Countdown to 2018 IUFB Kickoff: 45 Days (T.D. Roof)

Written By T.J. Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

Countdown to Kickoff: #45 – T.D. Roof

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 211 pounds

Hometown: Buford, GA (Buford High School and Georgia Tech)

Class/Position: Sophomore/Linebacker

Welcome to another edition of the Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff! There are only 45 days until the Indiana Hoosiers kickoff the 2018 season in Miami against Florida International. That means we are on day #45 and today we focus on one of the few players that I can guarantee will not see game action as the NCAA mandates he sits out in 2018: Georgia Tech transfer T.D. Roof.

Terrence Davis Roof played both running back and linebacker at Buford High School in Georgia. He was a two-time all-state player in talent-rich Georgia and won a pair of state championships, making 94 tackles and adding nearly 500 rushing yards as a senior. His father, Ted Roof, is a longtime college coach that is currently leading the defense at North Carolina State but T.D. elected to stay close to home for college and committed to playing for Paul Johnson and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Roof appeared in all 11 games as a true freshman in 2017 and he had 17 tackles, including a pair of sacks. He appeared to be in prime position for a starting linebacker position in 2018 but he opted to leave the Ramblin’ Wreck and head to Bloomington.

Roof is an athletic, 5’11” linebacker that will sit out the 2018 season, per NCAA rules. After redshirting this campaign, he will have three years of eligibility remaining and it will be interesting to see where he fits in the rotation. Making 11 appearances and totaling nearly 20 tackles for a solid ACC program as a true freshman is nothing to scoff at and if he can continue to improve, he should certainly be a big part of the IU linebacker corps of the future. That future looks bright as young players like Mo Burnam, Thomas Allen, Aaron Casey and James Miller all have at least three years of eligibility remaining. For the time being, Roof will work on developing his strength and speed under Coach Dave Ballou and Dr. Tim Rhea. In addition, he figures to play a very important role each week on the scout team, helping the Hoosiers prepare for upcoming opponents. The addition of Roof means IU will likely only take one linebacker in the 2019 recruiting class, a group that will clearly be focused on both sides of the line.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Roof has been cleared to play in 2018 after receiving a legislative relief wavier

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