Countdown to IUFB: 48 Days (Omari Stringer)

Written by David Sugarman (@David_Sugarman2)

#48 

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown continues to move closer to the finish line. Now a little over halfway through there are just 48 days until opening night against Ohio State. Today we take a look at defensive lineman, Omari Stringer. 

Omari Stringer (Redshirt Sophomore) 

Height: 6’4’’
 
Weight: 225 pounds
 
Hometown: Crete, Illinois
 
Position: Defensive lineman
 
It’s been well documented that Indiana’s defense took a big step forward in 2016. Now with Tom Allen at helm the focus will likely shift even more to the defense. A team embraces the personality of their head coach and if that continues to be the case the Big Ten should remain on high alert. Omari Stringer is trying to get in Allen’s good graces and break into the rotation more regularly to be a part of this defenses meteoric rise.
 
After redshirting in 2015, Stringer saw some semi-regular action last season, but had little impact in the games he was in. In eight games playing defensive end and special teams Stringer made just two tackles and one for loss.
 
A highly rated prospect from Crete-Monee High School, Stringer was ranked the number 16 prospect in Illinois by Rivals and the number 77 safety nationally by ESPN. Given his size and high school skill set, now on the defensive line, that versatility could prove useful for breaking into the rotation.
 
The defense made huge strides last year and outside of Ralph Green III they didn’t lose much along the front line. They return starters Jacob Robinson, Nate Hoff, Greg Gooch and have players with more experience than Stringer waiting in the wings like Robert McCray, Nile Sykes and Ja’merez Bowen. Stringer will likely be seen mainly on special teams and used sparingly defensively, but you can never have enough depth and Stringer’s skill set could prove useful if the time ever comes where they need him for extended snaps.