2023 Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 96 Days (Phillip Blidi)

Written by: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

The Hoosier Huddle countdown to kickoff is underway! For the 100 days leading up to kickoff, we at Hoosier Huddle will feature every player from the 2023 roster in anticipation of Indiana’s first game of the season against Ohio State in Bloomington. Today, we will highlight two Hoosiers, Philip Blidi and Alejandro Quintero.

Philip Blidi

Year: Senior

Twitter: @62philip

Hometown: Portales, New Mexico

Height: 6’3”

Weight:  295 Pounds

Position: Defensive Line

The Hoosiers entered the offseason in need of defensive line reinforcements, and they found one in Texas Tech transfer Philip Blidi. Blidi transfers to Indiana after playing three seasons and in 35 games with the Red Raiders. With two years of eligibility remaining, Blidi has already compiled 40 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. The nose guard/defensive end’s best game came in November of his sophomore season when he amassed six tackles against No. 9 Oklahoma State.

Speaking with the media earlier this offseason, Blidi said: “Coach [Chad] Wilt's defense is the type of defense that really allows you to make plays. It puts you at different spots that really allow me to show my versatility. That is something I think can really utilize me as a versatile defensive tackle. It is really an attacking defense, and when you have an attacking defense there are going to be a lot of guys making TFLs, making sacks, interceptions, and really causing turnovers. That is something that really excites me about this defense.”

Blidi has two (quite adorable) children with his wife, Emma. Blidi’s one word for 2023 is Consistent.