After Maturing at Stanford, Family Environment Brings Nicolas Toomer to Indiana

Image: Stanford Athletics

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Former Stanford defensive back was a one-time IU recruiting target, but chose to go out west instead of Bloomington. However, Toomer found his way back to Bloomington because of his relationships with the Indiana coaching staff.

“One of the reasons I chose IU this time around was their consistency. I already had a strong relationship with Coach Shelby, Teegardin , and coach allen which made the decision a lot easier because their message had not changed for me. One of the things they pride themselves on is building a family environment and that is clearly reflected in how they interact with each other and the players.” Toomer told Hoosier Huddle.

Toomer spent three seasons with the Cardinal where he played in 21 games. His best season statistically came in 2021 when he played in nine games and made 22 tackles with three passes defensed.

Toomer’s biggest growth at Stanford came in the mental aspect of the game.

“I gained a lot of maturity at Stanford. I learned how to prepare mentally and physically for a college game and the discipline and time it takes to play at a high level. I think u can bring a lot of veteran presence and high football IQ to the defense.” Toomer said.

The Hoosiers have had a stronger than expected offseason with incoming transfers, including Toomer. He credits the IU culture and their penchant for developing players for that.

“I believe in the ability of the IU program to develop players. A struggling season does not always tell the full narrative of how a program is doing.” Toomer explained. “Coach Allen has had proven success, unfortunately last year IU has been plagued with injury and that also comes in as a factor. But I saw the way the players love playing for coach and that they still believe, in addition to seeing the additions in the portal and I think it’s an opportunity for great things.”

Toomer described himself as “a versatile defensive back that can play anywhere in the secondary. I’ve grown to be more of a student in this game which allows me to anticipate and play faster.”

Toomer will enter the spring as a candidate to play all over the secondary for IU in 2023.