Jordan Shaw Has Embraced the Chaos, Now Causing Havoc on Defense

Darron Cummings, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Written by: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

A year ago at this time, Jordan Shaw was not even a part of Indiana’s 2023 recruiting class. In fact, the Hoosiers had yet to even offer him a scholarship. Instead, Shaw was committed to Colorado. Even when turmoil struck the Buffaloes program and Deion Sanders took over the helm, Shaw fit into Sanders plans of “Louis Vuitton-only baggage”, and he was re-offered his scholarship from the new staff.

But Shaw no longer saw the Buffaloes as a part of his plans. On December 9th, he officially visited Indiana. On the 11th, Tom Allen and his staff offered the All-American Bowl cornerback a scholarship. And just ten days later, Shaw was committed and signed to play with the Hoosiers.

Havoc has struck again in Shaw’s life just one year later. Two weeks ago, he had yet to play in a college football game. Last week, he was thrown into the fire to play against Penn State on the road, but he once again responded to the opportunity.

“Jordan, a true freshman,” said Allen, “got his biggest taste last week. Made some big plays.” Shaw finished with one assisted tackle.

This week? Well, the task was a bit larger.

“We made the decision to have him start as our husky because of the style of offense we were going to play today,” Allen continued. “He rose up.”

“I learned that you always got to be ready for your opportunity, like you never know when you'll be called,” said Shaw after the game. “Going into Penn State, I didn't even know I was going to get put in, but when they called me, I prepared myself to be ready.”

Shaw was an anchor of the Hoosier secondary yesterday in the big win against Wisconsin, the first win at home against Wisconsin for Indiana since 2002. He finished with 9 total tackles and a key pass breakup on an almost-interception.

“Proud of our secondary,” said Allen. “Guys are stepping up. It's got to continue, there's no doubt about it. In a game like this, when it comes down to every single play mattering, those guys were big.”

The Hoosiers kept their bowl hopes alive, winning their third game of the season to move to 3-6. The easiest part of the schedule remains, and Indiana will need all three of them to be victories.

One thing is for sure; Jordan Shaw is ready for the chaos, and we should expect him to be a key member of the Hoosiers defense down the stretch.