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Former 4-star running back Sampson James rejoins Indiana football program as walk-on

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Indiana running back Sampson James (24) runs the ball during the Gator Bowl game between Tennessee and Indiana at the TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fla., Jan. 2, 2020. (Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel-Imagn Content Services, LLC)

The Indiana football program is bringing back a familiar face to its 2023 roster. Former running back Sampson James is re-joining the program as a walk-on, a team spokesman confirmed to HoosierIllustrated.com. IndyStar’s Zach Osterman was the first to report the news.

James hasn’t played in two seasons after transferring to Purdue in 2021. He didn’t see any action in the 2021 season and then re-entered the transfer portal ahead of last season. He didn’t play last year.

James is a former four-star prospect in the class of 2019. James originally committed to Ohio State in 2018 before flipping his pledge to the Hoosiers.

As a freshman in 2019, Sampson James played in 13 games and had two starts. He totaled 81 carries for 275 yards and three touchdowns.

His best performance was against Purdue in the final game of the regular season. He had 118 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries.

In 2020 as a sophomore, James saw his role decline. He had just 32 carries for 96 yards and six games.

James, an Avon, Indiana native, was ranked as the No. 182 player in the 247Sports class of 2019 composite rankings. He was rated the No. 10 running back in the class.

He joins a crowded and talented Indiana football running back room that includes All-American Jaylin Lucas, Josh Henderson and Wake Forest transfer Christian Turner.

SEE ALSO: Importance of Indiana running backs can’t be understated: ‘I want to maximize that room’

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated on Twitter @Indiana_FRN and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. 

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Indiana football program set to host 2024 4-star cornerback

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Four-star cornerback Josh Philostin has scheduled his official visit to the Indiana football program. (Josh Philostin - @gocrazy_josh / Twitter)

A signifiant 2024 prospect has secured an official visit with the Indiana football program.

Cardinal Newman (Fla.) cornerback Josh Philostin will be on campus from June 23-25. Indiana’s strong Florida ties is looking to win out again with Philostin.

Philostin is rated as a four-star prospect and is ranked No. 405 in the country in the 247Sports composite rankings. He is also ranked as the No. 39 overall cornerback in the class.

Philostin plays both side of the ball as a cornerback and wide receiver. He had 12 tackles, six pass breakups and four interceptions last season. Offensively, he had 20 receptions for 307 yards and four touchdowns.

The 5-foot-11 speedster is also a tremendous track athlete. He participates in both the 200-meter and 100-meter dash.

247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins broke down Philostin’s skillset earlier this spring.

“A speedy cover corner that has impacted the game in all three phases on Friday nights scoring touchdowns as both a wide receiver and a return man … Owns a slender build, but does his best to make up for it with his wheels. Obviously, can chew up turf and quickly close gaps. Has some experience in bump-and-run coverage as he likes to shove wide receivers and then retreat back towards the sidelines. Picked off four passes as a junior and broke up six more. Could likely carve out a role on the perimeter on Saturdays, but his future might be in the slot. However, will eventually need to add significant mass in hopes of not getting overpowered in the box. Should be viewed as a developmental prospect with plenty of upside given the speed markers. Likely going to need some time before he’s ready to go on Saturdays. Viewed by most scouts as a defender long term, but makes plays on offense and could get looks there, as well.”

In addition to Indiana, Philostin holds offers from programs like Miami, Penn State, Wisconsin, West Virginia, UCF, Maryland, Louisville, Illinois, Duke and Arkansas among others.

Photo Credit: Josh Philostin – @gocrazy_josh / Twitter

SEE ALSO: Indiana football enters phase two of prep work as a critical summer approaches

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated on Twitter @Indiana_FRN and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. 

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Indiana football lands pledge from 2024 quarterback Timothy Carpenter

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2024 three-star quarterback Timothy Carpenter committed to the Indiana football program on Sunday. (Timothy Carpenter - @timcarpenterqb / Twitter)

The Indiana football program landed another 2024 commitment, this time from Ohio quarterback Timothy Carpenter, he announced on Sunday.

The Hoosiers were the first power five school to extend an offer to Carpenter just a little over a week ago. He committed to Indiana over other offers from Akron, UMass, Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Miami (Oh), Kent State, Marshall, Toledo, Yale and others.

Currently, Carpenter has a visit set to Indiana on June 4.

The 6-foot-4 quarterback from Trotwood-Madison High School is ranked No. 663 overall in the 2024 247Sports composite rankings. He is rated as the No. 43 overall quarterback.

247Sports national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu saw Carpenter last month at the Elite 11 Regional Camp and broke down his upside. 

“Carpenter is big with a lot of tools. But we also loved his demeanor. There is a calmness and polish to his approach and how he goes about things. When added into his physical upside, it is easy to see why he is sitting on a good handful of offers.”

Carperenter joins an Indiana football 2024 class that has commitments from three other players.

Photo Credit: Timothy Carpenter – @timcarpenterqb / Twitter

SEE ALSO: Storylines to follow for Indiana football following spring practice

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated on Twitter @Indiana_FRN and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. 

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Indiana football lands commitment from Oregon transfer Anthony Jones

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The Indiana football program has landed a commitment from Oregon transfer pass rusher Anthony Jones. (Anthony Jones – @anthonyjones015 / Twitter)

Another transfer made his pledge to the Indiana football program on Monday, this time being Oregon pass rusher Anthony Jones.

Jones visited Indiana last week.

At 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, Jones was used as an outside linebacker at Oregon. He appeared in just two games while maintaining his redshirt. He played just eight snaps and had one tackle.

He will have four years of eligibility remaining.

Jones had 39 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks as a senior at Liberty (Nv) High School. He was a First-Team All-Southern Nevada as well as First-Team All-Mountain League selection.

Jones has earned offers from Indiana, Cal, Texas Tech, San Diego State and BYU since he entered the transfer portal.

He is a former three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. Jones was ranked as the No. 40 athlete in the 247Sports composite rankings and the No. 8 player in Nevada.

The Indiana football program has now landed transfer commitments from JoJo Johnson, Trey Laing, Robby Harrison and Noah Bolticoff in addition to Jones.

SEE ALSO: Storylines to follow for Indiana football following spring practice

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated on Twitter @Indiana_FRN and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. 

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