Connect with us

FOOTBALL

Indiana secondary looking to replicate 2020 season despite recent struggles

Published

2 months ago

on

Sep 2, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Noah Pierre (21) celebrates his fumble recovery with teammates in the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. (Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)

The Indiana football program has gone through many changes on the defensive side of the ball over the last few years. In 2023, that group looks to replicate some of the 2019 and 2020 seasons, not the past two years.

Last season, Indiana ranked 14th in the Big Ten in passing defense. It gave up a league-high in passing yards (3,290), yards per attempt (8.0) and touchdowns (30). On the flip side, it ranked 12th in interceptions (7).

And now without some of the notable names in the secondary like Taiwan Mullen, Bryant Fitzgerald and Jaylin Williams among others, it’s time for some of the young talent to step in and step up.

Already some of the younger guys are emerging as players ready to make an impact this season.

“I believe we are,” Indiana head coach Tom Allen on development at the cornerback position. “We have two more weeks here, but Jamari Sharpe sticks out to me. He’s a guy that’s been here. We redshirted him. He’s a talented young man with a lot of length and speed. I’m excited about his development … James Monds is another guy that I’m excited about.”

One name that is returning for the Hoosiers is Noah Pierre. He has appeared in 43 games across his career and is now looking to build on his individual success over the past two seasons while taking on a larger leadership role.

“I’m trying to bring that leadership aspect, pushing the younger guys to the best of their abilities,” Pierre told reporters earlier this spring. “Making them believe in what we have going on. I want to push hope onto them and make them believe and understand what we could be.”

Despite being their first year in Bloomington, Indiana also added some experience through the transfer portal this offseason. That includes guys like Jamier Johnson (Texas) and Kobee Minor (Texas Tech) from power five programs and junior college additions with Jamison Kelly and Tyrik McDaniel among others.

What Tom Allen and Indiana were looking for was length and size.

“The new guys have all stepped in … all talented players, got length. We have a little different body types than we’ve had. We’ve got more of the 6-foot, plus guys and being able to take advantage of that is a good thing,” Allen said. “So excited about those guys and trying to figure out who — when creating certain situations — will set up.

“Guys are stepping up and making some critical plays on both sides and we’re able to teach off of that. We’ve got a lot of guys that have played a lot of ball these past couple years. I’m excited to see these guys step up and make plays.”

Not only has Indiana added to its defense through the addition of players, Matt Guerrieri joins the Hoosiers as their new co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach. His responsibilities will include calling the plays this season — something Tom Allen has struggled giving up over the last two years.

Through the first few scrimmages that Indiana has had in spring practice, Guerrieri is bringing a lot of the same intensity and understanding of the defense needed to be back near the top of the Big Ten.

And one thing is for certain. Indiana needs its secondary to make plays, and get back to creating ‘havoc’.

“We are still trying to figure things out as we create game type situations. We did a lot of emphasis on third downs today outside of the two minutes.” Allen explained. “We have had a big emphasis on our coverages. Both man and zone. We’ve got a lot of guys that have played a lot of ball these past couple years. I’m excited to see these guys step up and make plays.”

“Trying to get back that 2020 season and I’m trying to get us back to winning the games we are supposed to win and then upsetting some of the teams that the media and fans think we can’t beat,” Pierre added.

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

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FOOTBALL

Indiana football set to add field-level premium seats in Memorial Stadium

Published

3 hours ago

on

June 1, 2023

By

Indiana football is set to unveil field-level premium seating in Memorial Stadium this season for all home games. (Indiana Athletics)

The Indiana football program has unveiled a new experience at Memorial Stadium. Set to roll out this season, Indiana will provide premium suites for game-day experiences.

Memorial Stadium will have  eight field level suites on the stadium’s south end behind the end zone.

Each suite costs $20,000/season, which includes 16 tickets to each of IU’s home games. Pricing for a single-game suite is TBD.

Below is the full release from the Indiana football program.

Bloomington, Ind. – Hoosier Football fans now have the chance to enjoy a premium suite experience at Memorial Stadium from field level.

Beginning this fall, Memorial Stadium will feature eight field level suites on the stadium’s south end located immediately behind the end zone. Each suite includes spacious, sectional furniture seating; a mounted large screen television on the suite’s awning; a drink rail with seating facing the field; high barstool seats to provide additional seating space. Other special amenities include an all-you-can-eat hospitality buffet; domestic, craft beer, and wine options; a personal suite attendant; and a unique player vantage point from field level.

Each suite costs $20,000/season, which includes 16 tickets to each of IU’s home games beginning with the Sept. 2 opener against Ohio State. Pricing for a single-game suite is TBD.

