Two Indiana football standouts among highest-graded returning LBs in Big Ten

The strength of the Indiana football program over Tom Allen’s tenure has been its defense. After a bit of a fall off the last two years, it could be ascending back to what it once was. Heading into 2023, many notable players are standouts at their position across the conference.

Headlined by some key transfers, the Hoosiers rebuilt their defense through the portal with players who could make an immediate impact.

While defensive lineman Andre Carter is garnering all of the attention amongst defensive newcomers, linebacker Joshua Rudolph is another name looking to make a major splash in the Big Ten.

And according to Pro Football Focus, Rudolph is one of two Hoosiers who rank among the highest graded returners linebackers in the Big Ten. Rudolph is joined by Aaron Casey in the top five.

Rudolph is a transfer from Austin Peay where he totaled 73 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss in 11 games last season. He ranks third on the list with a rating of 83.9 overall.

He is a 6-foot and 225-pound linebacker who will be a terrific 1-2 punch alongside Casey.

Casey is fourth in the Big Ten with a rating of 79.7 overall. He returns to Indiana after recording 86 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 2022. He had double-digit tackles in four games and averaged eight tackles a game.

Casey’s 86 tackles last season were 12 more than any other player on the Indiana football roster.

Indiana lost nine of its top 10 leading tacklers from a season ago. Aaron Casey is the lone returner.

Both Casey and Rudolph look to play large roles in Indiana’s defense and potential success. With a new defensive play caller in Matt Guerrieri this season, look for both players’ versatility and athleticism to be shown all over the field.

SEE ALSO: Two Indiana football standouts named Phil Steele preseason All-Americans

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