Five Indiana football players to watch in Saturday’s home game against Charlotte

Indiana football returns from Pasadena, California, following a massive victory over new conference foe UCLA, 42-13. 

Indiana’s offensive stampede of the Bruins showcased Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke exploding for four passing touchdowns, while the running back room found the end zone twice. 

With momentum riding, Indiana is expected to make a big splash in their final non-conference match of the season, hosting Charlotte, Saturday afternoon.

Here are five players to focus on as Indiana searches for their fourth win of the season:

Ty Son Lawton: RB

Ty Son Lawton has quickly become a household name within Indiana’s program. The senior transfer has found the endzone three times this season, all of which in home games.

Going into the season, it was questionable who in the running back room would pick up a large chunk of the carries. Coach Cignetti recruited well in bringing in running backs, closing in on a handful of players with strong histories of collegiate success.

Ultimately it’s been Lawton and Justice Ellison coming out on top as the two best performers at the position thus far.

With Lawton being one of the top running back options on the team, averaging nearly 11 carries per game, he is expected to continue to shine at home on Saturday.

Lawton is a huge threat to Charlotte’s defense anytime Indiana’s offense is in the red zone.

Miles Cross: WR

The Ohio connection between Rourke and Miles Cross was flaring at UCLA, as Rourke connected with Cross six times for 90 yards and a touchdown.

Cross spoke with the media on Tuesday about his tight bond with Rourke.

“I always knew he was a good leader. You make a good play, you make a bad play, it’s the same for him, he’s going to uplift you and he demands the best from you. He’s just a good leader, smart player to be around.”

Cross, the senior transfer, has been very flashy on the field, making several impressive highlight-worthy catches.

With Rourke feeling comfortable getting the ball to Cross, Cross is expected to continue to thrive in his new role at Indiana.

Omar Cooper Jr.: WR

Following a quiet performance in Indiana’s season opener against FIU, Omar Cooper Jr. has emerged in Donoven McCulley’s absence.

Cooper Jr. has totaled 189 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the last two games, playing a pivotal role in Indiana’s strong offense. 

During fall camp, Cooper Jr. mentioned how Cignetti’s tough run practices better prepared himself for game days.

“I actually like how it’s fast paced and we able to get through it and go from one station to another so that’s one of the biggest things I like.” 

With Cross, Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt performing the way they are, McCulley’s full return to the game plan would complete an already incredibly loaded offense.

Amare Ferrell: DB

Amare Ferrell was one of the few players from Tom Allen’s 2023 Indiana team to stay in Bloomington for the Curt Cignetti era.

Ferrell, who played in all 12 games as a freshman last season, was one of just seven true freshmen to debut for Indiana last year. 

Fast forward to his sophomore season, Ferrell has been a crucial player for Indiana’s defense. Ferrell dominated at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, sacking and then later intercepting UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers. 

Ferrell spoke on his reasoning for choosing to stay at Indiana, rather than transferring when coaching changes were made.

“I feel like it just wasn’t my time to leave and everything happens for a reason. With coach Cignetti coming in, I knew he had a winning program and I knew he was a great coach.”

Ferrell’s interception, his second of the season, has been a small example of the impact he brings on the defensive side for Indiana. The defensive back already has nine tackles on the season, six of which came against UCLA. 

Jailin Walker: LB

Jailin Walker, one of the many transfers from James Madison University, has brought a huge veteran presence to Indiana’s defense.

The senior linebacker has gathered 18 total tackles through the first three weeks of the season. A small sample size for Walker, who dominated at JMU in his sophomore and junior years, totaling 120 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, three interceptions and two touchdowns.

Walker has played under coach Cignetti and defensive coordinator Bryant Haines since his freshman season in 2021 and seems to be fitting into Indiana’s game plan perfectly.

Walker credits a lot of his success on the field towards his relationships off the field. 

“Off the field we was roommates (Walker and Aiden Fisher), our bond is special. We can just rely on each other, we can communicate and we know the standard, so if I’m down he can always hold me up and I can hold him up. That’s my brother.”

Indiana’s final non-conference game of the season is set to kickoff at noon on Saturday.

SEE ALSO: ‘I don’t think that’s the best’: Kurtis Rourke has looked every part of a top tier quarterback for IU football — and he may not be done just yet

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