2024 Spring Football: Position Battle- Safety
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Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)
The back end of Indiana’s defense is going to look very different from a year ago even though some of the names may be familiar. This is one of the most important position battles heading into spring football even though it may not be settled in April.
Free Safety
Shawn Asbury II vs. Josh Sanguinetti
Indiana fans are familiar with Josh Sanguinetti as he has played in 39 games for the Hoosiers over five seasons. It was welcome news that the sixth-year player was returning to the Hoosiers as the depth at safety is a concern. He brings Big Ten experience and four interceptions to his name.
Asbury comes to IU from Old Dominion where he played in 30 games with 15 starts over three years between ODU and Boston College. In 2023 Asbury performed at an All-Sun Belt level as he took home honorable mention accolades. He made 93 tackles including six for loss. While coming from a G5 program, Asbury has performed well against power conference foes with 21 tackles in four games.
Likely Winner
Shawn Asbury II- Asbury provides experience and production at the safety position. He’s a heavy hitter and has a nose for the ball. The playing field is evened with a new coaching staff and defense being installed this spring.
Strong Safety
Nic Toomer vs. Terry Jones
Toomer will make the move to safety after playing primarily at corner a season ago. He does have experience at the position from his time at Stanford. He decided to take his sixth year with the Hoosiers which makes the room much better than it could have been. In 2023 Toomer only played in eight games with seven starts due to injury. Toomer made 26 tackles and an interception.
Terry Jones is another transfer from ODU and played alongside Asbury. Jones was also an All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention in 2023. He made 107 tackles with four coming for a loss. Jones is bigger (6’1”) than the 5’9” Asbury, so he has the size to withstand a Power Four schedule.
Likely Winner
This battle will go down to the wire as both players have shown the ability to be game changers on defense. Does Jones’s rapport with Ashbury give him a leg up on Toomer or will Toomer’s athleticism prevail? I will lean toward Toomer, but both players will play key roles at safety this season.
The Hoosiers open up spring practice on March 21st and cap it off with their spring football game on Thursday, April 18th at 8pm in Memorial Stadium.