Hoosier Huddle's Postseason Review: A Solid Linebacking Corps Destroyed by Injuries

Written by Zach Greene (@zachegreene)

Happy Holiday Hoosiers Fans. We are continuing to recap the 2022 season and the positions. The linebacker position is up next. It continued to show its strengths, but injuries played a role. The linebacker position is up in the air with many of the starters graduating and Indiana’s highest-rated recruit taking his talents elsewhere. This is a unit that had a good season, but by the end of the season was beaten up. Their leadership played a crucial role in Indiana's 4 wins. That said, let’s dive into the linebackers season recap.

Cam Jones - 6th Year Senior 54 Tackles. One Sack

Jones gave his heart and soul to the program. He played in almost every game before this season. When Jones was not on the field his impact was missed. He was the leader of the defense and brought the unit together. Last season he earned team captain honors. Jones played smart and seemed to be at the right stop at the right now. His impact and presence in the locker room will deeply be missed.

Bradley Jennings Jr.- Redshirt 6th Year Senior 68 Tackles Three Sacks

Jennings was ready when called upon. When Cam Jones got hurt Jennings stepped in quite well. He was explosive and fast often stepping up when the Hoosiers needed it most. Against Michigan Jennings had 13 tackles and played one of his best games. Jennings will be looking to play at the next level after having a solid season.

Kaiden Turner- Freshman, Appearances in Four Games

Turner was a top recruit in the 2022 class. He played against Ohio State and Penn State this past season. Some precious experience. Expect to hear Turner’s name a bunch this upcoming season.

Jared Casey - Kentucky Transfer. Appeared in 8 games. 18 Tackles.

Casey was on the field for six games this past season. He transferred after having some playing time while at Kentucky. He has another year of eligibility. Expect him to be one of the guys competing for the starting gig.

Aaron Casey - Redshirt Senior. A starter in 11 Games.

Casey was one of the good surprises to come out of this season. He was a ball hawk and come up with 88 tackles on the season. He was a leader on the field. Casey can still come back for another year, but has not officially announced anything.

Xavier Trueblood - Redshirt Sophomore. No Action

A Bloomington North Grad and 2020 walk-on Trueblood did not see any action this passed season.

Matt Hohlt - Redshirt Freshman. Appeared in 10 games.

Hohlt appeared in 10 games for the Hoosiers mostly on defense and special teams. He filled in when Jones got hurt. He finished with 19 total tackles. Hohlt also is a young player who got valuable experience against some of the top teams in the country. I expect Hohlt to be competing for a starting job.

Andrew Turvy - Redshirt Freshman. Appeared in 4 Games for the Hoosiers.

Turvy a walk-on during the 2021 season, he earned multiple scout team player of the week honors. This hard work paid off as he earned playing time this past season. Won the State championship with Carmel in 2019 and three-year letter winner.

Isaiah Jones - Freshman. Appeared in Two Games.

Jones is another young linebacker who made his college debut against Penn State as well as getting playing time against Ohio State. Out of high school Jones was the No. 28 player in Ohio according to 247Sports.

Dasan McCullough - Outside Linebacker. Freshman. Appeared in 12 Games.  

McCullough was Indiana’s highest-rated recruit in program history and it was easy to tell that he was. He lived up to his status. He had four sacks and 49 tackles on the season. His ability to rush the passer from the outside played role in Hoosier's wins over Illinois and Michigan State. McCullough will now take his talents to Oklahoma where he will play with his brother.

Myles Jackson - Outside Linebacker. Redshirt Sophomore.

Jackson transferred from UCLA after the 2021 season. He appeared in all 12 games. His biggest play this past season came against the Hilltoppers when he intercepted a deflected ball in the zone. He also recovered a fumble that same game. He finished the season with 18 tackles and a half-sack. Jackson is a player with multiple years of eligibility left. With a thin-handed outside linebacker, the unit expects Jackson to be one of the starters and leaders this upcoming season.

Alfred (Lance) Bryant - 6th Year Senior. 45 tackles and 4 sacks

Lace was the most experienced outside linebacker on the team. He started in all 10 games making big plays in the Hoosier's wins. Against Illinois, he made six tackles and forced a big fumble in the first quarter. Bryant has been in the program since 2017 and made his way to becoming the starter. In his first season 2017, Lance only practiced but continued to put in the necessary work. Bryant will now try to take his talents to the next level.

Final Analysis

The Indiana linebacking corps proved to be the strength of the defense, however by the end of the season IU was left with starting a true freshman in Kaiden Turner along side coverted safety Bryant Fitzgerald. The injuries started early when Cam Jones was lost for the season after the Nebraska. Aaron Casey missed the Purdue game due to injury and Jared Casey played in only eight games while Matt Holt missed the final two games.

The Hoosiers will be looking at the transfer portal fro reinforcements at the position, but Kaiden Turner did show that he could be a nice piece a little bit down the road.