2019 Indiana Football Recruiting Roundup

Written By Nathan Comp

While Indiana is on a bye week, we thought we’d take a look at how next year’s recruiting class is looking with under two months until the early signing period. All rankings are based on 247 Sports evaluations. Right now, Indiana has the 39th ranked class (49th last year), earning them the 10th best class in the Big Ten.

Sampson James: 6’1”/211 RB – 4 Star Recruit (Natl 165, Pos 9, St 3)

Sampson James is the star of the 2019 class at the moment and the highest ranked recruit that Indiana has gotten since 247 Sports began ranking recruits. The Avon, Indiana product was originally committed to Ohio State before decommitting and pledging to Indiana, the same weekend Indiana lost at Ohio State (and the same weekend James was visiting Ohio State). The all-purpose back will join a strong running back room and still immediately compete for playing time.

Beau Robbins: 6’4”/238 DE – 4 Star Recruit (Natl 265, Pos 18, St 4)

The summer’s prized commit came in June in the form of Carmel High School product Beau Robbins. Robbins chose the Hoosiers over power Big Ten programs Michigan State, Nebraska, Iowa, and others. He is both quick and strong with a fantastic motor. He should help a defense pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Tiawan Mullen: 5’10”/160 – CB 3 Star Recruit (Natl 511, Pos 51, St 66)

The third highest ranked recruit in the Hoosiers’ 2019 class is Tiawan Mullen from Pompano Beach, Florida. Mullen has been selected to play in this year’s US Army All-American Game. The cornerback has shown impressive hands and a safety-like physicality.

Larry Tracy: 5’10”/175 – CB 3 Star Recruit (Natl 806, Pos 73, St 12)

The third commit on this list out of the state of Indiana is Larry Tracy, a longtime prospect of this coaching staff from Decatur Central in Indianapolis. Tracy also held an offer from in-state rival Purdue, and Big Ten rivals Minnesota and Iowa. Tracy is known for his speed as a defensive back.

Dorian Jones: 6’0”/219 – ILB 3 Star Recruit (Natl 820, Pos 35, St 114)

Dorian Jones is another example of Tom Allen tapping into the Florida pipeline he has established since being named head coach. Add in the fact that Jones projects as a linebacker, and there’s no question this is a prospect Allen can get excited about. At this point, Jones’ most impressive qualities are in his physicality, as seen by his 220-pound frame.

Matthew Bedford: 6’5”/260 – OT 3 Star Recruit (Natl 824, Pos 78, St 27)

Matthew Bedford is the first prospect not from the state of Indiana or Florida. Bedford comes from the same high school as, and is actually the cousin of, current Indiana wide receiver Jacolby Hewitt. The coaches have loved his ability to hold his blocks and force defenders to the ground.

Jeramy Passmore: 6’2”/250 – DE 3 Star Recruit (Natl 877, Pos 66, St 119)

Passmore is another name you can chalk up to the Florida recruiting pipeline Coach Allen has established. Coach Allen and staff had recruited Passmore for a long time and were excited to gain his verbal commitment in June after dedicating so much time to him. He continues to rise in rankings and projects as a great athlete, as well as a strong student off the field.

Ivory Winters: 5’11”/206 – RB 3 Star Recruit (Natl 894, Pos 57, St 20)

Winters was the second commit of the class and the first recruit from Missouri. He displays incredible grit both on and off the field, as he did not have the easiest childhood but found love in the game of football. This toughness has translated to the football field where Winters shows traits of a strong runner that seeks contact.

Kervens Bonhomme: 6’1”/225 – LB 3 Star Recruit (Natl 955, Pos 41, St 20)

Coach Allen headed north of the border to secure the commitment of linebacker Kervens Bonhomme. Bonhomme is originally from Ontario but is playing his senior season at Clearwater Academy in Florida. His already-elite size will make for a great fit as he gains strength and finds his role in the Big Ten.

Michael Katic: 6’4”/270 – OG 3 Star Recruit (Pos 41, St 20)

Katic took an unofficial visit to Indiana in June, and immediately after became the 4th in a string of 10 commitments during the month. Katic was impressed by what Coach Hiller and Graduate Assistant Danny Friend had shown him. His most impressive quality in high school has been his motor, allowing him to project as a guard at the next level.

CJ Person: 6’2”/295 – DT 3 Star Recruit (Pos 65, St 44)

Person joined the crew of June commits and secured one of Coach Allen’s top priorities on the defensive line. Person projects as a defensive tackle at Indiana and plays nasty. He’ll likely be over 300 pounds by the time he puts on the pads for IU, making him a great prospect to wreak havoc in the middle of the line.

Jordan Jakes: 6’5”/195 – WR 3 Star Recruit (Pos 126, St 23)

The next big-bodied Indiana receiver can be found in Jordan Jakes, who is currently playing in Baltimore, MD at St Frances Academy. Despite his size, Jakes is able to line up in both the slot and the outside while still being effective. Jakes is one of only two receivers currently in the class.

Gary Cooper: 6’1”/217 – TE 3 Star Recruit (Pos 50, St 159)

Back to Florida boys, Gary Cooper announced his commitment to Indiana on June 20th, the same day as 3 other commits and the capstone of a wild June. Cooper brings impressive athleticism to the tight end position. He has great speed and explosiveness in his film. Cooper also held offers from Florida, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss.

Sio Nofoagatoto’a: 6’2”/231 – DT 3 Star Recruit (Pos 69, St 160)

With a name like that, we’re fortunate Indiana took the names off of the back of the jerseys. Sio is originally from the island American Samoa, even closer to Australia than is Hawaii. He now plays football in Clearwater, FL at Clearwater Academy International. His massive size will make him difficult to handle on the defensive line.

David Ellis: 6’0”/190 – WR 3 Star Recruit (Pos 159, St 31)

Ellis is the most recent Indiana pledge and listed as a receiver. However, he is a versatile athlete and was actually recruited by running back coach Mike Hart, meaning he potentially would play that position at the next level. Ellis has been compared to a bit less-elusive Reese Taylor.

Michael Cartwright: 6’5”/293 – OT 3 Star Recruit (Pos 155, St 239)

Cartwright plays high school ball at Champagnat Catholic High School in Florida. He brings the length and speed that Indiana offensive line coach Darren Hiller prefers at the offensive tackle position.

Sean Wracher: 6’4”/195 – LS 2 Star Recruit (Pos 7, St 107)

Many would not consider this worthy of a scholarship, but a reliable long snapper is a valuable commodity. Add in the fact that Coach Allen puts a heavy emphasis on special teams, and you’ll find the reasoning for Sean Wracher’s inclusion in the 2019 class. Wracher is one of the best long snappers in the class and chose the Hoosiers over offers from Penn State, Pittsburgh, and Toledo.