Indiana Hoosiers: College Football Preview

Sep 27, 2014; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive end Nick Mangieri (56) tackles Maryland Terrapins quarterback C.J. Brown (16) during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

For the Indiana Hoosiers, the biggest question mark is the Defense. 

Can this defense take a step forward? Or at least not take a step backward? It seems as if every Hoosier fan asks this same question time and time again every year. This season marks the second year under defensive coordinator Brian Knorr. In 2014, the Indiana Hoosiers experienced the pains of transitioning to a 3-4 defensive scheme. Coach Wilson believes that a year in the system will reap greater rewards. According to Marcus Hartman of Fox Sports Wilson said:

"“I think in the first year you’re thinking, it’s kind of scheme — it was that way offensively for us the first year. It was all scheme, scheme, scheme. And the second year you could really work on developing some fundamentals"

At this point, the defensive line needs to put up or shut up. For years, Indiana has had potential with this part of the defense, but rarely has it shown up. The Hoosiers lost honorable mention All-Big Ten defensive end Bobby Richardson, but there’s talent that COULD step in and make an impact. Utilizing that talent, defensive coordinator, Brian Knorr, will be focused on ratcheting up the defensive pressure.

Defensive-Line:

If the defense is a ship, then Darius Latham needs to be the anchor of the defensive line. Latham was one of the most highly touted and ranked prospects of the Kevin Wilson era. In 2014, Latham showed glimpses of his potential for potency with 26 tackles, which 5.5 tackles went for a loss and 1.5 sacks. His progression is key for the Indiana Hoosiers defense. In the 3-4 scheme, the defense will use only one defensive end, which means another big defensive tackle will be next to Latham. According to the depth chart, that starting Nose tackle spot belongs to Adarious Rayner. Rayner is a 6’2″ 287-pound defensive lineman from Largo, Florida. Junior Nick Mangieri is another name to keep an eye on in this group. He emerged last season and showed the necessary pass-rushing skills the Hoosiers need. Can he produce the sacks Richardson was able to produce last season? In order for the Hoosiers to compete for a bowl game, Mangieri must have six sacks or more in 2015.

Linebacker:

The talent at linebacker is very promising. The Hoosiers have not had a linebacker drafted in one, two… 27 seasons. That might change in the future as sophomore Tegray Scales has the talent and speed to produce turnovers. Scales had 46 total tackles as a freshman and two sacks. In the middle, junior T.J. Simmons and sophomore Greg Gooch will both split time. Simmons was second on the team in tackles (72) and fourth in tackles for loss (6.5).

Secondary:

The secondary was invisible last season. The bad news? Both starting cornerbacks departed, and it does not help that the team’s leading tackler, Antonio Allen, was kicked off the team. As a result, the secondary is younger and far less experienced. The good news is Rashard Fant has athletic ability to cover which helps his coverage skills. Fant was named the starting left cornerback for 2015. Coach Knorr has high expectations for sophomore Chase Dutra at safety.