Jacob Mangum-Fararr Looking Forward to Position Switch

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Jacob Mangum-Fararr started all 12 games at linebacker for the Hoosiers in 2023, many thought he would hang it up and move on. However, Mangum-Fararr is switching to the ‘stud’ defensive line position and is looking to be more productive for IU in 2024.

“(I felt I) had a lot left in me and I didn't feel like I produce the amount that I could have last year.” Mangum-Farrar told the media on Thursday after a spring practice session.

At linebacker, Mangum-Fararr made 62 tackles with four of them coming for a loss. Good numbers, but he believes he can do better.

New Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti “thought given my body and my length and size I'd be better like, boundary end or what we call stud and the linebackers now or a lot smaller than me and they are probably a little bit quicker. But yeah, just like my body type. It's probably better for stud position.” Mangum-Fararr explained of the move.

The move does not come as a surprise for Mangum-Fararr as his body is better suited to come off the edge and it was a position that he thought was coming to play last year.

“Like I said (Cignetti) just thought my body type would be better for that position. And originally that's what I was gonna come here to play last year, but I think we were super low inside backer and since I've had experience there, I think Coach Will and Coach Guerrieri thought I could benefit there.” He said.

In order to have a successful transition to the defensive line, Mangum-Farrar has bulked up by putting on 15 pounds under the new strength staff. He is also looking at pass rushers like Von Miller to learn some of the techniques and moves to get after the quarterback better.