Panthers’ football adds talented graduate transfer

Monday, July 30, 2018

By Brett Shweky/Sports Director

Former University of Texas linebacker Edwin Freeman has decided to play out his remaining collegiate eligibility with the FIU Panthers. The Texas graduate announced his decision to transfer through his personal Twitter account on July 27, 2018.

Freeman appeared in 21 games for the Longhorns and managed to record 63 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions during his tenure.

His best season came during his sophomore campaign where he started in the final five games of the 2016 season and finished with 49 total tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and also a fumble recovery.

The graduate transfer recently underwent successful surgery for a triceps injury in April 2018 and was forced to miss the majority of spring training for Texas.   

Despite the injuryWith a 6-foot-2, 245-pound frame, Freeman has the ideal size to excel at the position. The Arlington, TX native was a former high school track standout as well and has been clocked running a 4.5 time in the 40-yard dash.

He was listed as the 13th overall outside linebacker coming out of high school in the 2014 recruiting class according to 247sports.com. The Arlington Bowie High product even saw time at the safety position during high school playing days.  

FIU’s linebacking corps will benefit immediately from this transfer due to loss of starters Anthony Wint and Treyvon Williams. Along with losing their two leading tacklers for back-to-back seasons, the Panthers also lost linebackers Fred Russ and Jordan Guest to graduation.  

The added experience helps out a linebacker position that will be breaking in many new players.

Senior Fermin Silva will be expanding his role this year as he is transitioning to the WILL linebacker position. Juniors Tyree Johnson and Danzel King along with sophomore Brandon James are among players who will see their roles expand in the 2018 season.

Redshirt junior linebacker Sage Lewis is one of the only experienced returning players to the position and acknowledged the difficulties during the early part of spring training.

“Being I’m the only returning experienced linebacker, there’s been a lot of teaching involved,” said Lewis. “But for me right now, it’s all about patience. Working with everyone and trying to be that leader for this defense.”

The Panthers’ defense looks to improve from the previous season where they ranked 83rd in the nation in total defense and 71st in tackles for loss.