2025 IUFB Preseason Position Previews: Safeties (& Rover)

Sep 14, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Amare Ferrell (25) celebrates with defensive back Shawn Asbury II (1) and defensive back Josh Sanguinetti (19) after intercepting a pass in the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Subscriber Content The 2024 season will go down as one of the most memorable campaigns in Indiana football history. The Hoosiers rode a wave of thrilling moments all the way to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, powered by a defense that set the tone from start to finish. IU’s defensive unit was nothing short of elite—finishing as the nation’s No. 1 run defense and ranking ninth in passing yards allowed. With defensive coordinator Bryant Haines earning a well-deserved contract extension in December and a retooled roster stacked with returning playmakers, expectations in Bloomington are soaring even higher heading into 2025. Since their CFP clash with Notre Dame, the Hoosiers have had to reload their secondary after losing key contributors. Safeties Shawn Asbury II, Terry Jones, and Josh Sanguinetti—along with several depth pieces—are gone due to graduation or the transfer portal. Asbury’s departure is particularly tough, as he finished third on the team in tackles last season and was a tone-setter on the back end. However, the Hoosiers have aggressively reloaded through the portal, bringing in experienced transfers and emerging talent ready to step in and make an impact from day one. Expected Starters Amare Ferrell – Junior – 6’2” / 200 lbs Entering his junior season, Amare Ferrell is one of two returning starters in Indiana’s secondary (alongside standout corner D’Angelo Ponds) and the clear leader of the Hoosiers’ back end. A former four-star recruit from Florida, Ferrell was one of the unsung stars of IU’s 2024 defense. While he didn’t always grab headlines, his production spoke for itself—he led the team with 4 interceptions, finished fifth in tackles (49), and added 4 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Ferrell began last season at rover before seamlessly transitioning to safety, showcasing his versatility and football IQ. Since his freshman year, Ferrell has played in all 25 games and has steadily developed into a complete defensive back. He brings the ideal safety package: physicality, range in coverage, and relentless run support. His 6’2”, 200-pound frame gives him the size to match up with bigger receivers and tight ends, while his instincts allow him to thrive as a ballhawk. Rated among the top safeties in the Big Ten by PFF, Ferrell is poised for an All-Big Ten caliber season in 2025 and will be a cornerstone for IU’s defense once again. Devan Boykin – Redshirt Senior+ – 5’10” / 195 lbs After sitting out the entire 2024 season with a knee injury sustained before NC State’s 2023 bowl game, Devan Boykin is itching to make his return—and Indiana’s secondary will reap the benefits. The seasoned transfer brings a wealth of experience, having appeared in 45 games with 20 starts for the Wolfpack. In his last full season (2023), Boykin was a difference-maker on the back end, racking up 54 tackles, 3 interceptions, 3 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. Boykin’s skill set is exactly what the Hoosiers need to replace the production and leadership of Shawn Asbury II. He’s explosive, instinctive, and has the ability to read quarterbacks and jump routes with precision. His veteran presence and proven track record make him a natural fit in Bryant Haines’ defense, where he’s expected to be both a stabilizing force and a playmaker in 2025. Louis Moore – Redshirt Senior+ – 5’11” / 200 lbs A familiar face is back in Bloomington as Louis Moore returns to Indiana, this time under head coach Curt Cignetti’s leadership. After a brief stop at Ole Miss, Moore is ready to pick up right where he left off. In 2023, he was one of the Hoosiers’ most reliable defenders, finishing second on the team with 83 tackles, while also tallying four pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and three interceptions. During Tom Allen’s tenure, Moore excelled in the Husky position—a hybrid defensive back role blending the responsibilities of a safety and linebacker. That same versatility makes him an ideal fit for the rover spot in Bryant Haines’ defense, where his ability to cover receivers, defend the run, and create turnovers will be invaluable. Expect Moore to rotate with both Boykin and Ferrell depending on the defensive package, giving IU one of its deepest and most adaptable secondaries in years. Entering his final season of eligibility, Moore has a prime opportunity to cement his legacy and close out his collegiate career with a statement season. Nov 30, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Bryson Bonds (24) celebrates a tackle in the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Rotational Pieces Bryson Bonds – Redshirt Senior – 6’0” / 199 