2024 Countdown to Kickoff: 33 Days (DJ Warnell)

Written by: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

#33

The Hoosier Huddle countdown to kickoff carries on! For the 100 days leading up to kickoff, we at Hoosier Huddle will feature every player from the 2024 roster in anticipation of Indiana’s first game of the season against Florida International University. Today, we will highlight a player entering his first season with the Hoosiers but certainly not new to the college game, DJ Warnell Jr.

DJ Warnell Jr (Senior +)

Hometown: La Marque, Texas

Height: 6’3”

Weight:  200 Pounds

Position: Defensive Back

The conclusion of spring practices can sometimes mark a shakeup of college rosters, and although it is certainly not to the level of the winter’s transfer portal window, coaching staffs can still find some roster additions. That is exactly what Curt Cignetti and his regime did to bring in an experienced guy for the defensive secondary, DJ Warnell Jr. Warnell Jr. played the nickel corner position for two seasons at Arizona after starting his career with two seasons at UCLA. He played in all 13 games for the Wildcats last season, making 15 tackles including three for a loss. He received a 64.7 defense grade by Pro Football Focus (PFF), which ranked 14th among Arizona defenders. He has 40 games of experience under his belt.

Though he practiced the spring with the Wildcats, he found himself amongst the top of the reserves on the depth chart. For more immediate play time, he headed to Indiana. He will see time in the defensive secondary and also has experience at the gunner position on punt coverage.

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff rolls on with Day 32 tomorrow!