Hoosier State of Mind
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Indiana Football: Possible All-Big Ten selections in 2019

By Alec Lasley

BLOOMINGTON, IN - SEPTEMBER 08: Running back Stevie Scott #21 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - SEPTEMBER 08: Running back Stevie Scott #21 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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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) /

Defense

The Hoosiers defense has been getting better and better each season and with Tom Allen as the head coach, they have taken even bigger steps forward.

This year looks to be a breakthrough season for many defensive players as they lost a couple of their leaders from a season ago.

One part of their game that needs to take a step forward is their ability to get to the quarterback. Often times struggling last year, even if they don’t get many more sacks, they at least need to put more pressure on the QB.

Jerome Johnson (DL, RS Junior): Johnson returns as one of the most effective defensive lineman from Indiana a season ago. The junior led IU with 3.5 sacks and was second with 5.5 tackles for loss last year and looks to build on those in 2019. The winner of the Old Oaken Bucket MVP last year will be a major force in the middle for the Hoosiers for a team that lost a lot from a season ago.

2018 Honors: N/A

Bryant Fitzgerald (DB, RS Sophomore): One of the most dominant defensive backs as just a freshman, look for Fitzgerald to turn a lot of heads this season. Top 10 in the Big Ten with three interceptions, and two forced fumbles, Fitzgerald also led all freshmen in the conference with interceptions. After losing Jonathan Crawford to graduation, look for Fitzgerald to step into the leadership role on the defensive side of the ball

2018 Honors: N/A

Marcelino Ball (DB, RS Junior): Third on the team last year with 59 tackles, Ball plays all over the field, and despite being a defensive back, he led the team with 7.5 tackles for loss. Ball has received recognition for his tremendous play all throughout his career, but has yet to breakthrough and be on the All-Big Ten teams. Look for that to change this year.

2018 Honors: All-Big Ten Honorable Mention

Next. Ranking Each 2019 Opponent For Indiana. dark

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