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2011-2012 Preseason: Defensive Preview
Defensive Ends
This is one of the weakest points on the Indiana defense. Led by Steve Butler and Rusty Roberson (both Anthony Thompson recruits), the Defensive Ends have absolutely no depths. Backup James Webster is the only player that can pass as an average athlete; Eric Thomas (78 overall), Ahmad Brown (75 overall), and Tony Jackson (74 overall) are just terrible.
Rating: B-
Defensive Tackles
For the first time under coach Anthony Thompson, he realizes what it is like to lack youth in a position. Led by Larry Black Jr. (junior) and Milton Owens (senior), this group of kids features no athletes under the age of 20. And even though they are an aging group of students, they still lack the experience that will make them the top Defensive Tackles in the nation. Only Larry Black has ever played in a college game, and Milton Owens was on the Indiana practice squad until this season. Nevertheless, they should be able to force some pressure on the quarterback.
Rating: B
Left Outside Linebackers
Overalls can be misleading. Tim Alexander, a member of the 2010 2nd Team All-American team, is predicted to be a first teamer this season. Malcolm Harvey is a force to be reckoned with at backup, and Darius Johnson is one of the most improved players on the entire Indiana roster this season. Barring major setbacks, this should be Indiana's bright spot on the defense.
Rating: A-
Middle Linebackers
The Middle linebackers have what the defensive tackles' lack; youth. The defensive tackles have what the middle linebackers' lack; age. Led By Jonathan Green (sophomore), the middle linebackers don't have age OR depth. Backing up Green is Tracy Lilly, a freshman with a 78 overall. Behind him lies William Brown, another freshman (76 overall for him). And bringing up the rear is Ian Reeves, a senior who has never played a down of football in the NCAA--and he probably never will. Green will pose a threat as a run-stopper, but he can't play the pass worth shit.
Rating: B-
Right Outside Linebackers
Forget what I said about other positions lacking depth and age. Indiana's right outside linebacker position is the worst in the NCAA. With four true freshman as coach Anthony Thompson's only options for the starting job, he went with Drew Gray (77 overall) as the starter. And it gets worse from there. Brandon Berg and Alex Harper (72 overall) are the 2nd stringers. Malcolm Howard, with a 71 overall, is being redshirted this season. This position cannot get any worse.
Rating: F
Cornerbacks
Led by Chris Adkins and Donnell Jones (both Preseason 1st Team All-Americans), the Indiana cornerbacks are some of the best in the country. The 3rd and 4th cornerbacks for Indiana could be starting at schools like Florida, Ohio State, and Kansas. Yes folks, they're that good. George Newberry, one of the top recruits this year, rounds out the group as the 5th corner. James McGuire was a 2 star corner this year, but proved to be better than expected as he managed to make the Indiana team.
Rating: A
Safeties
The safeties for Indiana are entering a down year, with Jerimy Finch being the only player with prior experience at safety. Six of the eight players playing the safety position are freshman, and the other two are entering their final years as a Hoosiers. One of them, Jerimy Finch, is one of the top safeties in the Big 10 (92 overall, 85 catching rating). Beau Walker is just a freshman, but he hopes to be at least mentioned as a possible NCAA All-Freshman team member. The rest of them are all about equal. From the 3rd string to the 8th string, only two overall points separate them. It should be interesting to see who gets what position as the year goes on.
Rating: B+
OVERALL DEFENSE RATING: B
Good luck
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