Kamara Excited to “Prove This is Real” vs. UCLA

Written by Ben Gillard

Mikail Kamara has been a force for the Hoosiers this season, putting up 6 tackles and 3 sacks over the first two games. On the defensive line, the James Madison transfer is the undisputed leader, a role that he has been embracing head-on this season.

“The adjustment has been kind of changing my role, trying to be more of a leader, and I think I have done a pretty decent job of that. Again, it is really just bringing the chemistry together, bringing the team together; that’s the biggest focus all throughout camp and throughout these first two weeks.” Kamara said while reflecting on the transition from James Madison to Indiana.   

When asked how he was trying to become a better leader, Kamara responded, “I think for a while I’ve been kind of a leader just based off of leading by example, and I think I have to be a little bit more vocal. And then especially as far as teaching the playbook, things like that, letting the guys know when they can take shots, what footwork to take, and the best opportunity, things like that.” Kamara’s veteran presence and previous knowledge of Coach Haines’ playbook will be invaluable as the Hoosiers face their first real test on the road at UCLA. 

When asked about his level of excitement before his first Big 10 game, Kamara said, “Very excited. I think this is a game where we go out there and prove to everybody that this is real. I feel like we've had two warm up games, and people still might be a little bit skeptical. I think going in here, doing what we need to do against UCLA can start this change that we're looking for.”

While this will be the Hoosiers first game at the Rose Bowl since 1967 and the first Big 10 game for Kamara and a ton of other Hoosiers, they are not backing away from the challenge. Coach Cignetti has said that they view the UCLA game as “just another game.” When asked about this, Kamara seemed to agree.

“Oh yeah, we're definitely buying into that. The whole we're going to be in LA thing, the UCLA thing, play in the Rose Bowl, it is cool, it is a great experience, but at the end of the day, football is football. Once the pads are on, once the ball is kicked, it's football. It doesn't matter what state we're in.” He said.

One thing is for sure: Kamara and the Hoosiers have the chance to silence a lot of doubters in Pasadena Saturday night.