Hoosiers Sign 21 Players During December Signing Period
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Written by Sammy Jacobs, T.J. Inman and Ben Gillard
The Indiana Hoosiers and head coach Curt Cignetti signed 21 high school prospects as part of the December signing class. The class has nine players on offense and 12 players on defense and is ranked 41st (at the time of publishing) by 247Sports composite ranking. Here is a breakdown of each high school signee and how they may fit into the mix for IU Football.
1. Triston Abram, Edge, 247 Rating: 88, Christian Brothers College, St. Louis Missouri
The Hoosiers beat out Michigan for the 8th best player in Missouri. Abram committed to the Hoosiers back in June. He is quick off the line of scrimmage and his 6’4” frame can add from his current 225 pounds. Abram will be enrolling early at IU, which could open up a pathway to early playing time should he get the results in the weight room. Playing time in 2025 is clouded right now as NFL Draft declarations are up in the air.
2. Byron Baldwin, Safety, 247 Rating: 91, St. Francis Academy, Baltimore, MD
The 6th best prospect out of Maryland, Baldwin chose the Hoosiers over joining Coach Prime’s talented Colorado secondary. The 6’1” 190-pound Safety comes to Bloomington by way of Baltimore’s St. Frances Academy, a program that has produced stars such as Elijah Sarratt, Blake Corum, and Derrick Moore. During his Junior season Baldwin had 89 tackles with 4 pass breakups, 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles. A multi-sport athlete, Baldwin placed 4th in Maryland’s State Wrestling Championship and was a member of St. Frances’ track team. A fast and physical DB, Baldwin has seen snaps both at safety and corner, and could fill in anywhere in the secondary the Hoosiers need next season.
3. Andrew Barker, Tight End, 247 Rating: 86, Kokomo H.S., Kokomo, Indiana
The Hoosiers went up the road to Kokomo to find tight end Andrew Barker. The 6’4” 230-pound three-star prospect had offers from a host of G5 teams before committing to the Hoosiers in June. In seven games in 2024 Barker made 13 catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns according to MaxPreps. In his high school career Barker made 48 catches for 681 yards and seven scores. Barker will be enrolling early and fight for some playing time for a room that loses Zach Horton and Trey Walker to graduation.
4. Jaylen Bell, Cornerback, 247 Rating: 87, Grayson, Loganville, Georgia
A three-star recruit out of Georgia, Bell originally committed to LSU in 2022 before decommitting in February of 2024. The Hoosiers were able to fend off Penn State, as the 5’10” 170-pound committed to Indiana in June. Through 8 games in 2024 Bell has totaled 24 tackles, 4 TFLs, and 2 interceptions. A dual-sport athlete, Bell has a career best time of 11.22 in the 100. The plan for Bell is to play both corner and nickel corner for the Hoosiers, although as Bell says, “I make plays every time I step on the field no matter who I go against or where I’m at.”
5. Lebron Bond, Wide Receiver, 247 Rating: 87, Maury HS, Norfolk, Virginia
Bond is a three-star recruit who is enrolling early and could see the field immediately if he can adjust to the college game in spring practice. The 5’9” 160-pound speedster fits the mold of Myles Price and Ke’Shawn Williams who both are out of eligibility. Bond is a do it all player and can replace Price as the punt returner and step up into a role as a playmaker in the slot. Bond was a two-time state qualifier in the 55-meter dash. Also took 5th at Virginia Class 5 outdoor meet in the 200-meter dash as a 10th grader and qualified for the Adidas Track Nationals meet in the event. His top markers include: 6.37 in the 55, 21.57 in the 200 and 51.40 in the 400 according to 247Sports.
First Three Games of Sr. Year Highlights
6. Tyrone Burrus Jr., Edge, 247 Rating: 89, Warren Central, Indianapolis, Indiana
The Hoosiers did not have to look far to replenish their pass rush. Just up the road at Warren Central in Indianapolis, was a very talented edge rusher in Burrus. The 6’4” 235-pound Indiana native was ranked the 8th best player in the state and had originally committed to Louisville before flipping to Indiana. Burrus ended his junior season with 34 tackles (16 TFLs), 19 QB hits, 5.5 sacks, and 3 pass breakups. Burrus also ran track in high school and had times of 7.48 in the 60, 11.99 in the 100, 24.76 in the 200, 57.62 in the 400. With this speed and his frame, Burrus could easily add weight to play anywhere on the line, Although it is likely that with the potential departure of Mikail Kamara and Lanell Carr Jr., Burrus will be needed in his preferred edge position.
7. Keishawn Calhoun, Defensive Line, 247 Rating: 86, Groveport Madison, Groveport, Ohio
Calhoun chose the Hoosiers over a number of offers from G5 schools, but don’t let that fool you on his ability. The 6’4” 245-pound defensive lineman can play all over the line and is an impact player from any spot. The Hoosiers will have plenty of snaps to replace along the defensive line, especially if Mikail Kamara heads to the next level early. This IU staff is not afraid to play true freshman along the defensive line, so Calhoun should benefit from enrolling early.
