Black cast himself as the feisty Raphael, with Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton filling the roles of Leonardo and Michelangelo, a trio that powered Indiana’s ground game.
A year later, despite turnover in the room, Black insists the identity hasn’t changed.
“I could say that we’re probably the same,” Black said. “I feel like our camaraderie is great in our room. We always laugh and joke around together.”
That continuity shows up daily on the practice field.
At practice, Ellison roams around, but gravitates towards his former position group. He’s all smiles like he was in pads last year, then turns into a coach and mentor on a dime.