Indiana football names five captains for 2023

Indiana football coach Tom Allen publicly named his five captains to lead the Hoosiers for the 2023 season on Wednesday.

Defensive back Noah Pierre, linebacker Aaron Casey, and defensive lineman Andre Carter were voted as captains on the defensive side of the ball. Wide receiver Cam Camper and offensive lineman Mike Katic were the only two captains selected from the offense.

“Really excited to have those five guys representing our program in that role. Very well deserved,” Allen said Wednesday about the newly named captains. “Guys that have come here and many have been here for many years, six years for a couple of those guys.”

Of the five captains, Andre Carter and Cam Camper are the only two who have not played for Indiana their entire career. Camper transferred to the program prior to the 2022 season and Carter will be playing his first and likely only season with the Hoosiers in 2023 after transferring from Western Michigan last offseason.

“Andre [Carter] coming in here in January and earning the respect of his teammates by his work ethic and his performance during our practices in spring ball and all and the way he’s worked,” Allen said about Carter’s selection.

Carter is one of the many new faces that Allen and his staff have brought in to Bloomington through the transfer portal, but he is the only first year guy to be named a captain. Carter has been a widely regarded name this offseason as an impact transfer but he has quickly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches, leading to his selection as a captain.

Camper, the other transfer to be selected as captain, played seven games in 2022 before a knee injury ended his season. Prior to the injury, Camper had been the Hoosiers’ most productive pass catcher with 46 catches for 569 yards on the season. Camper is expected to be back for week one when Indiana takes on Ohio State.

“Cam Camper to me is just the picture of resilience, and grit and toughness,” Allen said about Camper.

This will be Mike Katic’s sixth season at Indiana. He started all 12 games in 2022 and has started 25 out of the 27 games he has played in for Indiana.

“Michael Katic just continues to improve and get better as he’s been here and step into a role of leadership,” Allen said.

Katic has played mostly at guard during his time with the Hoosiers, but did play center at times in 2022 for Indiana.

Allen has spoken about both Aaron Casey and Noah Pierre a lot this offseason and the importance of their leadership in the locker room. Casey led the team in tackles (86) and tackles for loss (10.5) a season ago and is expected to have a key role on the Indiana defense.

Also: Aaron Casey ready for new role, increased leadership for Indiana football in 2023 

Pierre played in all 12 games last season, starting in seven. Pierre finished 2022 with 39 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and broke up 3 passes. He will likely be tasked with a larger role in 2023, being one of the only returners in the secondary.

Both Casey and Pierre represented Indiana at Big Ten media day in Indianapolis this summer.

Allen had plenty to say about the five captain selections and his excitement for them as leaders heading into the season.

“Really solid group of guys that have come here and done some great things,” Allen said about 2023 captains. “… [A] really awesome group of young men who I’m excited to lead our team.”

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