Hoosier State of Mind
Fansided

Indiana Football: Five impact players for the 2019 season

By Alec Lasley

MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 01: (L-R) Peyton Ramsey #12, Whop Philyor #22, and Donavan Hale #6 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrate a touchdown during the first half against the FIU Golden Panthers at Ricardo Silva Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 01: (L-R) Peyton Ramsey #12, Whop Philyor #22, and Donavan Hale #6 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrate a touchdown during the first half against the FIU Golden Panthers at Ricardo Silva Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
BLOOMINGTON, IN – OCTOBER 20: Bryant Fitzgerald #31 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts after intercepting a pass in the second quarter of the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Memorial Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN – OCTOBER 20: Bryant Fitzgerald #31 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts after intercepting a pass in the second quarter of the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Memorial Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. Bryant Fitzgerald (FS, Redshirt Sophomore)

The youngster, but leader, of the defensive secondary, Bryant Fitzgerald is a name that should be all over Big Ten scouting reports this season.

As a redshirt freshman a season ago, Fitzgerald led Indiana in interceptions (3), forced fumbles (2), and overall takeaways (6). Along with topping the team in those categories, he also ranked in the top 10 in the first two categories in the Big Ten.

Finishing ninth on the team with 32 total tackles, he has always been known for his hard hitting ability at the safety position, but last season he rounded out his game turning into one of the best overall safeties in the conference.

Without being able to practice his true freshman year, a mixup with the Indiana and NCAA compliance office, led Fitzgerald to studying the playbook endlessly, showing greatly last year.

Not only is he a difference maker on the field, but his vocal leadership was shown as well.

Look for Fitzgerald to not only lead the defensive backs, but the entire defense this season and turn into a name talked about around the country.

Home/Indiana Football