Indiana Hoosiers: Five Things to Watch for in Spring Practice

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by Evan Orris

“One thing I think people misunderstand from one season to the next is you just assume that just because we came close in the fourth quarter against Ohio State that it’s just, OK, we’re a year older, we’ve got a lot of guys coming back,” Indiana head coach Tom Allen said. “You can’t fall into that trap. You have to recreate everything. You have to recreate your culture. You have to recreate the fire you have within you to be able to do the little things it takes. We have to work harder.” 

For the Hoosiers to repeat the magic of last season, they are going to have many questions to answer this upcoming season. Six impact players from last season have moved on to the NFL draft.

The Hoosiers lose leading rusher Stevie Scott, starting safety Jamar Johnson, starting center Harry Crider, and two starters on the defensive line in Jerome Johnson and Jovan Swann. They’ll have the entire spring to assess these losses and find replacements. But, this slate of spring practices could be the biggest in program history as Tom Allen and company look to avoid the fall to irrelevancy.

1.  Can D.J Matthews land a starting spot at receiver?

This past season, the Hoosiers imprinted their brand of grit across the map. This paid dividends both on the recruiting trail and the transfer portal. Tom Allen was able to land a former four-star recruit in wide receiver D.J Matthews.

Matthews played three seasons for the Florida State Seminoles racking up 84 catches for 809 yards and five touchdowns. He also left Tallahassee as a top ten punt returner in the school’s history with 582 return yards.

With the departure of starting receiver Whop Philyor, Matthews has the opportunity to seize the starting position. He could be the speedy-energetic receiver that would complement the physical Ty Fryfogle perfectly. He would also add a new dimension to Indiana’s offense, and give an injection to the special teams unit. But first Matthews must prove that in Spring practice.

2.  Who will take over as the starting running back?

Stevie Scott was the focal point for the offense last season, especially after starting quarterback Michael Penix was injured. He was fed 156 carries for 561 yards and ten touchdowns in only eight games. However, as mentioned, Scott forwent his last year of college eligibility for the NFL Draft.

With Scott gone, the Hoosiers have a huge hole to fill. The next man up is Sampson James. James was the second leading rusher on the team with 32 carries. He showed flashes his freshman year rushing for 275 yards and three touchdowns, but ultimately took a backseat to Scott.

Sophomore Tim Baldwin Jr. could also be a potential change-of-pace back. Last season, Baldwin flashed his abilities in the absence of Sampson James. In the game against Maryland, Baldwin rushed for 106 yards on 16 carries, which made him the 14th true freshman to rush for more than 100 yards in IU history. Baldwin and James figure to be used interchangeably, however it will be interesting to see which one of them will ultimately be named the starter.

3.  What will the offensive line look like?

The Hoosiers offensive line unit was mediocre last season. There were never any holes in the run game. They were only able to average 3.1 yards per carry. On the other hand, they did lead the Big Ten in fewest sacks allowed per game. However, they just lost their best player and leader in center Harry Crider.

The good news is that the Hoosiers return six offensive lineman that played valuable snaps last season. Caleb Jones, Dylan Powell, Mackenzie Nworah, and Matthew Bedford are the presumable starters. However, if injuries prevail, Luke Haggard and Mike Katic can step-in and provide some much-needed depth.

Tom Allen was also able to land transfer Zach Carpenter. Carpenter hails from Michigan where he played in three games on the offensive line. Making two starts at center. The 6-foot-5-inch mauler figures to be Crider’s replacement at center.

4.  Who will replace the starters on the defensive line?

As mentioned before, the Hoosiers lose both Javon Swann and Jerome Johnson next season. Johnson will be tougher to replace. He was second on the team with four sacks and four and a half tackles for losses. Johnson is a tough, hard-nosed interior defender that was a big help in the Hoosiers stout defense.

These departures leave major holes for the defense. Tom Allen will look to a committee of lineman to replace those losses. James Head, Sio Nofoagatoto’a, Michael Ziemba and C.J Person all saw snaps as rotational players last season. Now, they will all compete for playing time.

Once again Allen was able to reel in another fish from the transfer portal. After sacking Jack Tuttle in the Outback Bowl, Ole Miss defensive end Ryder Anderson transferred to IU. As a member of the Rebels, Anderson was able to record seven tackles for losses and 2.5 sacks. He will add to the Hoosiers depth along the line. 

5.  Can Charlton Warren repeat the defensive magic of last season?

Defensive coordinator Kane Womack was masterful last season. His schemes often times confused opposing offenses and forced the opposing quarterback to make mistakes. The Hoosiers ranked second in the NCAA in interceptions with 17. The problem is that Womack left Bloomington to become the head coach at the University of South Alabama.  

In late January, the defense found their new leader in Charlton Warren. Warren spent the previous season as the defensive backs coach for the Georgia Bulldogs. The Bulldogs have four defensive backs who could be selected in this year’s draft alone. The defense as a whole ranked Top 25 nationally in total defense (12th), scoring defense (T-16th) and takeaways (T-24th) and the secondary played a huge role in that.

Warren offers the Hoosiers a new perspective, an SEC perspective. Coming from a top-notch program, Warren is no stranger to high expectations. Head coach Tom Allen knew this could be a huge benefit and jumped on the chance to team up with Warren.

“I love the idea of having a new set of eyes,” Allen said. “We have a great staff, defensively, of coaches that I love and trust, and they do a great job. But when you bring somebody in, I just say, ‘Hey ... what do you think about this?’ You have a whole different perspective when you come from the outside in.”

Warren will be a great addition to the coaching staff. However, for the Hoosiers to be successful again, the defense will have to carry the same grit and tenacity as last year’s team. Tom Allen has to prove that last season was not a fluke and continue to keep the pride alive in Bloomington.