Countdown to 2018 IUFB Kickoff: 17 Days (Raheem Layne and Justin Berry)

Written by Evan McShane (@veryreasonable)

Countdown to Kickoff: #17 – Raheem Layne

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 190 pounds

Hometown: Deland, FL (Sebastian River)

Class/Position: Sophomore/Defensive Back

Raheem Layne made his mark as a member of Tom Allen’s first recruiting class as head coach in 2017. Layne was a three-star recruit per 247 Sports, ranked as a consensus top-150 cornerback in the country. The Florida native attended Sebastian River High School where he was a First Team All-Area selection as a senior in 2016. Layne made two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, and did not allow a single opponent to score. A true shutdown corner, Layne helped his high school program achieve their program’s first playoff win and most successful season in its history.

The next chapter for Layne’s football career began last season in Bloomington. The true freshman shined bright throughout camp and showed quickly how impactful he could be. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 190-pounds, Layne was able to withstand the physicality of Big Ten wide receivers. His size and skill compensated for his youth and inexperience. Layne played in all 12 games, starting at cornerback in IU’s 41-0 blowout against Rutgers. With the departure of Rashard Fant to the NFL, Indiana has big shoes to fill in the secondary. Raheem Layne has the opportunity for a breakout season in 2018. Look for him to lock down wideouts and make big plays in the passing game.

Countdown to Kickoff: #17 – Justin Berry

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 195 pounds

Hometown: Charleston, SC (West Ashley)

Class/Position: Sophomore/Defensive Back

Justin Berry joined the Hoosier football program in 2016 as a walk-on. At the time of his recruitment, Berry was graded as a three-star quarterback. In fact, the left-handed QB was ranked as one of the nations top-50 dual threat quarterbacks in the country. From Charleston, South Carolina, Berry led West Ashley High School to the best record in program history as a senior. Berry earned All-Region honors, served as team captain, and was a member of the National Honors Society.

Ultimately, Berry decided the best choice for he and his football career was to enroll at Indiana University. Once in Bloomington, Berry transitioned to wide receiver. He redshirted the 2016 season, earning scout team player of the week honors on two separate occasions. As a redshirt freshman in 2017, Berry appeared in three games where he fulfilled special team roles. On the practice field, Berry was a key contributor, earning scout team player of the week three times. Looking ahead to 2018, Berry will continue to play a role on special teams and he will provide depth to what should be a strong Hoosier receiving corps.

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff continues each and every day so be sure to check back often for the latest profile piece!