Countdown to 2018 IUFB Kickoff: 73 Days (Shamar Jones)

Written By T.J. Inman

 Countdown to Kickoff: #73 – Shamar Jones

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 271 pounds

Hometown: Johnstown, PA (Greater Johnstown High School)

Class/Position: FR/DT

Our Hoosier Huddle countdown turns to the defensive line and a newcomer that hails from the Keystone State: true freshman Shamar Jones. After the graduation of Nate Hoff and the departure of Juan Harris, IU needed to replenish depth in the interior of the defensive line. In a four-man front, IU’s defensive tackles are asked to get pressure up the middle, disrupting the pocket for opposing passers and prevent running plays from breaking into the second level of the defense. The tackle needs to command attention and take up offensive linemen, freeing the linebackers or ends to finish the play with a tackle near the line of scrimmage. The hope is that Shamar Jones, a three-star recruit that comes to Bloomington after four years of varsity football at Greater Johnstown High School, isn’t too far of from becoming a solid contributor.

Jones finished high school measuring 6’1” and weighing 271 pounds. That’s a bit light for an interior tackle in the Big Ten East but there’s no reason to believe he won’t add a bit of weight and strength working with David Ballou. Jones was highly productive during his high school career, racking up an impressive 244 total tackles including 34.5 tackles for loss. IU is expected to rely on interior linemen Jacob Robinson, LeShaun Minor, Jerome Johnson, Ja’merez Bowen, Mike Barwick Jr. and recently added graduate transfer Kayton Samuels. While it’s possible Jones could break into that rotation, I think it’s more likely that he redshirts as a true freshman. This would allow him to physically develop and adjust to the collegiate game. Redshirting linemen is something IU would love to do and I think they have the depth on the line to do so with Jones. Bowen, Robinson and Barwick are all seniors so Jones will likely be needed for meaningful snaps as early as 2019.

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff continues each and every day so be sure to check back often for the latest profile piece!