2021 IU Linebackers Preview: Micah McFadden Looks to Lead Defense

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by Matt Smith

With the season approaching rapidly, the Hoosier’s roster is taking shape, including the Linebacker position. IU’s linebacker core is led by Micah McFadden who was put on the Butkus award watch list for the season. McFadden will look to lead this group for the season.

“I expect a lot from them personally, I’ve always said you’re only as good as your linebackers defensively and if you want to be good on defense, you have to have great linebackers and we have a great room,” head coach Tom Allen said in a press conference last week. “They’re not just great players, they’re great people and just great leaders.”

Expected Starters

Micah McFadden 6’2’’ 235 pounds. 

Last season McFadden was named to the All-American team and was named to the Butkus and Nagurski award watch list for this season. Last season McFadden led the team with six sacks which also led the Big Ten. He was second in the conference with 44 solo tackles as well as two interceptions. McFadden will look to lead the defense as one of the country's top linebackers.

Cam Jones 6’3’’ 224 pounds.

Allen said in the spring that Jones is a very important player for the Hoosier’s defense. Jones was an honorable mention All Big-Ten selection last season. The duo of Jones and McFadden was excellent last year with Jones totaling 35 tackles, four for loss, and three sacks. Jones will look to improve in coverage this season as he was picked on a bit last season.

Key Players

Thomas Allen 6’3’’ 237 pounds.

Allen went down early last season with a hip injury. Before he went down against Michigan State, Allen recorded seven tackles. It was a very scary injury for Allen and a big question going into this season is if he will be the same player that he was before. Allen was still a vocal leader during spring and summer workouts according to new defensive coordinator Charlton Warren.

Aaron Casey 6’2’’ 228 pounds

Casey appeared in all eight games last season and was a solid rotational player on the defense. This season his role will be very similar while also being another leader during the season. Casey totaled 15 tackles and one sack. He is another linebacker that needs to work on his pass coverage during fall camp.

James Miller 6’2’’ 231 pounds.

Miller appeared in all eight games last season including a start against Maryland. He had 24 total tackles and a fumble recovery. Miller will continue to receive playing time this season with the injury of Thomas Allen.

Depth Players

Cam Williams 6’3’’ 230 pounds.

The former number four prospect in Indiana and No.11 outside linebacker nationally appeared in four games last season. He will look to add some much needed depth to the position this season. 

Ty Wise 6’2’’ 222 pounds.

Wise only appeared in the bowl game last season. He will be a key player on the scout team this season and will be another key depth piece. It will be very hard for Wise to get some playing time this season.