Countdown to Kickoff: 29 Days (Dawson Fletcher)

Written by: Alex Compton (@alexncompton)

#29

There are now 29 days remaining until the Indiana Hoosiers kick-off the 2016 season in Miami against the Florida International Golden Panthers. Join us each day for each part of our 100-day countdown to the opener! Next up, Dawson Fletcher!

Dawson Fletcher (Redshirt Senior)

-Height: 6’0”
-Weight: 220 pounds
-Hometown: West Chester, Ohio
-Position: Linebacker

Last season, Dawson Fletcher was very good in limited snaps for the Hoosiers. After redshirting in 2014 during a switch from safety to linebacker, number 29 had a very solid year at linebacker. 

The Ohio native totaled 25 tackles (17 solo), two tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup while appearing in all 13 games for the Cream & Crimson. He also played well on special teams, as his size and athleticism allowed him to block and cover very effectively. 

With the shift to the 4-2-5 under first year DC Tom Allen, it is uncertain at this point as to how the linebackers will actually be used. Fletcher will likely be providing depth again as a LB this season, but he has a chance to carve out a nice role in the “Husky” position that Tom Allen uses in his defensive scheme. With his experience as both a defensive back and linebacker, Dawson actually has become an ideal candidate to play in that position. He has the pass coverage and run stopping abilities required to do some nice things in that spot. If he can make plays, he will stay on the field for Tom Allen. That is what he is emphasizing this summer, and it will be a huge determinant as to how well the new-look unit performs this fall. 

The most recent depth chart that was released doesn’t have Fletcher on the two-deep at linebacker, safety, or “Husky”. However, this doesn’t mean will won’t see Fletcher on the field this season. He will be an impact player on special teams again, and will eventually see the field on defense due to his versatility. He can play multiple spots on defense, and has the experience to step in and play well when called upon. 

Once or twice in a season, a guy that normally isn’t on the field makes a huge play that changes a game or season. Dawson Fletcher could be that guy this year, and as a fifth-year senior, I’m hoping it’s him. 

Share any memories or expectations you have of Dawson Fletcher as a player in the comments section (or on the message boards) and be sure to come back to Hoosier Huddle each day during our countdown!