Indiana University Athletics
J-SHUN(NING) TACKLERS
9/17/2018 9:53:00 PM | Football
By Andy Graham
IUHoosiers.com
An old football phrase: "He de-cleated him."
It refers to contact causing an opponent's feet to fly upwards, so that cleats once imbedded in turf suddenly point skyward.
A recent example:
Indiana true freshman defensive back Jamar Johnson's block that sprung senior J-Shun Harris II's scintillating 86-yard punt return touchdown during Saturday's 38-10 win over Ball State.
And it was actually Johnson's second block on the play.
Johnson initially shielded Ball State's Ray Wilborn away as Harris used an initial move to split between BSU's Josh Miller and Tyler Potts and shift into gear.
"He shielded the first guy," Harris affirmed about Johnson when recalling the play Monday. "And he told me, after the play, that he wasn't worried about that guy – that he had confidence I'd outrun him – and so he just took off for the next dude."
The next dude turned out to be Jaylin Thomas, trying to impede Harris' path down the east sideline.
But not for long.
Johnson barreled full-tilt-boogie right into Thomas' chest, "decleating" him, and in the process also wiped out Cardinal punter Nathan Snyder.
"I just saw (Johnson) leaving his feet, and that dude's feet were in the air and, thankfully, that window opened up," Harris recalled with a smile, "and the rest is history, I guess."
(History as in Harris' third punt return TD, tying the IU career school record set by Tim Wilbur.)
It is generally quite difficult to block a covering defender, who has room to fully maneuver in the open field, during a punt return.
Johnson got three of them.
"I tell you, Jamar Johnson is one of the best athletes on our team," Hoosier head coach Tom Allen said. "I've said it already. He can play all five defensive back positions. He can be a corner, either side of corner, a free safety, Rover, Husky. There's not many guys I can say that about. That just shows you the potential we believe he has. He's a tough kid. He loves to hit, loves to play the game.
"As a matter of fact, even a week ago, we said, 'I want to get this guy involved more on special teams.' He's too good of a football player to not be. We're going to even start training him for some third-down opportunities defensively, to master a certain area of one position on that side of the ball at this point."
Allen said the Hoosiers didn't even have a return set up for the play, but instead went for a punt block.
"What happened after we go for the block, it does create some space naturally because they got to protect first, then cover," Allen said. "Then it took flat-out effort from our guys to get in position.
"J-Shun was being J-Shun, started seeing the crease, taking it. Our guys got in position. We coach them what to do after they go for a block and don't get it – we peel back."
Did they ever. Harris ended up with a quintet of teammates escorting him down the sideline for the score, with only Ball State's Nolan Givan running alongside as the final defender. Givan was summarily dismissed by IU's Chris Gajcak and Ty Fryfogle.
"It was a little different," Harris said of the Crimson convoy he received. "I've had it in practice before. It was like a reassurance, like, 'OK, now I just have to slow down behind these guys.' There was one defender left. Just slowing down and letting those guys just guide (me) to the end zone. It was an awesome feeling for sure."
And it ultimately guided Harris to his third Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honor. He gained two of those last season before a third career ACL knee injury intervened.
"It's awesome but, again, the same narrative from last year and this year – I can't do it without the other 10 guys," Harris said. "Those guys literally, and the video shows it, carried me to the end zone. Everyone making their blocks and winning their one-on-one plays, my job becomes easier."
Harris' job-description broadened a bit Saturday. Before the series of knee injuries curtailed his chances, Harris was a real threat as a wideout in the Hoosier offense. His 33-yard TD reception helped beat No. 18-ranked Missouri during his freshman campaign. Against Ball State, Harris was out wide as a receiver again, contributing his first catch of the season.
"It felt like old times," Harris said. "I got a couple snaps last year at receiver, then freshman year I got quite a few snaps. It felt good. It's something I have to get back and fine tune.
"It's different in practice. In practice, I've felt comfortable since I've done it since fall camp. Getting in the game, now I have to focus on the little things."
Harris has had football taken away from him for three straight years.
He even loves practice now.
