2021 Indiana Hoosiers Defensive Line Preview Spring Position Preview

Written by Matt Smith

IU brought lots of pressure to opposing quarterbacks last season and that began with the push of the defensive line. The Hoosiers had 25 combined sacks last year under defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. Wommack has since accepted a job at the University of South Alabama. IU’s new coordinator Charlton Warren will look to continue the defensive success from last season.

IU used a defensive line rotation last year, which Head Coach Tom Allen plans to use again. However, the Hoosiers will be looking to replace Javon Swann and Jerome Johnson who decided to declare for the NFL Draft in April. Johnson was second in sacks last season with four as well as four and a half tackles for loss, which means it will be very difficult to replace him.

Coach Warren will look to James Head Jr., Sio Nofoagatoto’a, Michael Ziemba and C.J Person to get pressure on the quarterback. Each of these players were in the rotation last season, and will look to compete for more playing time this season. 

James Head Jr. 6’5’’ 261 pounds

Head is a senior this year, and is looking to improve his numbers from last season after totaling one and a half sacks and 17 total tackles in the eight games that the Hoosiers played. He also had one fumble recovery. Head appeared in all eight games last season and started seven of them as well. Head recorded important numbers in big games against Ohio State and Penn State

Sio Nofoagatoto’a 6’4’’ 315 pounds

Sio was an anchor for the rush defense last season, especially in the bowl game against Ole Miss. Last season Sio totaled 12 total tackles, but did not record a sack as a sophomore. Sio appeared in all eight games for the Hoosiers last season and started two of them at defensive tackle. Sio totaled a career high four total tackles in his start against Wisconsin.

Michael Ziemba 6’3’’ 258 pounds

Ziemba decided to use his extra year of eligibility this season to play one more year under coach Allen. Ziemba totaled 11 tackles last season while making an appearance in all eight games for the Hoosiers. The Big Ten Sportsmanship honoree only started against Penn State, but made a career high four stop against Ohio State. 

C.J Person 6’3’’ 291 pounds

Person also made an appearance in all eight games for the Hoosiers last season and started their final Big Ten game against Wisconsin. Person totaled eight tackles as well as a career high four solo tackles in the game against Wisconsin. 

Ryder Anderson  6’6’’  275 pounds

After beating IU in the Outback Bowl, Anderson decided to come over from Ole Miss as a transfer. Anderson totaled seven tackles for loss last season for the Rebels as well as two and a half sacks. Anderson will look to add depth and help pressure the quarterback for the Hoosiers this season. 

Alfred Bryant 6’2’’  255 pounds

Bryant started three games at defensive end last season and appeared in five. Bryant totaled seven tackles. Bryant looks to build on his size during the offseason as he is a projected starter next season.

Damarjhe Lewis 6’3’’  301 pounds

Lewis got no playing time during his freshman year, but will look to battle Person for some playing time this season. Lewis spent time on the practice squad last season for the team when they were preparing to play Rutgers. 

Demarcus Elliot 6’3’’ 311 pounds

Elliot started six games for IU last season and appeared in seven games at tackle. Elliot made 14 total stops for the Hoosiers last season. Elliot stepped up in the Outback Bowl with three tackles and a quarterback hurry.  During his sophomore season Elliot totaled 35 tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble. He was given Honorable-mention All-Big Ten honors during his sophomore season as well. 

Jonathan King 6’3’’ 260 pounds

King appeared in all eight of the Hoosiers games last season and started the final Big Ten game against Wisconsin. King totaled six tackles with one sack and one interception as well. King will look to improve those numbers going into the 2021 season. 

Beau Robbins 6’5’’  250 pounds

Robbins didn’t see any playing time last season for IU, but was the scout team player of the week for the Maryland game. Robbins will look to battle for playing time during the spring season.

D.K. Bonhomme 6’3’’  235 pounds

Bonhomme played in all eight games last season switching between linebacker and defensive end. He started three times at end last season and is fully transitioning to the position this season. Bonhomme totalled 15 tackles last season as well as a sack for the Hoosiers.

Antoine Whitner 6’5’’  305 pounds

Whitner did not see any playing time for coach Allen last season, but will look to improve his strength and agility during the offseason and try to battle for a spot in the rotation this season.

Jeramy Passmore 6’3’’  263 pounds

Passmore played in the first three games last season with his collegiate debut coming against Penn State. Passmore was also an Academic All-Big Ten selection last season and is looking for more playing time during this season.

Shamar Jones 6’1’’ 270 pounds

Jones only saw playing time in the first game last season after appearing in twelve games in 2019 where he totaled eight tackles and a half sack for the Hoosiers. Jones will look to get those numbers up with more snaps this year.

Incoming Freshman

Cooper Jones comes in from Valparaiso, IN as a three star recruit. Jones is 6’6’’ and 245 pounds. Jones was the Indiana Mr.Football for his position of defensive end and was also All-State.

Indiana begins their spring football practices on March 9th, which means these players will begin to compete for playing time beginning then. IU had a record year last year on the defensive end and that began with the push of the defensive line. These players will look to continue that success this year.