Written By Nick Gonzales

If you watched the game last Saturday, it’s obvious that this is a completely new Indiana defense. They’re a lot more aggressive and play fast in order to pressure the quarterback and disrupt the offense and a lot of that is due to the defensive line and Coach Kuntz.

“It's been really effective; I think everyone in the room can vouch for me. We've been able to play a lot faster, a lot more physical, and like he said he's a lot more intense than a lot of the D-Line coaches that you see today. It's been really effective, really fun. I'm actually glad I got a chance to stay here and play for somebody like Coach (Pat) Kuntz.” Marcus Burris Jr. said about working with Coach Kuntz during an interview Tuesday.

Burris was one of the many players who helped pressure FIU quarterback Keyone Jenkins. He played at defensive tackle and defensive end during the game and performed well. Burris mostly played as an interior lineman last year, but looked great at defensive end too, recording three tackles and a sack. Burris is willing to play anywhere in order to help his team succeed no matter the challenge.

“It’s definitely a slight challenge. I’m running two different positions, one defensive end, one defensive tackle. I feel like anyone on the D-Line would say this, but wherever they need me I’m willing to play. Whatever they need me to do… I stayed here for a reason, I want to win games no matter where I’m at on the field.” Burris responded when asked about playing on the interior and exterior line.

He was told by Coach Buddha Williams that they wanted him to play at edge and Burris happily agreed to play anywhere the coaches decided. Burris shows he’s a team player and is willing to do anything if it will help the Hoosiers win. The winning mentality the JMU transfers brought over seems to be rubbing off on the Hoosiers. Burris thanks his fellow defensive lineman, Mikail Kamara, for helping the defense play aggressive.

“I think he came in with the same mindset as us, he came here and he wanted to win since he got here. I remember in summertime, me, Mikail, Lanell (Carr Jr.), Carp (James Carpenter), all of us out there just doing D-Line, Mikail teaching us things he knows, me trying to do the same teaching what we know, he’s been great. You can tell by the way he plays, he’s different.” Burris said in his interview Tuesday.

Last Saturday, the defense showed fans that there is a lot to be excited about this season. Burris and the rest of the defensive line are trying to stay healthy so they can continue to produce and play fast and aggressive football. It will be exciting to see how the defensive line performs for the rest of the season, but for now Indiana is hoping to make another statement this Friday against Western Illinois.

The Huddle

Marcus Burris Wants to Win Games No Matter Where He's At On The FIeld

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