Player Q&A: James Carpenter, Jailin Walker discuss transition to Indiana football

Indiana football began fall camp on Wednesday. On Thursday, two key transfer additions — James Carpenter and Jailin Walker — from James Madison spoke with the media. Both players were injured for the majority of the offseason but returned to practice on day one of camp.

Carpenter was a two-time All-Sun Belt Conference pick (2022-23) in 40 career games and 37 starts. He’s totaled 141 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. Carpenter had 53 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks and one forced fumble this season. One year of eligibility remaining.

Walker has played in 31 games with 20 starts in three years at JMU. He is a two-time honorable mention All-Sun Belt Conference player with 142 career tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and 13 pass breakups. He missed some time in 2023 with an injury but finished with 55 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and four pass breakups. Walker has one year of eligibility remaining.

Below are the video Q&As from both players in addition to some key quotes.

James Carpenter | R-Sr.+ | DL

On the transition from James Madison to Indiana…

JC: It was a pretty easy transition. I’ve been with coach Cignetti for the past five years going on to six. So, you know [I’m] very comfortable with him. We have a lot of guys with motors. So, you know for the most part, the transition was pretty easy. The system for us is basically the same so it was nothing too difficult, we’re just in an area that’s far away from home but other than that it’s been a good transition.

On how the team has been able to gel together so far…

JC: I think we’ve gelled very well, getting to know each other well, know each other better. All these guys can play different positions. Coach [Pat] Kuntz is helping us out, getting us right. I feel like we’re going to be a good room and play a lot of bodies. 

On his journey to Indiana in the Big Ten…

JC: if you were to tell me that I’d be standing here five or six years ago. I would’ve told you you’re crazy. It’s been an awesome journey so far. Something I’ll also remember and always take pride in being a walk-on. Having these jobs not finished, you got one season left, one more ride with me. So, I’m going to make the most of it and just enjoy the time I have with these guys. 

Jailin Walker | Sr. | LB

On what Coach Haines is expecting out of him and the other linebackers…

JW: “He relies on us heavily. Since he’s the defensive coordinator, he expects us to know as much as he knows. We just know the whole defense. We have to know what the defensive linemen are doing, the cornerbacks, safeties, the linebackers are the quarterbacks of the defense. We train in the meeting room, and he gets us right.”

On his enjoyment of playing in this defense and getting into the backfield…

JW: “It’s fun. The motto is Fast, Physical, Relentless. (Coach Bryant) Haines’ defense revolves around scheme, blitzes and he says freedom equals discipline. He’s just letting us fly around, make plays and enjoy it with the guys.” 

On developing consistency throughout fall camp…

JW: “I’ve been with Coach Cig (Cignetti) for four years. That was just the standard for me coming in my freshman year. Consistency it builds confidence, and it builds power so being consistent every day makes you a better team. So, every day we just try to lock in and be consistent.”

SEE ALSO: Curt Cignetti ‘had to wake some people up’ when it came to Indiana football. Why? He wants ‘to be the best’ — and he’s not changing his tone.

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