Countdown to Kickoff: 8 Days (Tegray Scales)

Written by: Alex Compton (@alexncompton)

#8

There are now 8 days (Just 8!) 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, Tegray Scales!

Tegray Scales 

-Height: 6’0”
-Weight: 227 pounds
-Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
-Position: Linebacker

If Marcus Oliver is the Batman on Indiana’s defense, Tegray Scales is definitely the Robin. He is Oliver’s right-hand man, and that should only become more apparent this season. One of the most versatile linebackers in the entire conference, Scales appears ready to burst onto the national scene and begin to play at an All-Conference type level every game. 

Tegray Scales was one of Coach Wilson’s bigger “gets” on the recruiting trail since he arrived at IU, and he has certainly not disappointed. His workload has increased over his first two years, and he should be in line for more snaps as a true junior this season as well. Scales has a knack for flying to the ball and always appears to be in the middle of the action. This is exactly what defensive coordinator Tom Allen preaches, and his units have been very successful in the past utilizing the same exact philosophy. Scales is an athletic freak, and really can do it all. His improved strength and play recognition abilities have allowed him to improve his run stopping and pass rushing abilities. Additionally, his quickness allows him to perform at a high level when used as a quarterback spy or in coverage on a running back or tight end. He does it all, and with an increased workload this year should have no problem making quite a few headlines. 

Scales came on really strong at the end of last season after hitting a rut in the middle of the year. In order for the IU defense to make the jump that everyone around the program is expecting, guys like Scales will have to take their best stretches of play from last season and perform at those levels for longer stretches of this season. Scales has been dominant at times, and I think IUFB fans will really see just how special he is this year when he is allowed to run wild and make plays. 

Every great hero needs a sidekick, and that’s exactly what Tegray Scales is.

For now.
Share any memories or expectations you have of Tegray Scales 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!