2024 Spring Game: What We Learned From The Defense

Written by Evan Alvarez

“Is our [2nd string] offense that good or is our [2nd string] defense that bad? … I think I know the answer to that question” were Head Coach Curt Cignetti’s words after the dust settled on IU’s 2024 Spring Football Game last Thursday.

Indiana’s defense “lost” the Spring Game 34-25 (as scoring was augmented to keep it competitive and allow the defense to earn points for certain outcomes, like generating a stop or turnover, for example). Despite the loss, there were some major bright spots that we’ll get into later, but first let’s focus on the areas of improvement - starting with Coach Cignetti’s iconic quote above.

Depth on the Defensive Line is Needed

According to Matt Weaver of peegs.com and previously analyzed by our very own TJ Inman, IU is currently in pursuit of eight targets on the defensive line and secondary combined, with most of the eight landing on the defensive line. If you watched the Spring Game, it quickly became clear that this was a need. Granted, not having James Carpenter (a projected DL starter) and Jailin Walker (a projected LB starter) to create additional pressure certainly didn’t help on Thursday and will be welcomed additions once the season begins, but the need is still clear. While it’s promising to see IU’s offensive line create clean pockets on nearly every play (a huge testament to the work Bob Bostad and the O-Line are putting in), pressure on the quarterback is necessary to win games. Look for IU to be extremely active in the transfer portal, as TJ wrote in the link above, to address this need quickly.

The Starting Secondary Crew Played Well

According to Coach Cignetti, this was the first “practice” where Indiana tackled one another and, surprisingly given the lack of practice, the tackling was clean from the IU defense. The group that shined in my mind tackling wise was the secondary, led by Jamier Johnson, Kobee Minor, and Amare Ferrell. In addition to tackling, all three of the aforementioned players (along with several other players in the secondary) locked up Indiana’s talented receivers and gave them fits. While the 2nd string defense struggled a bit more, there were still bright spots with that group, but the shining stars were the starters. Look for the secondary to add 1-2 more strong pieces from the transfer portal and start getting excited about this position group. I can easily envision this secondary becoming fan favorites, as they play with passion, energy, experience, intelligence, and excitement. This secondary’s potential is high and the Hoosiers could surprise opposing teams with their strong, confident play on this side of the ball.

Amare Ferrell is a Star (Video Breakdowns Below)

Indiana’s sophomore star, originally a 3-star recruit from Florida, is slated to start as the Rover on IU’s defense in 2024. At 6’2” with more and more weight and muscle getting added each day, he already looks like a potential NFL draft pick. Couple that with what he displayed during IU’s Spring Game, and we could be in for a breakout season. Amare was one of my top performers from Thursday’s game, and some of the plays designed for him on defense get me even more excited for what’s to come. Check out the breakdown videos below for one of these designed blitz plays for Amare early on in the game on Thursday. 

First Breakdown: Setup and Play Design

Second Breakdown: Amare’s Clean Run 

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