2022 Indiana Football Positional Preview: Husky

Written by: Andrew Walker (@Andrew_JW17) 

Among the promise of Indiana University football’s defense this year, lies a very important group of hybrid DBs. The Husky position is a hybrid safety and linebacker. Perhaps a bigger, harder hitting safety, or a quicker more agile linebacker. Both apply, and Indiana has some serious talent at the position.

The Two-Deep

Indiana’s Huskies are loaded with talent. Redshirt senior Noah Pierre and sophomore Jordan Grier will take a majority of snaps at Husky this upcoming season. Pierre started six times and played in all 12 games at cornerback last season. He was able to accrue 36 tackles, 30 solo, two for loss, one INT, four PBUs and one QB hurry. He also blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown in the Idaho win.

Grier, on the other hand, has only played in six games at safety and on special teams making one tackle in those games. The top two guys on the depth chart certainly have their work cut out for them, but let’s take a look at some of the other guys that will have to step up this season.

Next Men Up

Bryant Fitzgerald – Redshirt Senior DB – 6’0, 206

Fitzgerald is a household name at husky for Indiana football fans. Last season, he 41 tackles, 32 solo, one sack, and 5.5 for loss. He played in all 12 games with starts in the final six contests at husky. Fitzgerald also returned one kickoff for 21 yards and added a 25-yard rush on a fake punt. It’s safe to say that we know he can play husky. This season, he’s returning to Indiana as a graduate and is listed on the depth chart as free safety. Can he play husky in a pinch? Sure, but the job of husky is left to Grier and Pierre for the 2022 season.

Bryson Bonds – Redshirt Sophomore DB – 6’1, 207

Bonds is a bit more of an unknown factor. I’d imagine Bonds and the younger Grier will end up finding themselves learning as much as they can from the two older veterans, but the young guys can still hold their own when they need to. Bonds redshirted the 2021 season only making one tackle in three games. As for the previous season, the then freshman played in eight games, collecting two tackles at safety for the Hoosiers. It’s safe to say that the husky position may be a bit of a shallow position at the depth chart, but far from it when you look at talent and experience.