2021 IU Husky Preview: Marcelino Ball is Back to Impact the Secondary

Written by Evan Orris

Indiana Football is back in just 12 days when they take on the Iowa Hawkeyes. IU earned one of their highest pre-season rankings ever (#17) while the Hawkeyes are No. 18. In anticipation of the season opener, Hoosier Huddle is previewing each unit for the upcoming 2021 season. Today, we will be going over the “Husky” group.

The Presumed Starter- Marcelino McCrary-Ball

Ball missed last season due to an ACL injury that he suffered in fall camp before the season. He also missed a portion of 2017 with a season-ending injury. However, he is back and fully healthy for his super senior season and will return to his usual position.

The 22-year-old offers the Hoosiers plenty of leadership and experience. Ball has started 38 games at the “Husky” position. In his last full season in 2019, he totaled 47 tackles, two sacks, three tackles for losses, six quarterback hurries, and two pass breakups. He was a menace all over the field and thrived both in coverage and against the run. He ranked sixth in the Big Ten amongst secondary players with a PFF grade of 76.6.

This will be Ball’s last season at IU after five years. He has seen the team constantly improved and wants to contribute to their success this season. After missing out on the excitement of last year, Ball wants to return to the party while making sure the program continues to move forward.

“In 2019 we took that leap. We fell short in 2019 and 2020, but we still took that leap like you have all seen. It was an obvious leap. My perspective is different.” Ball said in August.

You always want to be around winners. I was always a follower. I always wanted to follow someone who was going to lead me to success. Now, I'm that guy and people are looking to me in some way, shape or form to be the leader. All those years following guys that are successful, now it's time for me to take on that torch. Going into this year I feel like I can be an asset as far as leading us to success and continuing to win.”

Ball has received many awards such as Honorable-mention All-Big Ten in 2018, and ESPN.com and BTN.com Big Ten All-Freshman in 2016. He will look to add more personal and team silverware this season.

The Back-ups- Bryant Fitzgerald, Maurice Freeman

Fitzgerald did a solid job filling in for Ball last season. He ended the year with 17 tackles, one tackle for loss, and two pass breakups. Unfortunately, the return of Ball will dimmish Fitzgerald’s minutes at least at the “Husky” position.

Before last season, the redshirt senior was playing safety, which may be a better fit for him. As a freshman, Fitzgerald led the team with three interceptions—which was tied for eighth in the Big Ten and first amongst freshmen in the conference. He earned the Corby Davis Memorial Award for the team’s most outstanding defensive back.

The Swiss-Army knife can be used in numerous amount of ways. He can spell out Ball at “Husky,” he can play safety if needed, and he can even take snaps at nickel corner. Fitzgerald will find the field in some sort of way this season.

As depth, the unit will also have Maurice Freeman the true freshman. Freeman was the No. 33 ranked prospect in Virginia by 247sports. Even though he was originally listed as a safety coming out of college—he was ranked as the No. 42 safety in the country—Freeman has spent time getting acquainted with the position this spring.

“I really like playing man, so it’s really a man position. We play man a lot. I love coming off the edge. Coming down and setting the edge and splitting the red gaps and everything. So, that’s what I really like about it.” Freeman said about the position.

Freeman might not see any playing time this season, but he has two solid leaders to learn from at the position.