8. Davion Chandler, Wide Receiver, 247 Rating: 88, Lawrence North, Indianapolis, Indiana
Another local prospect, the 11th best player in the state originally committed to Illinois before flipping to Indiana in June. The 6’0” 170-pound receiver is both extremely quick off the line and extremely slippery after the catch. Through 12 games this season Chandler has 971 yards and 10 TDs on 49 catches. Chandler will join fellow commit Lebron Bond in replacing Myles Price and Ke’Shawn Williams in the WR room.
9. Sean Cuono, Running Back, 247 Rating: 87, Clearwater Central Catholic, Clearwater, Florida
A 3 star recruit out of Clearwater, Florida, Cuono may just be the Donatello that was missing from the “Ninja Turtles.” Physically, the 5’10” 185-pound back resembles all three of Indiana’s current running backs. As a junior, Cuono rushed for 1024 yards and 8 TDs on 145 carries and caught 12 passes for 128 yards and 1 TD. While Cuono will likely need to add weight to adapt to the college game, he is poised to be a solid replacement for Ty Son Lawton.
10. Jamari Famer, Linebacker, 247 Rating: 86, Mooresville H.S., Mooresville, North Carolina
Farmer comes to Indiana as a playmaking linebacker who was very productive at Mooresville High School. At 5’10.5” and 218 pounds, he is slightly undersized, but we have seen undersized players thrive for the Hoosiers under Curt Cignetti. In 2024 Farmer made 111 tackles including 28 for a loss. He was also an outstanding track athlete running an 11.44 100-meter dash and throwing the shot put and discus. He chose Indiana over offers from Cincinnati, Charlotte and others. The Hoosiers will have to replace Jailin Walker, but return Aiden Fisher and nearly everyone else. Farmer will be in for spring practice, which will boost his chances to earn some snaps early.
11. Kyler Garcia, Defensive Line, 247 Rating: 86, Pearl-Cohn, Nashville, Tennessee
Garcia was a key pick up in the 2025 class for Curt Cignetti and his staff as IU beat out Georgia, Wisconsin and Louisville for the 6’3.5”, 280-pound defensive lineman. Garcia can play both inside and outside on the defensive line as his junior season tape shows. He can get off blocks with his strength and is quick enough to move down the line and make plays in the backfield. Garcia had a big senior season with 71 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and nine sacks. Garcia will be in for spring and could be in the mix to help replace some of the depth lost in the middle of the defensive line heading into the 2025 season.
12. Jhrevious Hall, Defensive Line, 247 Rating: 87, Columbia Central, Columbia, Tennessee
Hall was another prospect the Hoosiers beat out several SEC teams for in this class. 247Sports recruiting analyst Gabe Brooks wrote a scouting report on Hall.
“Leverage-oriented interior defensive lineman with unverified size but obvious play strength. Bully at the point of attack. Redirects well and plays with broad pursuit range. Flashes heavy-handedness with sudden power. Capable of providing one-gap playmaking ability, but also strong enough to anchor and back up traffic vs. high school competition. Projects as a Power Five-caliber defensive lineman who could potentially possess more definitive upside as we learn more about physical tools and verified athleticism.”
Hall won’t join the Hoosiers until the summer, but he still could factor into the rotation after a productive senior year that saw him make 54 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.
13. Myles Kendrick, Wide Receiver, 247 Rating: 86, Riverside, Jacksonville, Florida
Kendrick is a young wide receiver with a chance to come in and make some noise. He chose the Hoosiers over Michigan State and Colorado among others. Kendrick is a dynamic playmaker and showed that as a senior with 45 receptions for 552 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for 149 yards and a score on 14 carries. The Hoosiers will need to rebuild the wide receiver room after losing at least six players who were on the roster at the start of the 2024 season, so the 6-foot 165-pound speedster will have a chance to carve out a role as an early enrollee.
14. Matt Marek, Offensive Line, 247 Rating: 85, Carl Sandburg, Orland Park, Illinois
Marek was the first player to commit to the Hoosiers’ 2025 class. “I really felt comfortable around Coach (Bob) Bostad, Coach (Curt) Cignetti, the rest of the staff, and the players. The future of Indiana football is very bright and I want to be a part of it. When I stepped foot on campus it felt like home.” Marek told Hoosier Huddle back in February. Marek describes himself as “a nasty blocker with the ability to keep composure and stay calm in stressful situations. My football IQ helps me and my teammates a lot.” He is a strong redshirt candidate who should benefit greatly from being on campus early for spring practice.
15. PJ Nelson, Linebacker, 247 Rating: 86, Princeton, Cincinnati, Ohio
IU flipped Nelson from Cincinnati over the summer. As a senior at Princeton Nelson made 146 tackles, 26 tackles for loss with 4.5 sacks, four pass break-ups, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one interception. The high tackles for loss number really stands out and it is clearly a point of emphasis for defensive coordinator Bryant Haines in the players he is pursuing on defense. Nelson will be in for spring practice and adds depth to a younger Indiana linebacking room.
