Indiana football facing ‘dangerous’ quarterback in Keyone Jenkins as FIU provides early test for reshaped defensive line

The Indiana football program opens the 2024 season at home against Florida International in a matchup that could provide a quick and early test for the Hoosiers’ defense. That will come the way of sophomore quarterback Keyone Jenkins and the flurry of returning talent around him at key skill positions.

Last year Jenkins was the first true freshman to start for the Panthers since 2014 and he had his ups and downs like most freshmen, but showed a lot of talent that he looks to bring into the 2024 opener. Jenkins threw for 2,414 yards — the sixth most by a freshman in the entire FBS. He had 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions but also totaled six touchdowns on the ground as well.

While Jenkins isn’t a lethal runner, he uses his dual threat ability to escape out of the pocket and make plays. He was sacked 37 times last season.

His ability to use his feet is on the minds of Curt Cignetti and Bryant Haines for Indiana football.

“Extremely dangerous at quarterback, dual threat kind of guy,” Cignetti said on Monday. “Throws the ball well, extends plays, can run and we’ll have to do a great job on them.”

Jenkins was sacked at least three times in nine games in 2023. He was sacked six times twice.

He added nearly 15 pounds this offseason, however, that will make the Indiana defense work to slow him down.

“He’s an extremely capable passer, but when he gets out of the pocket he does a really nice job of extending plays,” Cignetti added. “And even though he’s a really good athlete that can tuck it and run and gain a lot of yards, he’s going to look to throw first and does a nice job of finding people when he extends plays.”

Indiana football entered fall camp with numerous question marks about its pass rush and defensive line unit. But the emergence and consistency of Mikail Kamara, Lanell Carr and Jacob Mangum-Farrar provide the Hoosiers will multiple effective disruptors at the position.

Indiana will also counter with CJ West and James Carpenter — both experienced and productive lineman throughout their careers. Cignetti knows that group needs to play well and step up in order to control the game on Saturday.

“We’ve got to win up front, our defensive line,” Cignetti said. “We’ve got to put pressure on him and keep him in the pocket and not give him much time to throw. We’ve got to get to him. And we need a game from our D line.”

Jenkins is on the 2024 preseason Conference USA Watch List — but he’s not the only talented offensive player.

Despite losing Kris Mitchell, their top wideout to Notre Dame, the rushing attack for the Panthers will be relied on heavily. It’s by committee, with Kejon Owens and Shomari Lawrence both back after rushing for over a combined 1,000 yards last year. Both averaged over 4.5 yards per carry.