Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 24 Days (Mike Majette)

By David Sugarman (@David_Sugarman2)

#24

We’re inching closer and closer to what is being touted as Indiana Football’s biggest opener in program history against Ohio State on August 31st. With College Gameday now officially coming to town it’s an opportunity for a lot of unknowns, or at least unknowns outside of the Big Ten, to give themselves an identity on the national stage. One of those unknowns is running back Mike Majette.

Mike Majette (Junior)

Height: 5’11’’

Weight: 210 pounds

Hometown: Woodbridge, Virginia

Position: Running back

The original plan was for Majette to play important role in Indiana’s offense backing up Camion Patrick. Then on July 24th it was announced Patrick was granted a medical hardship and his Indiana Football career would be over and completely changed the narrative. Majette has now been thrusted into the role of starter and has to follow up the efforts of 1,000 yard backs like Tevin Coleman, Jordan Howard and most recently, Devine Redding.

To be clear, Majette is no slouch and has seen the field a fair amount his first two seasons. In his freshman season in 2015 he amassed 37 carries for 181 yards and scored one touchdown on the receiving end. Majette showcased his versatility as a freshman when he had 116 all-purpose yards in a game against Rutgers. This past season his numbers were similar, but was on pace for more. His season came to an end after eight games due to an ankle injury. Before he went down Majette had 39 carries for 180 yards and hauled in seven passes for 87 yards.

Versatility is nothing new for the Virginia native. At Woodbridge Senior High School Majette played defensive back, quarterback and wide receiver. He had 2,106 all-purpose yard to go with 23 touchdowns his senior year while also lettering in track and field. There was no denying Majette’s talent as he was named the number 16 prospect in the state of Virginia and the number 30 ranked athlete in the nation by 247Sports.

The chatter coming out of camp about Richard Lagow is very positive, but there’s no doubt that it won’t matter how much Lagow has improved or that he may have the best wide receiver combo in the Big Ten between Nick Westbrook and Simmie Cobbs if there isn’t balance with the run game. Majette won’t be carrying the load alone. Mike DeBord will find ways to use Tyler Natee’s unique skill set. Also Cole Gest and Devonte Williams have each shown flashes of potential. At the end of the day though the bulk of the work load will fall on Majette who has only had one game in his career with more than 10 carries. It’ll be an adjustment for Majette, and by no means does he have to be an All-American, but he needs to prove Indiana’s offense isn’t one dimensional which will keep what should be a dynamic passing attack unpredictable.

Please share any comments or thoughts in the comments section or in our message board. The countdown continues each and every day so make sure to check Hoosier Huddle daily as we churn towards the 2017 season!