin.

Coach Cristobal and his players held court with members of the media representing the Miami Herald, Associated Press, Palm Beach Post, USA Today, WTVJ NBC 6, WSCV Telemundo 51, WFOR CBS 4, Univision 23, XOS Digital and the FIU Beacon.

After breaking the FIU single-season rushing record last season with 1,149 yards, running back Kedrick Rhodes talked about the Panthers’ running game in 2012.

Left tackle Caylin Hauptmann is part of a senior-laden offensive line this season, and he spoke of the line’s role in helping the FIU offense become a productive unit.

Cornerback Jose Cheeseborogh addressed how the Panthers handle preseason accolades.

Quarterback Jake Medlock enters the season as FIU’s starting quarterback. Hear what he has to say about leading the Panther offense this season.

Thorpe Award candidate safety Johnathan Cyprien talked about the Panthers’ secondary and the preseason expectations of the team.

Once again kicker Jack Griffin is nominated for the Lou Groza Award. Griffin discussed how he prepared in the off-season for what he expects to be another solid campaign.

Senior defenders, linebacker Winston Fraser and defensive end Tourek Williams, each talked about their position group and off-season preparations.

Despite the loss of star receiver T.Y. Hilton to the NFL, senior receiver Wayne Times is confident about the quality and depth of the Panthers receiving corps.