2021 IU Bull Position Preview: Four Guys Who All Can Create Havoc This Season

Written by Zach Greene (@Zgreene650)

Hoosier Huddle is previewing each unit for the upcoming 2021 season. The Hoosiers have one of their highest pre-season rankings ever (#17). That said, today, we are previewing one of the most underrated positions- The bull. (weak side/outside linebacker).

The unit is filled with experience which will guide them this upcoming season. Following a historically great defensive season, the defense will look to build and create havoc for opposing Offensives. The unit is led by Defensive Coordinator Charlton Warren who will enter his first season at that position. The bull position is coached by Kasey Teegardin, who oversees the position (weak side/outside linebacker). Expect to see four guys at the position this year, with all of them getting playing time. They will be required to rush the passer and drop into coverage in the program's 4-2-5 formation. That's said, let's dive into the bull position!

Jaren Handy #13

A junior transfer from SEC powerhouse Auburn Jaren Handy transferred to the Hoosiers program in the middle of May. Since coming to the program, coaches have been impressed with the young man's work ethic and believe that he can create a lot of havoc at the position. He can do everything that the bull position requires. 

"I'll be pass rushing and dropping back in coverage. "Moving around. It will be a great chance to showcase my talent and show what I can do."

A four-star in the 2019 class, Handy was a four-star and #100 on the 247 composites. He brings massive size and athleticism to the position standing at over 6'5 250 pounds. He initially committed to Auburn after receiving offers from Florida, Alabama, and Georgia.

Handy will come in handy this season, and he is happy to be in Bloomington. He says that he can bring a lot to the already very experienced defense.

"I think getting pressure from the D-line (could help)," "When you get pressure from the D-Line, you don't have to blitz your cornerbacks. You can leave them out there on the island. Me coming here, I feel like I bring that."

Alfred, Bryant #92

Bryant will look to build off a productive junior season as a redshirt senior out of Fresno, Texas. Last season, he appeared in five games, starting in three, making seven tackles and two pass breakups. His sophomore season, he played in all 13 games making 25 tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. In his Freshman season, he was also productive getting action in 10 games tallying ten tackles. He attended Manvel High School, where he was a three-star recruit and #154 player in Texas. https://247sports.com/Player/Alfred-Bryant-88021/. This season, expect to see Bryant switching out with other three guys at the bull position as they will try and battle for playing time.

Michael, Ziemba #87

Returning for his final season, this will be Ziemba's fifth season in the program. Out of high school, Ziemba was recruited to play at Tight End. His time spent at tight end has helped him develop into that the player he is today. From the get-go, Ziemba has been a productive player on the field. In his first season in Bloomington, he appeared in 10 games on special teams and at tackle. The following season he appeared in 12 games. His junior season is when he made a huge jump. He made an outstanding 20 solo tackles, 6.5 for a loss, and had two fumble recoveries. To go along with his play on the field, he earned All-Academic B10 Selection and earned his degree in Criminal Justice. Ziemba's experience, along with an already very deep bull position, and defensive unit, will make it hard for opposing offenses to create space.

D.K Bonhomme #42

A 6'3 235 pound outside linebacker Bonhomme came to Bloomington after attending Clear Water Academy in Florida. He grew up in Haiti before moving to Canada for his early years. He decided to learn in the states and get a scholarship playing D1 football. Last season, Bonhomme was a breakout star playing eight games, tallying 11 solo tackles, one sack, and one safety coming in the Hoosiers win over the Terps.

Conclusion

The Hoosiers defensive did a fantastic job last year and put up historic program numbers. This season, expect the unit to be even better. The bull position requires players to be versatile and adapt to many different formations. All four guys will be ready to play when called on. The bull position is one of the deepest rooms in the program and, if not the country. It will be exciting to see how the coaching will approach who gets playing time, but it could be a bull position by committee.