Indiana University Athletics
Relentless Killion Focused for Senior Campaign
7/27/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 27, 2005
An opportunity for immediate playing time played a key role in linebacker Kyle Killion's decision to attend Indiana University in 2002. Sure enough, the Kingwood, Texas, native started each of his first three college games in his debut campaign before suffering a severe knee injury midway through the Sept. 14 Kentucky game. The Hoosier medical staff initially thought that the injury would sideline Killion for the remainder of the season.
While most players would view this prognosis as a devastating blow, Killion saw it as a blessing in disguise.
"The coaches' policy was that if you did not practice on Tuesday or Wednesday of game week, then you watched the game Saturday from the stands," Killion recalled. "Here I was, a true freshman, starting at linebacker in the Big Ten, and I had to sit out five weeks. It was tough. It fueled my fire and made me anxious to come back."
Killion worked hard in rehabilitation and came back to play in the final four games that year. Three years later, the 6-0, 230-pounder still feeds off this adrenaline. He was second on the team and fifth in the league last season with 107 tackles, which earned him second team all-league mention from the media and honorable mention from the coaches. Lindy's preseason magazine ranks him among the top 11 outside linebackers in the nation.
While the individual accolades are nice, they are just a small part of this All-American candidate's big picture.
"I am so focused and dedicated on my senior season. This is my final go around," Killion said. "I want to help IU get back to a bowl game."
Killion headlines a Hoosier defense that returns seven starters from a unit that set a school single-season record with four defensive touchdowns in 2004. After starting at middle linebacker each of the last two years, Killion will return to his more natural outside linebacker slot this fall.
This move has multiple benefits for the Hoosiers.
"In addition to calling the defensive signals (at middle linebacker), I was given a lot of freedom to roam and make plays," Killion said. "Playing middle linebacker also helped me understand the intricacies of the offenses. I also have become a more fundamentally sound tackler. I feel that all of this has made me a better football player."
Killion's move to the outside makes way for senior and three-year starting fullback John Pannozzo to move to middle linebacker. Ask any IU player or coach, and they will tell you that both Killion and Pannozzo fit their respective positions like a glove.
"It just makes the defense that much stronger," Killion said. "Not only do we have talented players on defense, but we have some great leaders as well - John, (defensive tackle) Russ Richardson, (defensive end) Victor Adeyanju."
Killion's role as defensive signal caller definitely strengthened his leadership role as well, but he is quick to point out that he does not have a strong vocal presence on the field or in the locker room.
Nonetheless, Killion has some valuable insight for his younger teammates as well as future Hoosiers.
"I would tell them that their (playing) time is coming, and they need to make the most of it," Killion said. "Stay focused and dedicated, and there is no doubt that everything will fall into place."
