Written by Andrew Walker (@Andrew_JW17)

Indiana Football took a huge leap this past season in defensive confidence. Tackling was more consistent (after a few early games where that wasn’t the case) and opponent points per game was at a 10 year low at 24.4 ppg. The Hoosiers’ defense is a pivotal part of the character of the team. Kane Wommack takes the defense to a new level every time he steps on the field. If there’s a hype man for the job, it’s Kane Wommack.

A great reason for the drop on opponent points per game is the defensive line. The defensive line stepped up in a big way this past season. Let’s take an early look at the defensive line for the 2020 season.

Jerome Johnson

Johnson came into his own during the 2019 season. He led the defensive line in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks. There was no better man for the job than Johnson. The 6’3 249 pound defensive lineman showed extremely good vision for being slightly undersized than most. He was able to get the job done with pure skill and his hard work paid off.

Michael Ziemba

Ziemba had a great season as a junior, and it can only be thought that his senior season will be great. While not having any sacks on the season, he landed third on the team in tackles for loss at 6.5. Playing all 13 games, Ziemba ended the 2019 season with 33 total tackles, 20 of those being solo tackles. 2020 should be pretty kind to Ziemba. His senior season should be full of opportunities for him to be one of the best defensive lineman on the team.

Damarcus Elliott

Damarcus Elliott had a great year as a young player for the Hoosiers in 2019. Seventh on the team in tackles, racking up 35, he also placed fifth on the team in tackles for loss at five. Elliott is going to be a big part of the defensive line in 2020, if not because of his skill, because of his size. At over 320 pounds, Elliott is and will be a force on the line of scrimmage.

James Head

Head had an interesting year as a sophomore, inserting himself into playing time early on and making a difference in a big way. Four tackles for loss and 20 total tackles is good enough to get Head more playing time for his junior year. Add 2.5 sacks and you’ve got yourself a great prospect for the next 2-3 years.

In the Hunt…

There are some young guys that are in the hunt, eager for a chance to prove their place on the roster that are making waves. Some of these guys, including Alfred Bryant, Tamar Reece, Jonathan King, Madison Norris, Gavin McCabe, Sio Nofoagatoto’a, Shamar Jones, Beau Robbins, CJ Person, Jeramy Passmore, and Antoine Whinter. This long list of defensive linemen, of varying skill and age, are waiting to get extremely meaningful playing time. Bryand, Reece, King, Norris, McCabe, and Sio did get some nice playing time last season, but they’re still waiting for their big break.

Kane Wommack took care of the defense last season and instilled a culture of excellence last season. With these young guys and the returning core members, Wommack and Allen will have a contender for a top three defensive line in the Big Ten.

The Huddle

Spring Practice 2020 Position Preview — Defensive Line

Hoosier Huddle