Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 29 Days (Bryant Fitzgerald)

Written by: Alex Compton (@alexncompton)

#29

Folks, we are now inside of a month from Indiana’s season opener against possible #1 Ohio State. There are just 29 days left until kickoff, and today’s profile features a look at impressive freshman Bryant Fitzgerald. 

Bryant Fitzgerald (Freshman)

-HEIGHT: 6'0”

-Weight: 205 lbs.

-Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

-Position: DB

On Tuesday, IU had their annual media day to kickoff fall camp as the team gets ready for the season. Coach Allen and his staff were asked a variety of different questions all day, but one guy that people kept talking about was Bryant Fitzgerald. When Allen was selected as IU’s permanent head coach, one of the first guys that he went after to keep on board was the Avon High School standout. Bryant never wavered on his pledge to Indiana, and it appears as though that will be a great decision for both sides.  

Just read his bio on IUHoosiers.com: "Indiana Football Coaches Association Top 50 and all-state as a senior ... 2016 Indiana Associated Press 6A all-state ... also 2015 IFCA all-state ... named the Indianapolis Star position award winner (defensive back) his senior year ... selected to the 2016 Indianapolis Star Super Team ... all-conference honoree also earned the team’s most valuable player, defensive MVP and hardest hitter accolades ... recorded 107 tackles, 11 for loss, one sack, three interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery ... rushed for 814 yards with nine TDs and made 10 receptions for 80 yards ... returned six kicks for 251 yards (41.8 average) and three punts for 48 yards ... in 2015, amassed 1,260 all-purpose yards as Avon won its first regional title since 2005 ... ranked the No. 4 prospect in Indiana and the No. 31 safety nationally by ESPN ... three-year football letter winner."

Fitzgerald is going to be one of Tom Allen’s favorite players before his career is over. His versatility and toughness are exactly what he looks for in his defensive backs, and there is a belief now that he will not redshirt this year and help back up Marcelino Ball as a true freshman instead. Fitzgerald was a monster in high school on both sides of the ball, and now will get a chance to develop into a great husky in Tom Allen’s system. He has a body that will translate well to the Big Ten already, so just getting him reps and comfortable in the system will make the difference for Fitzgerald in year one. Lots of interesting tidbits came out of media day, but there is some real buzz surrounding Bryant Fitzgerald now in regards to playing as a true freshman. He will be one of the best players to come out of the 2016 class when it’s all said and done, but key an eye on him to play this year as well. 

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!