Countdown to Kickoff: 24 Days (Mike Majette)

Written by: Alex Compton (@alexncompton)

#24

There are now 24 days remaining until the Indiana Hoosiers kick-off the 2016 season in Miami against the Florida International Golden Panthers. Join us each day for each part of our 100-day countdown to the opener! Next up, Mike Majette!

Mike Majette

-Height: 5’11”
-Weight: 207 pounds
-Hometown: Woodbridge, Virginia
-Position: Running Back

Mike Majette came to IU as an athlete, but it was clear to the coaching staff that he could become a really potent threat out of the backfield. He played all over the field in high school, and this versatility makes him a little bit different than most traditional running backs. He didn’t burst onto scene until late in his true freshman season, but he now appears ready to shoulder a larger workload in year two. 

As a freshman last year, Majette rushed for 181 yards on 37 carries (4.9 YPC), recorded five receptions for 44 yards and one touchdown, and returned three kicks for 63 yards in 12 games. He broke out against Rutgers, with 11 carries for 83 yards to go along with three grabs for 33 yards and a score. He demonstrated why he can cause so many problems for a defense, and was given some touches in IU’s remaining games a result. He is incredibly quick in his lateral movements, and this allows him to hit holes that other guys may not be able to. Additionally, his days as a receiver in high school have allowed him to develop soft hands and the knack for finding soft spots in coverages.

As great as Tevin Coleman, Jordan Howard and Devine Redding were/are, Majette will likely become the best receiving back out of that illustrious group. A steady dose of screens and swing passes will likely be in the playbook for Majette this season, and all signs point to that becoming a great way to pick up easy yardage in 2016. 

Redding is the clear #1 back with Camion Patrick on the mend, but Majette should start the season as his backup. In year two, he projects as a solid change of pace back that could be a matchup nightmare in third and short situations. IU will be spreading the field most of time, so Majette’s versatility should prove to be very valuable. His pass protection and inside running need work, but these are things that young running backs pick up on as they get more snaps. Majette is a good one, and fans will likely see that this year with some more breakout performances. 

Share any memories or expectations you have of Mike Majette as a player in the comments section (or on the message boards) and be sure to come back to Hoosier Huddle each day during our countdown!