2023 Position Preview: Noah Pierre Anchors Husky Position
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Written by: Zachary Greene
The Husky position is IU’s hybrid defensive back/linebacker spot and provides the defense with a very versatile spot. Noah Pierre returns to IU to fill the gap at the position while youngster Amare Ferrell and Jordan Grier will try and provide depth at the position.
The Starter
Noah Pierre - Redshirt Senior
Pierre enters his sixth and final year for the Hoosiers as one of their team captains. He burst onto the scene during the 2021 season after injuries at the cornerback position. His best game came against Michigan State where he tallied nine tackles and his first career interception. Last season, Pierre appeared in all 12 games lining up at the corner and husky position. For his career, Pierre has played 43 games with IU making 82 tackles., 6.5 for a loss, eight pass breakups and an interception. This season, Pierre enters as the vet and team captain. He has a smaller frame but makes up for it with his speed and exclusiveness. Expect to see Pierre all over the field this season.
Depth Pieces
Amare Ferrell, Freshman-
Ferrell comes to IU as a heralded freshman. He has the frame and athleticism to be a major contributor on defense in the future. For now, Ferrell will likely be at the husky position (think Cam Jones’s career arc) and could play safety if called into duty. Ferrell may not be the first husky off the bench, but he will have a nice role as a true freshman for IU.
Jordan Grier, Junior
Grier enters his third year with the program after making 18 appearances the past three seasons. Grier has lined up at the safety position as well as the husky. The program has been developing Grier to be the programs future starting safety. He’s played well during fall camp making sure handed tackles but needs to develop his coverage skills. His one word for the 2023 season is Family.