Tyler Cherry True Freshman:
Cignetti and the offensive staff have been impressed by the Iocal kid in practice thus far. According to reports from Bloomington, he is getting better every day. He's slight (215 pounds at 6-foot-5), so he must also put on muscle. That said, the early returns are promising, and -- barring catastrophe—the future is bright in Bloomington.
Cherry has all of the tools to be an outstanding Power Five quarterback. He's showing accuracy and arm strength early. Cherry could be next in line after Rourke is done.
Kurtis Rourke Sixth Year Senior:
The accolades are there for Ohio transfer Kurtis Rourke. He was MAC offensive player of the year and one of the most successful quarterbacks in Ohio Bobcats history. However, there were times he played like a quarterback coming off ACL reconstruction surgery.
Indiana benefits from his transferring this year. Rourke is a year removed from knee surgery and should be at full strength. Cignetti wants to win this year, and signing Rourke via the transfer portal is proof. The relationship is mutually beneficial, however. Rourke gets to put together tape against Big Ten competition, while Indiana gets a veteran leader at quarterback.
Though Rourke is expected to start, Cignetti wants to keep his quarterback room together as long as possible, so he's keeping quiet about the progress of his quarterbacks.