16. Evan Parker, Offensive Line, 247 Rating: 86, Carmel H.S., Carmel High School
Parker was always interested in Indiana, but a new staff raised his interest even more. “I want to make it clear that just because things are going in a different direction doesn’t mean that I wasn’t interested before. There were some personal things that I wanted to make sure that were checked off that weren’t really getting checked off. Especially now though, all the things in my check list of standards have been met and a lot of them have exceeded my expectations.” Parker explained after he committed to the Hoosiers. Parker will need some time to develop his 6’4” 295-pound frame.
17. Garrett Reese, Safety, 247 Rating: 85, Nazareth Academy, La Grange Park, Illinois
The La Grange Park, IL native is rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports and is listed at 6’2” and 170 pounds. Reese has good length to play in the secondary and figures to play in the new ‘Rover’ position in Byrant Haines ’ defense. Reese wanted to “focus on my training and prep for next season. Getting stronger, faster through my off season workouts. Senior year will be huge for me to get all I can out of it before I make the transition to college. Hard work and dedication has gotten me here, that won’t stop! I work with my DB and speed coaches at least 3 times a week.” His work paid off as Reese made 60 tackles, four interceptions, forced three fumbles with one tackle for loss and one fumble recovery.
18. Seaonta Stewart, Defensive Back, 247 Rating: 87, Winton Woods, Cincinnati, Ohio
He chose IU over an impressive offer list that included Illinois, Michigan State, Penn State, Purdue, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, Oklahoma and others. Stewart played both ways for Winston Woods and was productive on both sides of the ball. As a senior, Stewart had 12 tackles, eight pass break-ups, and one fumble recovery while on offense he had 13 receptions for 235 yards and three touchdowns. Stewart would be a bigger defensive back at 6’2” and 180 pounds. He could work his way into the defensive backfield this spring with Terry Jones, Josh Sanguinetti and Shawn Asbury graduating. However, the Hoosiers will have several DBs returning from injury as well.
19. Zachary Smith, Cornerback, 247 Rating: 86, Hopeville Charter, Atlanta, Georgia
The Hoosiers flipped Smith from Pittsburgh and beat out other schools like Auburn, Texas A&M, Kentucky, Louisville and Georgia Tech for the services of the cornerback. In addition to his skills on defense, Smith operates as the kick and punt returner for the Hapeville Hornets. His impressive ball skills are what stands out the most on his highlight film as he routinely tracked the ball well and finished the play with an interception. He does not currently have a very thick frame and will definitely need some weight added before he can compete with Big Ten receivers but that should not be an issue once he gets to Bloomington. With the Hoosiers getting several young defensive backs back from injury, Smith should have time to develop his skills before being thrown into the fire as he is another early enrollee.
20. Blake Thiry, Tight End, 247 Rating 88, Prairie Du Chein, Prairie Du Chein, Wisconsin
Thiry is a three-star prospect out of Praire Du Chien, Wisconsin and stands at 6’4” 216 lbs. He chose the Hoosiers over Texas Tech and a number of other Group of Five offers. Thiry is an extremely versatile player in high school doing everything from running, catching and even long snapping the ball. His scouting report on 247Sports makes one wonder how he flew under the radar for so long.
“Thiry is one of the more intriguing players in this year’s class. He plays running back, wide receiver, tight end and linebacker and is also a nationally rated long snapper. He’s being recruited primarily as a tight end right now and will also long snap at the college level. When you add in his track background, it’s a wonder he’s not being recruited at a higher level, both regionally and nationally. Productive on both sides of the ball and tape flashes as well. Looks natural catching the football, runs well after the catch and does a nice job tracking the ball down the field.Qualified for the State Outdoor Championships in the 110 hurdles and triple jump and State Indoor Finals in the 60m hurdles, long jump and triple jump. A stock up guy for sure and projects as a Power 5 starter at the next level.”
The Hoosiers may have some snaps available at tight end, but Thiry is a player you find a spot to get him on the field.
21. Baylor Wilkin, Offensive Line, 247 Rating of 86, Findlay High School in Findlay, Ohio
The final offensive lineman of the class is a Spring enrollee from Ohio, Baylor Wilkin.
Wilkin chose Indiana over offers from Cincinnati, Marshall, Navy and several MAC schools. He was rated as the number 46 prospect in the state of Ohio and earned First Team All-Conference and All-District honors for his play as a senior. His numbers from this past season are jaw-dropping. Wilkin had more than 80 pancake blocks while not allowing any sacks or pressures. If you watch his highlight film, you will see a young man that plays with a mean streak and mauled opposing defensive linemen on a consistent basis. He projects as an offensive guard and he is enrolling in the spring.