2023 Position Previews: A Blend of New and Old Faces Fill the Safety Room

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The back end of the Indiana defense will look a little different at the safety positions (we have a separate preview for husky and corner) as Devon Matthews, Bryant Fitzgerald (started the Purdue game at safety) and Jonathan Haynes all have moved on.

The Hoosiers hit the transfer portal hard for safety help and received good news when Josh Sanguinetti pulled his name out of the portal and returned to IU. IU brought in Tyrik McDaniel and Jamison Kelly as transfers and talented freshman Amare Ferrell could play his way into the rotation (also at husky).

Probable Starters

Josh Sanguinetti, Sr, Strong Safety

The Hoosiers caught a break when Sanguinetti decided to return to IU for his senior season. As a junior, Sanguinetti posted 22 tackles in 11 games with an interception, his second of his career. He brings some stability to a unit that will be breaking in a few newcomers in the rotation.

Louis Moore, Sr, Free Safety

Moore was a depth piece in 2022 but had some big moments including a sack fumble against Nebraska that resulted in a touchdown. He finished with six tackles in 12 games, but that production should skyrocket with more playing time. After a productive spring transitioning from the husky position, Moore has probably earned the right to start. The big question is whether Moore can handle the starting job and the adjustment from the husky position.

In the Rotation

Bryson Bonds, RS Junior, Strong Safety

Bonds played a reserve role last season and should continue that role in 2023. He made 14 tackles in 12 games but struggled against the pass defense. With four years in the program Bonds should know the defense and be a regular in the rotation. 

Phillip Dunnam, So, Free Safety

The young safety has taken major steps in his development from last year. Even though he won’t start the year as the starter, he will get plenty of time on the field. Dunnam played in all 12 games as a true freshman and made five tackles.

Tyrik McDaniel, RS Jr, Strong Safety

McDaniel comes from Independence Community College as the top-rated junior college transfer. He started his career at Old Dominion and played in 13 games as a true freshman. He has experience at the FBS level and was very productive at the JUCO level. 

Jameson Kelly, Sr, Free Safety

Kelly is another junior college transfer in the secondary. He made 10 starts at Jones College and finished with 51 tackles and two forced fumbles. With a nose for the ball and a penchant for creating havoc, Kelly will play his way into the rotation.