2016 Spring Preview: Defensive Line

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2016 Spring Preview: Defensive Line

The Indiana Hoosier defensive line will look immensely different in 2016 than it did at the end of 2015. Gone are the likes of Nick Mangieri, Darius Latham, Adarius Rayner, and Zack Shaw. Those four players combined to play in 50 games and make 153 tackles, including 17.5 sacks and 36 tackles for loss. Their production will be missed upfront and the Hoosiers will look for answers from some old friends and new faces. 
Indiana also sports a new(ish) defensive line coach in Mark Hagen, who replaces Larry McDaniel. The Hoosiers also add a new defensive coordinator, Tom Allen, who will try to implement a new defensive scheme— his 4-2-5 defense. This means the emergence of the new “Bull” position, which will be like a Bandit, but more of a true defensive end.
While the issue that stood out the most with the Hoosiers in 2015 was on the back end of the defense, the defensive line has to create some havoc in the offensive backfield. A good pass rush will help the still young secondary out by forcing throws a little quicker. 
          

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2015 Position Preview: Defensive Line

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2015 Position Preview: Defensive Line

Written By: Nick Holmes (@HoosierHolmes)

For the second straight day we are spending some time in the trenches, but now on the opposite side of the ball, looking at the many athletes responsible for helping this defense meet its potential this fall. 

It's year two in the 3-4 alignment and the defense looks to continue its rise towards respectability, which starts with the team's defensive line. It's been quite sometime since the Hoosiers could really boast about a talented, experienced group upfront on defense, but this fall it appears they'll be able to do just that. Despite the graduation of the team's sack leader in Bobby Richardson, this group will not only continue to improve against the run, but should also increase its effectiveness of getting to the quarterback, improving upon its 23 sacks from last fall which were good for No. 82 nationally.  

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Countdown to Kickoff: 99 Days (Adarius Rayner)

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With 99 days until IU Football kicks off we profile number 99 Adarius Rayner Image: HeraldTimesOnline.com

With 99 days until IU Football kicks off we profile number 99 Adarius Rayner Image: HeraldTimesOnline.com

Written By: Sammy Jacobs (@HoosierHuddle)

Our countdown to the kick off of the 2015 Indiana Football season starts at 99 days with number 99 defensive tackle Adarius Rayner.

Name: Adarius Rayner
HT/WT: 6’2, 300 lbs. 
Position: Defensive Tackle    
Year: Redshirt Senior
Hometown: Largo, Florida 

Highlights:
Rayner had a career game against Bowling Green in 2014 racking up four tackles and one quarterback hurry. 
2015 Outlook:
Adarius Rayner will play a crucial role in replacing the production lost from the graduation of Bobby Richardson. With Ralph Green III’s future with the team in the balance, Rayner becomes that much more important for a Hoosier front seven that could be counted as a strength on defense. 

Spring Preview: Defensive Line

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Spring Preview: Defensive Line

 Written By: Nick Holmes (@HoosierHolmes)


In 2014 the Hoosiers made some measurable gains under the guidance of Defensive Coordinator Brian Knorr. For example, the rush defense improved by 55 yards, allowing only 183 yards on the ground per game. This in large part was due to the elevated play of the defensive line. The team got contributions from both upper and underclassmen, alike. However, while they were more disruptive defending the run, they failed to generate an adequate pass rush, getting to the quarterback just 23 times which was tied for 82nd best in the country. 

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First Quarter Grades: Indiana Hoosiers Defense

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First Quarter Grades: Indiana Hoosiers Defense

While we may be only three games into the season, it also happens to be the quarter mark of the 2013 slate. Isn’t it amazing how much quicker time flies when football is around?! Well, with that unfortunately being the case, we decided it was time to take a look back at the opening trio of games that the Hoosiers have played.

As opposed to doing a boring breakdown of each game, we decided to spice things up a bit and give a first quarter report card to each unit of the team. Yesterday we kicked things off with the offense, but don’t worry, we’re back today grading the defense and tomorrow we will even take a look at special teams and the coaches.

Grades for the Hoosier Offense are after the jump!

 

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