2023 Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 98 Days (Ta'Derius Collins)

Written by: Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The 2023 edition of the Hoosier Huddle Countdown is officially underway! We are counting down from 100 to the beginning of the 2023 Indiana University football season. Each day, we will look at one (or two) players on the current Indiana football roster and highlight the player’s role in the upcoming season. We head to the defensive line room to meet one of the Hoosiers incoming freshmen, Ta’Derius Collins.

Name: Ta’Derius Collins

Hometown: Shreveport, Louisiana (Northwood High School)

Position: Defensive Line

Year: Freshman

Height/Weight: 6’4”/240 pounds

Social Media: Twitter (@TCollins_4)

Collins was a late add to the recruiting class in the Early Signing Period and one that people should be excited about. Collins comes to IU out of Shreveport, Louisiana and top-20 recruit in the state according to multiple recruiting services. At Northwood High School, Collins was named Co-MVP of District 1-4A by the district coaches as a senior. He earned honorable mention All-District 1-4A as a sophomore. Last season he tallied 62 tackles with 24.0 tackles for loss and 12.0 sacks and added three forced fumbles.

The Hoosiers are hoping that he can be a threat to rush the passer in his time at IU. “He is an edge guy that you are looking for and guys that can rush the passer. And he can actually play either position, the end, or the bull spot.” Indiana head coach Tom Allen said.

Collins played both basketball and football at Northwood High School. “So excited about Ta'Derius. He has length, 6'4". He is a basketball player as well as football. You know I love multi-sport guys. I already mentioned that one of them is a wrestler. Now Ta'Derius is a basketball player and just guys that compete in other sports.” Allen added.

The true freshman should have time to develop his body for the Big Ten stage, but with a need for pressure on the quarterback he could find his way onto the field sooner rather than later.