By: Cameron Cocquyt
Isaiah ‘Bones’ Jones came to Indiana in 2022, under the previous regime led by Coach Tom Allen. The defensive-minded head coach had a knack for finding under-the-radar talent at the linebacker position, and Jones is no exception. When he committed to Indiana the London, OH native barely cracked the top-1000 recruits in his class according to 247 Sports.
Fast forward to 2024, Curt Cignetti was hired as the new coach at Indiana, and much of the players from the year prior bolted for the transfer portal: not Jones. Instead, he chose to stick around with a handful of others and rebuild the culture of Indiana football. In Bloomington, everyone seemingly adopts the same mentality. First, it starts with Coach Cignetti, then trickles down through the staff, and ultimately ends up with the players.
At the start of the year, Jones was seen primarily as the third linebacker in a system that usually puts just two on the field. After just a few weeks, defensive coordinator Bryant Haines knew he couldn’t keep Jones off the field. So, he adjusted his scheme accordingly to “get the best 11 players on the field”. After a successful year in 2024,
Jones could have looked in the transfer portal for an opportunity at an increased role elsewhere. Instead, he chose to stick with the Hoosiers, and wait his turn. This team-first mentality resonates in Jones, and is a prime example of the culture instilled throughout the program. The linebacker is a team player, and like many others has chosen to flourish in whatever role he can, to bring the team success.
This year in particular, the Hoosiers’ defense has seen multiple injuries to many key players. Jones was asked how the team has overcome this throughout the year: in his response, he was quick to mention the mentality that radiates in the program from top to bottom.
“I think that’s just the mentality of the team. It starts with Coach Cig. There’s a standard in every room and as a team. And if one guys goes down, there should be no let-off and no difference in the guy that steps in.” Jones said.
“That’s what makes the team special, is I know in the linebacker room or the defensive line room and on the defense entirely, if one guy goes down, it’s the next man up. And the standard we have on defense and on the team is there should be no let-up and you should be able to step in and fill that guy’s shoes and be able to do the same things, make the same plays he is.”
Now, a new challenge lies ahead: the Oregon Ducks, again. It’s hard to beat the same twice, but it’s even more difficult when it’s the team’s 15th game of the year. Nonetheless, when asked about the challenges and preparation that come along with it, Jones replied accordingly:
“15 games in a season is long, but for us it’s a one-week mentality. And we know that complacency kills, and so that’s something we fight every week. I know every team probably fights that across America. But this deep in the season, when you’re so close to something, for us it’s almost like you have a new hunger inside your stomach. And it’s a one-week season, and you don’t want to go home. Everyone wants to fight tooth and nail for one more game.” Jones said ahead of the Peach Bowl.
“So, with the veterans on this team, I know it’s a reality that if you don’t go out there prepared, this could be your last game forever. And so that lights a fire in our stomach, and that’s what keeps us hungry and ready each week.”
The Hoosier faithful was loud and proud in Indianapolis, Pasadena, and now hopefully Atlanta. Jones was asked about any ‘introspection’ in terms of the team’s impact on Bloomington and the Hoosier faithful across the country. Like many other players, he expressed his pride to play for this program and community. Here’s how Jones responded:
“Yeah. You know, I love the Hoosier fan base. And I know in the past few years and maybe decades it’s been rough. But I think the two things I can go back to are our two postseason games. Both have felt like home games.
That shows the love Hoosier Nation has for this team, and they’ve been waiting for the opportunity like this. I’m glad to be able to be a part of it and to go out there and wear the Indiana Hoosier across my chest — it’s probably more important than the name of my back, to be honest — to go out there and give these fans this and give them what they deserved. You see them show up, and these last two games felt like home games.
And I know they’ll travel well to Atlanta. So I’m excited for that game too, just to be able to give this fan base this opportunity, because I know it’s a ride for them, just like it is for us. And we’re not done yet, and I’m excited to see them in Atlanta.”
Jones is a perfect embodiment of the culture and mentally that the Hoosiers football program has set in place over the last two years. Week by week, the confidence has never wavered and preparation has never changed. Indiana may be playing their biggest game of the year, but internally they will prepare the same way they always have. The mentality that started with Coach Cignetti, now radiates through Jones and players alike.
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