OPA-LOCKA, Fla. – Two football players from Florida International University were injured Thursday afternoon in a drive-by shooting in Opa-locka, police said.

The shooting was reported in the 2400 block of Northwest 141st Street.

Opa-locka police Chief James Dobson said one of the victims, FIU running back Anthony Jones, was struck in the face and back. He said the other victim, identified as FIU offensive lineman Mershawn Miller, was shot in the arm.

"Both victims were standing outside of 2400 NW 141st St. and there was approximately 15 rounds fired from a handgun," Dobson said.

Dobson said the victims were visiting someone at the home and did not live there.

People at the home told Local 10 News reporter Glenna Milberg that the man who lives there, the victims and two other men were standing outside when the shooting occurred.

They said they did not believe the student-athletes were the intended targets.

The victims were airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center. They suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

"When you hear the news that we received today, your heart drops," FIU head football coach Butch Davis said. "We've been receiving encouraging reports on their conditions, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Anthony Jones and Mershawn Miller during this time."

Police are searching for a dark gray 2015 Nissan Sentra with no tag in which the shooter or shooters were believed to be riding.

A motive for the shooting is unclear.

Miller's father said he is just grateful that his son is alive.

"(There) could've been a lot of tears out here, you know," Emerson Miller said.

Jones and Mershawn Miller both graduated from Miami Central Senior High School.

Anyone with further information about the shooting is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.