lbs A staple in Bloomington since 2020, Bryson Bonds brings veteran savvy and versatility to the Hoosiers’ secondary. While he may not be slotted as a full-time starter, Bonds is the type of player defensive coordinator Bryant Haines can plug into a variety of packages without missing a beat. In 2024, he recorded 19 tackles and an interception, proving he can make timely plays when called upon. Bonds has built a reputation as a special teams standout, but his instincts, physicality, and ability to diagnose plays make him a reliable depth option who can step up in critical moments. Whether it’s in sub-packages, goal-line situations, or filling in due to injuries, expect Bonds to continue being one of IU’s most trusted rotational defenders. Additional Depth Jah Jah Boyd, Garrett Reese, and Byron Baldwin Jr. Indiana’s depth at safety is young but brimming with potential. Jah Jah Boyd, one of the crown jewels of Curt Cignetti’s first recruiting class, is a redshirt freshman with elite upside. Rated a four-star prospect by ESPN and a standout at both wide receiver and defensive back in high school (earning first-team All-Catholic League honors), Boyd has the athleticism and instincts to make an impact as he continues to develop. If he adjusts quickly to the speed of Big Ten football, he could be a surprise contributor in 2025. Byron Baldwin Jr., another four-star recruit, arrives from Baltimore’s powerhouse St. Frances Academy and is already turning heads. At 6’2”, Baldwin combines size, speed, and relentless energy in pursuit of the ball. Though he’s still refining his technique, his ceiling is sky-high, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him earn meaningful backup snaps this season. Garrett Reese rounds out this young group as a versatile freshman with length (6’2”) and a wide receiver’s ball skills. While he’s likely to spend most of 2025 learning the playbook and contributing on special teams, Reese’s athleticism and work ethic make him a promising long-term piece for the Hoosiers’ secondary. Surprises I was high on Ferrell last year and I’m even higher on him this year. He’s poised to take a massive leap in 2025 and establish himself as one of the top safeties in the Big Ten. Ferrell is a true all-around defender with elite instincts and a nose for the football. Don’t be surprised if he once again leads the Hoosiers in interceptions. As for breakout candidates, keep an eye on Jah Jah Boyd and Byron Baldwin Jr. One of them is bound to flash this fall. Boyd’s athleticism and versatility give him sky-high upside, and if he continues trending upward during fall camp, he could carve out a real role in IU’s secondary. On the flip side, Baldwin’s physical tools and early college readiness make him a prime candidate to make noise as a true freshman. His size, speed, and physicality jump off the tape. And while he may fly under the radar compared to those two, Garrett Reese is another name worth watching. He wasn’t as heralded as Baldwin or Boyd, but his work ethic, versatility, and football instincts make him a quiet X-factor in the defensive back room. He’s the kind of player who might not shine early—but once he gets his shot, he’ll make it count. Confidence Level Indiana’s safety room in 2025 is anchored by proven veterans like Ferrell, Boykin, Moore, and Bonds, giving this group both experience and leadership. These guys have the skill set to consistently neutralize opposing offenses and elevate the entire defense. Still, there are a few question marks. Devan Boykin’s knee injury is the biggest concern—can he return to his 2023 form after an 18-month rest period? Rust is always a possibility, but if Boykin gets back to full speed, his instincts and explosiveness will be difference-making once again. The same could be said for Louis Moore, who didn’t have quite the same impact during his stint at Ole Miss as he did in Bloomington. That said, Moore has the talent and familiarity with IU to regain, and even surpass, his 2023 level of play. Depth is another storyline. Beyond the starters, much of the talent at safety is young and untested, which could become an issue if injuries pile up. However, with players like Jah Jah Boyd, Byron Baldwin Jr., and Garrett Reese waiting in the wings, there’s every reason to believe one of these newcomers could rise to the challenge when called upon. Overall, this is a unit with a strong foundation and plenty of upside. If the veterans stay healthy, this group could be one of the strengths of the Hoosiers’ defense—and even when adversity strikes, they have the talent and coaching to adapt. Preseason Position Previews Cornerbacks Wide Receivers Tight Ends Running Backs Subscribe to get access Read more of this content when you subscribe today. Log in

2025 IUFB Preseason Position Previews: Safeties (& Rover)

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2025 IUFB Preseason Position Previews: Safeties (& Rover)

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