FIU lands former Boise State starting LB Tyson Maeva

Former Boise State linebacker Tyson Maeva announced on Twitter late Tuesday evening that he will transfer to FIU.

In landing Maeva, the Panthers add their fourth transfer of the off-season and a player who started 25 games for the Broncos.

He joins former Arkansas Razorbacks Maleek Williams and Alexy Jean-Baptiste, along with ex-Iowa defensive back Josh Turner as transfers to FIU since the end of last season.

The San Diego native was a three-star prospect out of high school and signed with Boise State in June of 2015, choosing BSU over offers from Fresno State and San Diego State.

He saw immediate playing time as a freshman, recording 21 tackles in eight contests.

The 6-0, 230-pound Maeva would go on to start 25 of the next 26 games, finishing third on the team in tackles as a sophomore and second as a junior.

Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images

However, his career as a Bronco came to somewhat of a cloudy end, as he was dismissed from the team two days prior to the First Responder Bowl for smoking marijuana in his hotel room.

On the field, he appears to be a perfect fit for defensive coordinator Jeff Copp’s scheme.

Maeva runs for 4.7 40-yard-dash and is a downhill attacking-style linebacker, with play that’s similar to current middle linebacker Sage Lewis.

It’s expected that Maeva will redshirt in the upcoming season, and be available for a final year of eligibility in 2020, where he’ll potentially replace Lewis.

In three seasons, Maeva recorded 166 tackles, with 12 tackles for loss and five sacks in 33 career games.