25 Moments in 25 Seasons: Johnathan Cyprien Becomes FIU’s Highest Ever Draft Pick

MIAMI – As FIU football continues its 25 Moments in 25 Seasons series, we look back at one of the greatest defensive careers in program history. During the 2012 season, safety Johnathan Cyprien became FIU’s all-time leading tackler, finishing his career with 365 total tackles, a program record that still stands today. A RISING STAR A South Florida native and graduate of North Miami Beach Senior High School, Cyprien made an immediate impact upon arriving at FIU in 2009. As a freshman, he appeared in all 12 games and finished second on the team with 78 tackles, earning Honorable Mention All-Sun Belt Conference honors. Cyprien elevated his game during his sophomore campaign, leading the Panthers with 113 tackles, the seventh-highest single-season total in program history, while earning Second Team All-Sun Belt recognition. He also recorded five games with 10 or more tackles, establishing himself as one of the conference’s premier defensive players. Following FIU’s historic 2010 Sun Belt Conference championship and bowl-winning season, Cyprien once again anchored the Panthers’ defense as a junior. He totaled 81 tackles, eight pass breakups and earned Second Team All-Sun Belt honors for the second consecutive season. Entering his senior year with 272 career tackles
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