One of Indiana's fall camp battles just became important again for all the wrong reasons

A.J. Harris and Rylan Gandy had a heated battle for a starting cornerback job with the Hoosiers. Harris got the start against North Texas in Week 1, but was forced to leave the game late in the first quarter, making way for Gandy to step in.

Harris arrived from Penn State and was expected to help replace what Indiana lost with D'Angelo Ponds, but injuries complicated his offseason and allowed Gandy to stay in the fight.

Harris was able to get to the locker room under his own power, although he was noticeably limping. The Georgia and Penn State transfer missed part of fall camp with a knee injury.

While you hate to see anyone get injured, especially in Week 1, the Hoosiers are fortunate to be in a position of depth. The way Harris and Gandy battled during camp was proof that Curt Cignetti is building a roster that can absolutely be a next-man-up, reloading team.

Indiana looked a little sloppy on defense in the first series, thought they were able to keep North Texas off the board. Harris was called for defensive pass interference just before going off the field.

Indiana's defensive depth will be tested early

Losing a starter, even for a short term injury, is an opportunity for Indiana to take a look at their depth defensively. Not only will Gandy need to fill in for Harris, but it could shift things around in different personnel groupings, including both nickel and dime packages.

Harris eventually emerged as the starter during fall camp, and barely a quarter into the season, Indiana may already be finding out why having two legitimate answers at that position mattered more than who technically won the job.

No information has been passed on yet as to the severity of the injury or if Harris will be back for the next defensive series.

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