Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 26 Days (Kiante Walton)

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

#26

The 2017 season is now only 26 days away! It’s been a long road but the Hoosier Huddle Countdown is three-quarters complete so let’s imitate every single college and high school team in the country and hold those four fingers in the air to let everyone know that yes, it is indeed the fourth quarter! Today’s countdown piece focuses on an interesting depth piece that has switched positions heading into his redshirt junior season: Kiante Walton.

Kiante Walton

-Height: 6’2”

-Weight: 223 lbs.

-Hometown: Columbus, GA (George Washington Carver High School)

-Position: LB

As has been written about previously, the Indiana Hoosiers are quite well-stocked in the secondary. That statement is especially true when considering the safety position. That is why it wasn’t particularly surprising when rumors began swirling that Kiante Walton was switching to linebacker. It was apparent at spring practices that he had bulked up significantly and when IU released their roster, the rumors were confirmed and Walton was listed as a member of the linebacking corps. The move makes sense from multiple angles but let’s examine Walton’s journey to this point first.

A native of Columbus, Georgia, Walton came to Indiana after a strong career as a defensive back at George Washington Carver High School. He was an honorable-mention all-state selection in 2013, posting 47 tackles with five interceptions during his senior season. He was a three-star recruit that came to IU and played in all 12 games as a true freshman during the 2014 season, registering eight tackles. Walton started the first two games of the 2015 season at safety and played very well in the season-opening victory over Southern Illinois. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending injury after only two games and received a medical-redshirt. Walton came back healthy for the 2016 season but he was passed on the depth chart by Jonathan Crawford, Tony Fields, newcomer Marcelino Ball and a now healthy Chase Dutra. He appeared in all 13 games but was used primarily on special teams.

Now we enter the 2017 season. Each of the previously mentioned players are back and IU has added a pair of talented safety prospects in Bryant Fitzgerald and Juwan Burgess. The secondary is very well-loaded and playing time on anything other than special teams is hard to see for Walton. So, he bulked up and added weight to his frame and the Hoosiers have moved him to linebacker. IU only plays two linebackers at a time in their 4-2-5 formation but the departure of Marcus Oliver leaves some minor questions for the depth of the position. There is no question Tegray Scales will start and lead the defense. Dameon Willis, Chris Covington and Mike McGinnis are likely the next three players in line. After that, Reakwon Jones and T.J. Simmons are the only scholarship players with any experience and it seems like Walton would be battling those two for playing time. His quickness and pass coverage ability could make him a good option to go against pass-heavy offenses. His presence at the position could also allow both Mo Burnam and Thomas Allen (who will very likely be redshirting regardless of Walton’s status) because of the added depth he provides. In addition, Walton should continue to be an option on special teams as a gunner on coverage teams. Having upperclassmen with playing experience that can step in and provide adequate play when called upon is the kind of defensive depth Indiana has not had in many years. Kiante Walton’s move to linebacker makes perfect sense and should benefit both the player and the team.

Please share any comments or thoughts in the comments section or in our message board. The countdown continues each and every day so make sure to check Hoosier Huddle daily as we churn towards the 2017 season!