By Pete Pelegrin

The last time FIU's leading rusher had a season-ending injury was in 2003 when Rashod Smith missed the final five games of that season with a broken foot. The following year Smith came back stronger and rushed for a then-program record 1,133 yards.

FIU hopes it's déjà vu all over again in 2015.

Last season Alex Gardner tied Anthon Samuel for the team lead in rushing with 582 yards. Gardner played in eight games before breaking his collarbone against Marshall and missing the last four games of the season.

In spring practice earlier this year Gardner rejoined the Panthers and said he felt about 85 percent healthy, but now in fall camp he feels 100 percent ready to go. To help him through the rigors of a college football season, Gardner added 11 pounds in the offseason to his current playing weight of 190 pounds.

"[FIU strength] coach Chad [Smith] got me to lifting harder and eating right in the offseason," Gardner said. "I'm just trying to get a little heavier because last year took a toll on my body and I think that's why I ended up getting injured. I'm trying to get stronger and get more muscle."

Thus far in camp the added bulk has helped Gardner. Not only does he look physically bigger, but he seems to have a quicker burst and cut when he runs.

"[Gardner] looks very good," FIU coach Ron Turner said. "Like he did last year except a little bigger and more confident in the offense, understanding it better. He's done a good job of pressing the hole and making his cuts."

Gardner backed up his coach's words in team drills during Wednesday morning's practice. From the defense's 6, Gardner took a handoff from Alex McGough and made a quick dart to the right, taking the defense with him, then planted his right foot in the ground and cut back left for an easy touchdown run.

"Last year he was younger and he wanted to play fast and hard," FIU defensive tackle Imarjaye Albury said. "This year he's playing faster, harder and smarter. When you are going against him now you have to play your gap with discipline, keep your eyes in your gap, make sure you're not shedding guys too quick because he'll see at one point in your gap and then cut back in."

Gardner attributes the early success in camp to knowing the offense like if he had played in the system since he was 4 when he first took up football.

"I'm not stressing about the plays anymore," Gardner said. "I know them fully. I understand what I'm doing, what the offensive linemen are doing and I'm a lot more comfortable. I can be myself and make moves that I wasn't able to before. I didn't have the knowledge that I have now."

Gardner didn't have the knowledge of what Smith accomplished after his season-ending injury, but he appreciates what the former Panther running back did and takes solace that he can come back from a season-ending injury and be productive.  

Smith, who follows FIU football closely since graduating in 2004, likes what he's seen from Gardner. Ironically, Smith (5-9, 189 pounds) and Gardner (5-9, 190) have similar builds so it comes as no surprise that Smith is eager to see him succeed.

"I wish all the backs the best of luck this year," said Smith, who is FIU's all-time leading rusher with 2,195 yards. "When I saw Gardner play last year I saw that he has the vision and great speed. He hits the holes really well. When I first saw his stature I thought that is me right away. When I watched him it was like watching a re-incarnation of me."

It will be déjà vu all over again if Gardner follows Smith's rushing path.