2024 Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 97 Days (Mario Landino)

Written By Nick Gonzales

Welcome to the 2024 Hoosier Huddle Countdown where we are counting down from 100 days to the start of the Hoosier’s football season! Every day, we take a look at players on the current roster and highlight their roles in the upcoming season. Today, we are looking at defensive lineman Mario Landino.

Name: Mario Landino

Hometown: Macungie, Pennsylvania (Emmaus)

Position: Defensive Line

Year: Freshman

Height/Weight: 6’4”/266 pounds

Social Media: X: (@landinomario72)

The true freshman, Landino, has the possibility to make a splash for the Hoosiers this season. With the loss of LeDarrius Cox, PJ Lucas, and Nick James, the Hoosiers need defensive linemen to step up.

The three-star prospect will have to compete with incoming JMU transfers Mikail Kamara and James Carpenter, plus other veteran Hoosiers if he wants to make an impact. Landino is a hard-working athlete and is passionate about playing defensive line. His effort is unmatched, and he will do whatever it takes to shed blocks and reach the ball carrier. Landino has the ability to shred Big Ten offenses if he gets a chance to see the field.

He originally committed to JMU but switched his commitment to Indiana to follow coach Cignetti and defensive tackles coach, Pat Kuntz.

“My biggest influence was Coach Pat Kuntz who also recruited me. I related to him a lot and knew right away the way that I am gonna be coached.” Mario Landino stated when asked who his biggest influence was when he was recruited.

Ranked as the number 58 recruit in Pennsylvania according to 247Sports and named first-team All-EPC South on both offense and defense as a junior and senior, Landino hopes to make an impact for the Hoosiers.

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff continues with Day 96 tomorrow!