If Florida International is going to post one of its biggest victories in school history by defeating Maryland, it?s going to need a huge performance from senior Lionell Singleton.
“He’s an athletic young man. He’s explosive and can do some things with the football in his hands,” FIU coach Mario Cristobal said. “We expect him to do things to help us win ballgames.”
As a corner, Singleton gets few chances with the ball in his hands each game, as quarterback rarely throw in his direction. But as the Golden Panthers’ return man, he can make a bigger impact.
“Since returning is the only time I get the ball, I really take that serious to put some points on the board,” said Singleton, a high school running back.
The 5-foot-10, 174-pound Singleton averaged 10.0 yards per punt return and 28.7 yards per kick return with a 98-yard touchdown last season. He was third on the team in all-purpose yards despite never playing offense.
He had five interceptions – including one against Maryland in the Terps’ 14-10 win at Byrd Stadium last season.
“I got the interception in the end zone,” Singleton said. “I was thinking I’d try to return it back for a touchdown.”
This time, Singleton and his teammates are excited to play the Terps in the Orange Bowl.
After being trounced, 59-0, by Penn State in the season opener, Florida International is focused on the present. And they’re assuming Maryland – with a game next week against No. 3 West Virginia – is doing the same.
“I don’t know if anyone looks past anybody anymore,” Cristobal said. “I think people are kind of alert and aware that on any given Saturday it can happen. I think every coach I’ve been around has made it a point to take care of the business at hand.”
The Golden Panthers went 0-12 in 2006, but the first four losses were by five points or less.
They enter Saturday on a 13-game losing streak, but Singleton and his teammates are hoping they can catch Maryland peeking ahead to the Mountaineers.
“There’s no doubt they’re probably doing that, with what happened last week,” Singleton said. “That’s where we come in and try to shock them.”
