Written by Evan Orris (@Evan_Orris)

Freshman Maurice Freeman enrolled at Indiana fresh off of winning a Virginia State championship in his senior season of high school. He played most of the season as a safety, and in Bloomington he plans to utilize his versatility at the husky position.

“I see myself playing safety, like a hybrid safety. Coming off the edge, or like playing man-to-man. We call it husky that’s what I’m playing.”

The three-star prospect was ranked the No. 42 safety in the country, and the No. 13 prospect in the state of Virginia. As a junior, Freeman recorded 55 tackles, five sacks, 14 for loss, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, one interception, and four pass breakups while making the all-region team.

He was recruited dozens of teams by the likes of Ole Miss, Pittsburgh, and Georgia Tech before committing to Indiana. He thinks the husky position is where he belongs and is the best fit for his skill set.

“I really like playing man, so it’s really a man position. We play man a lot. I love coming off the edge. Coming down and setting the edge and splitting the red gaps and everything. So, that’s what I really like about it.

Freeman has recognized some similarities between the defense that he ran in high school verse the defense that head Coach Tom Allen likes to run. The similarities will help Freeman to grow more comfortable out on the field and could lead to him pushing coaches for playing time.

“Everything is basically the same as we ran in high school. But here is more man-to-man, but I feel like if I just keep getting better with my craft then I will get on that field early.”

The husky position is currently filled by super-senior Marcelino McCrary-Ball. Freeman has some obstacles in front of him to receive playing time, but Ball is a great mentor to have in the meantime while Freeman learns his new position.

The Huddle

Freshman Maurice Freeman Learning the Ropes of the Husky Position

Hoosier Huddle