2024 Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 98 Days (William Depaepe)

Written by: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

#98

The Hoosier Huddle countdown to kickoff is underway! For the 100 days leading up to kickoff, we at Hoosier Huddle will feature every player from the 2024 roster in anticipation of Indiana’s first game of the season against Florida International University. Today, we will highlight a true freshman on this year’s squad, William Depaepe.

William Depaepe (Freshman)

Twitter: @williamdepaepe7

Hometown: Moline, IL

Height: 6’6”

Weight:  230 Pounds

Position: Defensive Line

Curt Cignetti got right to work when he took over the Hoosiers program at the end of last year and one of his moves was reaching out and eventually securing the commitment of William Depaepe. Depaepe was a 3-star prospect ranked the 78th best edge rusher in the class of 2024, per 247 Sports. Originally a Georgia Tech commit, Depaepe flipped his commitment after Cignetti was hired and he was brought on campus for a visit. He became the 15th member of Cignetti’s recruiting class at the time.

At a lean 225-pounds when he committed, Depaepe knows that his first job is to start adding muscle to compete at the Big Ten level. That was part of why he chose Indiana, he knows he’ll have to lean on the guidance of defensive line coach Buddha Williams and trusts in his ability to develop him.

“Coach Williams is a great dude, he’s been telling me he’s gonna pack on the pounds and get me bigger so I can be an instant impact off the edge,” said Depaepe to Hoosier Huddle after he committed. “This was the best fit for me because he has a great vision and a four-man front really helps me when playing edge.”

As a high school senior, he made 39 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, four sacks, and forced two fumbles. In his first year with the Hoosiers, he’ll serve as a depth piece and continue to improve his technique and add weight to his 6’6” frame.