Success Begets Success – What IU Needs To Do Before Signing Day

Image: Amanda Pavelka Hoosier Huddle

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

College football’s early signing period runs from December 19 to December 21. That leaves programs roughly two weeks to solidify their current commits and add more to the class. Being able to sell 8-4 and their upcoming bowl game is an additional weapon for the IU coaches to wield. So, what do the Hoosiers need to focus on before the signing period?

1. Make Sure Current Commits Sign with IU

Indiana recently moved on from a couple of commits but most of the current commits are expected to sign without any drama or surprise switches. The IU staff has been busy this week visiting the commits, as is expected.

2. Find an Additional Playmaker

Whop Philyor’s impact on the offense was very apparent. Indiana’s attack was an entirely different animal when the junior wideout was in the game. Finding additional explosive weapons to help Whop next season and fill his shoes when he departs is imperative. The top commit in the class is four-star wideout Rashawn Williams and he looks like he could be an immediate impact guy. David Baker and potentially Javon Swinton (he could be a defensive back, we shall see) are also in this class. The coaching staff has been in pursuit of another explosive athlete to play on the offensive side of the ball. Alante Brown is definitely the top target on that list. Brown is a four-star wideout that is strongly considering IU, Michigan State and Virginia Tech. Athlete Jontavis Robertson, a standout from Georgia that could play on either side of the ball is a target as well.

3. Build the Lines

Constantly replenishing the lines of scrimmage is a priority every season. Indiana has added several offensive line prospects to the class and they are not done yet. IU recently offered three-star lineman Jake Griffin and IU is hosting a number of OL prospects this coming weekend. They would clearly like to add at least one more big body, ideally a tackle. Leif Magnuson, a three-star riser from Canada, could be the guy. The defensive line received a huge boost when IU secured the commit of Damarjhe Lewis, a defensive tackle from Georgia that is the second-highest ranked commit in the class. The staff is looking for a difference making pass-rusher and they are in hot pursuit of four-star Jason Harris (it will be tough to get him over Colorado) and trying hard to flip in-state star Deonte Craig from Iowa. Getting either of them (or both) to join up with Lewis would be massive.

4. Difference-Making Defensive Backs

Tiawan Mullen’s freshman season has shown IU fans how much of a difference it is to bring in a truly special player in the secondary. Christopher Keys and Lemuel Neely-Watley both appear to have high ceilings at corner but the Hoosiers are still on the lookout for a safety to add to the fold. Bryson Bonds, a three-star from Texas, and Jaiden Francois, a four-star from south Florida, are the highest names on the list.

The final five to seven spots in the 2020 recruiting class are likely to be very fluid and we’ll see a lot of names come and go, particularly once the coaching carousel hits full tilt. IU’s coaches will be grinding to try and round out this class and capitalize on their on-field success. Hoosier Huddle will cover any developments and bring you full Signing Day coverage.