The 2011-2012 football season will begin a week from today, but the Hoosiers play their first game on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011 at 7pm against the Ball State Cardinals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis,IN. After three weeks of camp, we are starting to get a better feel for the Hoosiers depth chart.
Quarterback:
Head Coach Kevin Wilson has yet to name a starter, but it looks to be down to a three-man battle between Sophomores Edward-Wright Baker, Dusty Kiel, and true freshman Tre Roberson. Media reports have stated that Edward Wright-Baker has been spotted as the first quarterback to take reps with the first team offense. I would not be surprised to see Edward Wright-Baker start against Ball State. I also would not be surprised to see another quarterback in that game, maybe all three.
Running Back:
Injury prone and former Mr. Football Darius Willis, junior, has been slowed by some minor tweaks and has missed parts of the preseason camp. This has allowed true freshman D'Angelo Roberts and redshirt freshman Matt Perez to jump to the top of the depth chart. Following closely behind is Juco transfer, sophomore Steven Houston. When Willis is healthy, adding him to the mix could provide the Hoosiers with a talented and deep backfield. Sophomores Nick Turner and Antonio Banks also have game experience and could provide additional talent.
Tight End:
Sophmore Ted Bolser is the known name and is expected to have a big year under Wilson's new offense, however, Bolser has been slowed by injuries this preseason. Look for Paul Philips and Charles Love to get the reps at TE if Bolser isn't able to go at full speed. Senior and team leader Max Dedmond returns as a great blocker, but can also get down the field and make some plays.
WR:
The Hoosiers are stacked at WR. Led by one of the best wide receivers in the Big Ten, senior Demarlo Belcher, the Hoosiers will look to go with Duwyce Wilson and Kofi Hughes. Three true freshman have been seeing a lot of reps with the first team in Cody Latimer, Shane Wynn, and Jay McCants. Senior Dre Muhammad can also lineup in the slot.
OL:
The starting line looks to be anchored by junior center, Will Matte. On his left will be tackle Josh Hager and guard Justin Pagan. On the right side, will be tackle Andrew McDonald, and guard Marc Damsich. Charlie Chapman, Bernard Taylor, Peyton Eckert, and Cody Evers look to provide depth.
Safety:
Seniors Jarrell Drane and Chris Adkins look to be the starters in the secondary. Senior Donnell Jones looks to also play safety and come in as the nickel back.
Cornerback:
Sophomores Greg Heban and Lawrence Barnett look to start as senior Yatta Kiles provides some depth.
Linebacker:
Senior leaders Jeff Thomas and Leon Beckum anchor the defense, with fellow senior Brandon McGhee playing on the other side of Thomas. Freshman Chase Hoobler also looks to get into the mix on defense.
DE:
Senior Darius Johnson will be on one side as the other defensive end is still up for grabs. The spot seems to be senior Fred Jones to lose, but he has Javon Cornley, Kevin Bush, and Ryan Philis battling for position.
DT:
The Hoosiers will once again use a four man rotation at the tackle position. Juniors Larry Black and Adam Replogle will get the start, as juniors Nick Sliger and Mick Mentzer will see plenty of snaps. Freshman Marlandez Harris looks to provide some depth.
Special Teams:
Punter: Adam Pines
Kicker: Mitch Ewald
KR: Nick Turner and Duwyce Wilson
PR: Dre Muhammad and Shane Wynn
LS: Battle between newcomers Matt Dooley and Zack Young
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