2022 IUFB Positional Preview: Linebackers

Written by: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

Much of the offseason discussion around Indiana’s defense has centered around how the Hoosiers can replace linebacker Micah McFadden. The question is fair, certainly, but with experienced guys returning and Indiana’s heavy investment at the position in the transfer portal this offseason, the position group still projects as one of the stronger rooms on the defense.

Today we will highlight each player that makes up that room and project their expected role for the 2022 season. Linebacker can be a broad term in Indiana’s defensive scheme, so we will focus primarily on those playing inside linebacker and bull.

Inside LB Potential Starters

Aaron Casey, Redshirt Senior, 6’2” 225 Pounds

Aaron Casey is the perfect example of the guy that has continued to get better and better each year he has been with the program. Now, heading into his fifth season, he has become a leader of the unit and one of the fastest players on the defense. His play on the field, coupled with his character off the field, earned him the opportunity to wear the #44 jersey in honor of George Taliaferro this season.

“Aaron Casey has probably improved as much as anybody since he's gotten here,” said Tom Allen this fall camp. “Our most athletic linebacker for sure without a question…he just keeps getting better and better. He's definitely playing his best football since he's been here right now and that's important for us.”

Cam Jones, Senior, 6’3” 228 Pounds

Cam Jones has been named a captain the last two seasons and a third consecutive is surely expected. The man has simply earned it: over the eleven games he played (and started) in, he finished third on the team in tackles last season and tied for second in solo tackles. He’s amassed over 150 tackles in the 42 games he has played in over his career. Replacing McFadden will be hard; Tom Allen thinks Jones is up for the job.

“That is a void that Cam Jones has responded to in a huge way, (including) the leadership piece in that linebacker room,” said Allen. “I'm a former linebacker and coach the position. I played the position. You're only as good as your linebackers and your defense. Cam is going to be a big part of it. He's an All-Big Ten linebacker that's going to be voted as a three-time captain this fall. That's really special. Doesn't happen very often.”

Bradley Jennings Jr, Redshirt Senior, 6’3” 228 Pounds

Battling directly with Aaron Casey for the second starting linebacker position will be the transfer from Miami (FL) Bradley Jennings Jr. He had a great four years with Miami, totaling 68 tackles, three sacks, one fumble recovery, and three quarterback hurries in 35 games with the Hurricanes.

“I'm really encouraged by Bradley's progress, understanding football,” said Allen. “His dad was a linebacker at a very high level, and he's been well trained. When you talk to him, he says 'I've been making these reads since I was in grade school with my dad.' I think he understands that part of it and I've liked how he's transitioned his body, gotten leaner and a step quicker from when he first got here. I really like where he's at and he's going to be a huge part of our defense.”

Jared Casey, Redshirt Junior, 6’3” 215 Pounds

Jared Casey will predominantly be backing up Cam Jones, but that does not mean he is without starter potential. Casey joined the program as a transfer from Kentucky this offseason and enrolled early to be able to participate in spring practices. Casey has totaled 23 games of action in the SEC, where he collected 30 tackles.

“Jared Casey’s doing a great job of growing and developing from where he was in the spring,” said defensive coordinator Chad Wilt.

Outside LB Potential Starters

Alfred Bryant, Redshirt Senior, 6’2” 250 Pounds

In his sixth and final season, Alfred Bryant returns to the Hoosiers hoping to reclaim the bull position he started all 12 games at last year. His experience makes him a vital asset to the team, now the hope is that he can translate that into a little more production this season.

“He's a coach on the field,” said Kasey Teegardin. “He knows the defense, he knows where he's supposed to be, how he's supposed to fit, and I think that's allowing him to play faster. I have not seen him move this fast. Just in general, I think he has a better feeling and understanding.”

Myles Jackson, Redshirt Sophomore, 6’2” 255 Pounds

There are two new faces to this bull position, and the first is the transfer from UCLA Myles Jackson. Where Bryant brings the speed, Jackson brings the physicality to the equation. Over his two years with UCLA (lost all but one game in his first season with an injury), Jackson totaled six tackles with one sack and one fumble recovery in eight appearances. He is young and still learning, but the coaching staff has liked what they have seen from him so far.

“His energy level is off the charts, that hasn't changed one bit,” added Teegardin. “He's got a great base knowledge of what we're trying to do, too. He can watch [Bryant] go and see how his post will look and react off of that, so that's been great. Both of those guys are doing a tremendous job and it's going to be a great season for them.”

Dasan McCullough, Freshman, 6’5” 230 Pounds

The new kid on the block is Indiana’s top recruit and top 75 prospect by 247Sports, Dasan McCullough. McCullough, the son of former Indiana RB coach Deland McCullough, was a 4-star recruit and although he is young – his athleticism stands out among the rest. With the athletic ability to play in coverage, paired with the speed and strength to rush the passer, his role is still being ironed out. But one thing is for certain, he will be a freshman that sees more than his allotted four games of action.

“He certainly is a talented young man,” said Chad Wilt. “He's a guy that we have high hopes for this year and in the future. He's really just shown, one, willingness to work, he will embrace whatever role we give him. He just wants to play, wants to contribute, wants to help this football team and he's going to do that. And we're working to find ways to get him on the field, be able to put him in the best situations to use his skills and his talents without overloading him.”

Depth Pieces

Matt Hohlt, Redshirt Freshman, 6’2” 222 Pounds

Though Matt Hohlt is just a second-year walk-on, he did find his way onto Indiana’s first official two-deep depth chart that was released before fall camp. Hohlt was twice a scout team player of the week last year and did see playing time in the games against Rutgers and Minnesota.

Kaiden Turner, Freshman, 6’2” 222 Pounds

Kaiden Turner was a priority recruit for Tom Allen and his staff last year, but he will spend his first year with the program backing up the more experienced guys ahead of him. He was able to join the program early and participate in spring practice. Turner was a 3-star recruit ranked the number 31 linebacker nationally by ESPN and was a top-20 prospect in the state of Arkansas by both ESPN and 247 Sports.

"With Kaiden, it seems like when we just play football and he doesn't have to think as much, he makes plays,” said Allen. “That's what you're looking for.”

Scout Teamers

Andrew Turvy, Redshirt Freshman, 6’2” 222 Pounds

Andrew Turvy joined the program as a walk-on last season. He won three scout team player of the week honors and ended the season by being named the team’s special teams scout team player of the year.

Xavier Trueblood, Redshirt Sophomore, 5’11” 215 Pounds

Xavier Trueblood enters his third season with the Hoosiers after joining the program as a walk-on in 2020. The Bloomington native played football, baseball, and basketball for Bloomington North. He has yet to see game action with Indiana.

Final Analysis

While the depth chart is lacking Micah McFadden’s name, what it does bring to the table is an experienced and hungry roster that is looking to change the narrative after a disappointing 2021 season. Tom Allen has hinted at playing more zone to allow his ball-hawking defense to constantly have eyes on the quarterback; expect these linebackers to use their experience and knowledge of the system to their advantage.