The new premium suite experience is the result of a new partnership between IU Athletics and REVELXP. REVELXP partners with sports and entertainment brands across the U.S. to provide fans with an elevated experience on game days. To date, REVELXP has partnerships with nearly 100 collegiate and professional properties nationwide. Among its active partnerships are Auburn, Arkansas, Baylor, Florida, Florida State, Kentucky, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Texas, Texas A&M, USC, and the College Football Playoff.

“We continue to look for ways to enhance and expand the game-day experience alternatives for Hoosier football fans, so we are excited to offer this new premium seating opportunity beginning this fall,” said IU Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Dolson. “REVELXP has a proven track record of providing the highest level of service and experiences at a wide array of events, college football included.  I expect this to be a very enticing opportunity for our fanbase for not only this year, but for years to come.”

SEE ALSO: Indiana football opens 2023 season against Ohio State with primetime afternoon CBS time slot

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. 

Continue Reading

FOOTBALL

Indiana football opens 2023 season against Ohio State with primetime afternoon CBS time slot

Published

1 day ago

on

May 31, 2023

By

The Indiana football program will open the 2023 season at home against Ohio State at 3:30 pm on CBS on Sept. 2. (Indiana Athletics)

The Big Ten has announced game times and tv designations for the first three weekends of the 2023 season. That includes a prime afternoon time slot for the Indiana football program in its season opener.

On Saturday Sept. 2, Indiana will open the season at home against Ohio State at 3:30 pm on CBS.

This is the first year of the Big Ten’s new television contract which includes NBC and CBS tv designations.

Below is the full release from the Big Ten.

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference has announced times and television networks on Wednesday (May 31) for the first three weekends of the 2023 season along with the time for the Indiana football homecoming game.

The conference office announced the following for the Hoosiers:

Saturday, Sept. 2 | Ohio State at Indiana | 3:30 p.m. | CBS
Friday, Sept. 8 | Indiana State at Indiana | 7pm or 8 p.m. | Big Ten Network
Saturday, Sept. 16 | Louisville vs. Indiana | Noon | Big Ten Network
Saturday, Oct. 21 | Rutgers at Indiana | Noon

The 2023 season marks the first season with new broadcast partners to distribute the conference’s television broadcasts. Games will be distributed to fans across broadcast, cable and direct-to-consumer platforms on CBS, FOX and NBC, along with the Big Ten Network and FS1. NBCUniversal’s direct-to-consumer platform, Peacock, will also carry Big Ten games for the first time.

All games televised on NBC will also be available for streaming on Peacock. Games exclusive to Peacock will only be available on that platform.

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. 

Continue Reading

FOOTBALL

Indiana Football: DeQuece Carter among highest rated returning WRs in Big Ten

Published

1 day ago

on

May 31, 2023

By

DeQuece Carter starts his Indiana football career as one of the top returning wide receivers in the Big Ten after transferring from Fordham. (DeQuece Carter / Fordham Athletics)

The Indiana football program landed one of the most productive wide receivers in the transfer portal this offseason. DeQuece Carter, transfer from Fordham, arrived in Bloomington this spring looking to make an immediate impact on the Indiana football program.

The 5-foot-11 Carter had 1,166 yards with 56 receptions and 13 touchdowns last year. He had five 100+ yard receiving games and averaged 20.8 yards per catch.

As a junior, Carter finished with 48 catches for 872 yards and 11 touchdowns. As a freshman, he was named a Freshman All-American after totaling 53 catches for 723 yards and five touchdowns.

Now, heading into the 2023 season, Carter is ranked among the highest wide receivers in the Big Ten.

According to Pro Football Focus, Carter is the fourth highest graded receiver who returns from last year. He has a rating of 80.8. The three wideouts in front of Carter include Dante Cephas of Penn State and then two Ohio State wide receivers at No. 1 and No. 2, Marvin Harrison and Emeka Egbuka respectively.

After a lack of explosive plays in 2022, the Hoosiers are looking for that with Carter this season.

“Super, super productive … that’s one of the things you go through. Let’s go find a guy who has been highly, highly productive maybe at a smaller level but he has a chip on his shoulder because he wants to prove he belongs with the big boys. And that’s what he brings,” IU head coach Tom Allen said after Carter’s signing. “… He knows how to get open and has tremendous ball skills to be able to make plays. He’s got that swagger, that confidence that when he steps on that field he’s going to make plays.”

Indiana looks to bounce back after a 4-8 season and Carter’s ability to make explosive plays is a reason for some offensive optimism.

Indiana football opens its 2023 season against Ohio State on Sept. 2 in Bloomington.

SEE ALSO: Storylines to follow for the Indiana football program 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. 

Continue Reading

Trending