Countdown to 2018 IUFB Kickoff: 50 Days (Joshua Brown and Nick Linder)

Written By Rylie Kyhn

Countdown to Kickoff: #50 – Joshua Brown and Nick Linder

We are half way finished with the Countdown to Kickoff and today we look at defensive linemen Joshua Brown and senior center Nick Linder. We hope you have enjoyed the first half of our Countdown to Kickoff, the season will be here shortly.

Joshua Brown

Height: 6’0’’

Weight: 263 pounds

Hometown: Hillsborough, New Jersey

Year: Redshirt Junior

Position: Defensive Line

Two position groups that head strength coach David Ballou discussed heading into the offseason were the offensive and defensive lines and the importance of strengthening the two so the Hoosiers can dominate in the trenches. Today in the 100-day countdown we highlight two players, one from each of these position groups. The first player, defensive lineman, Joshua Brown.

Brown, a redshirt junior, is a walk-on that joined during the 2015 season. In high school he was a first team all-state and all-conference selection but didn’t see game action until the 2017 season where he made his collegiate debut in the victory over Georgia Southern. He saw action in three games last season and made one tackle for a loss against Charleston Southern. Brown will add depth to an already strong defensive line lead by senior Jacob Robinson.

Nick Linder

Height: 6’3’’

Weight: 303

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Year: Redshirt Senior

Position: Center

The second player that we highlight today is a graduate transfer from Miami, Nick Linder. Linder started at center for the Hurricanes in all 13 games as a sophomore and the first eight as a junior before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. During that time he dominated at Miami, the Hurricanes ranked 27th nationally in passing offense and fifth nationally in fewest tackles for loss allowed. They averaged 28.9 points per game in the regular season and shared third for the fewest season sacks allowed in the ACC.

Linder, who sat out to let his injuries heal in 2017, is a fantastic add to the Indiana roster for his final season and will allow the Hoosiers to gain some reliability on the line. Linder will most likely hold the starting center spot over 2017 starter, Hunter Littlejohn. He will bring toughness and experience to the Indiana offensive line as they look to step up their game from last season.

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff continues each and every day so be sure to check back often for the latest profile piece!