"Not saying I didn't love practice, but I kind of love practice now," Harris said with a smile, "because when it's taken away from you, you begin to say, 'Well, I should've done this more, I should've been running harder.' You just kind of look back on the things that you might've taken (for granted) before.
"Now I just attack every practice and every game with a smile on my face, being that I have the opportunity again to play this game."
There were smiles on the faces of Harris' family and friends in attendance Saturday. And doubtless on the faces of many Hoosier fans who know the Fishers product's injury history.
And certainly on the faces of his teammates, to whom Harris is a constant source of inspiration.
"Being able to look up to him," IU senior safety Jonathan Crawford said, "especially for the young guys – who have maybe not had an injury yet or are going through an injury now. Seeing somebody that can bounce back and do what he's doing, I feel like, is great."
You'd best believe they're going to keep blocking for Harris.
And de-cleating when given the chance.
TASTY PANCAKES
Johnson's prodigious punt return block was hardly the only impressive Hoosier block on a day the Indiana offense averaged a robust 6.0 yards per play and amassed 255 yards rushing among 457 total yards.
There was, for example, senior right tackle Brandon Knight's pancake block of BSU defensive end Shannon Little that, along with tight end Matt Bjorson's block on Jaylin Thomas, paved the way for IU's first TD, with Stevie Scott going in standing from 1 yard out.
"Brandon Knight!" Scott exclaimed appreciatively Monday. "He's a good one. I like how he blocks for me. That's one of my favorite linemen. I love it. He's so dominant up front. I just like running behind him."
Scott ran behind a veteran IU line that helped him to his second Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor (unshared this time, unlike last week) just three weeks into his college career. Saturday, Scott ran 18 times for 114 yards (6.3) and a pair of scores.
"It's a blessing, but, again, I wouldn't have got that without my line," Scott said of the Big Ten award. "Always have to shout them out. And I'm glad to have it, but that's in the past now. I'm really focused on improving, bettering myself and helping our team win."
Indiana opens Big Ten play by hosting No. 24 Michigan State for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Saturday. It's also the Hoosiers' first trophy game of the season, with the Spartans' present possession of the OId Brass Spittoon at stake.
"First Big Ten Conference game (for me)," Scott said. "First rivalry game. I'm definitely ready to compete."
And the burly 238-pound freshman feels like he's holding up just fine through three games, having carried 69 times for 390 yards to date (5.7).
Asked what the IU veterans have told him about Big Ten play, Scott replied, "They've just said the guys are just big. But, my teammates are big. I just look at it like we're all the same. We're all human. Let's go out and play and let's go play hard.
"I feel good! My body feels good. I'm ready. Ready to compete and help us win. Focused."
Getting and keeping the running game going was a clear focus for the Hoosiers entering 2018, one especially felt up front.
"I don't think we rushed for enough consistently last year," junior tackle Coy Cronk said Monday. "I think it was a big focus, as far as heading into the weight room and getting bigger and stronger so we can move people.
"But this week is going to be the real test. Our first three opponents were non-conference. They played us hard, but this is where it really counts for us."
The Hoosiers couldn't make it count at MSU last fall, taking a 9-3 lead but never getting into the end zone and eventually falling, 17-9.
"We didn't score a touchdown against them last year," Cronk said. "That's just a fact. We don't have any goal line snaps to look at from last year because we didn't get in the end zone. That's a testament to them. That's a chip on our shoulder.
"As an O-line, we pride ourselves on being able to run the ball and score touchdowns. If you don't do that for 60 minutes of an entire Big Ten football game, it's simply not good enough. We have to have a little chip on our shoulder, but they're really good up front, so we'll have our hands full."
MSU returns five starters from its defensive front seven from last year's 10-3 team that concluded by whipping Washington State, 42-17, in the Holiday Bowl.
"Their front seven is their strong suit," Cronk said of the Spartans. "They have a really, really good front seven. Experienced guys. Big strong guys in the middle. Great linebackers. Their ends play extremely hard football. It's going to be a great matchup for us. They're really good up front. We've got to move them, protect our quarterback and run the football."
IU has done just that through wins over Florida International, Virginia and Ball State. Making pancakes along the way.
"I think all the big plays, one or two guys had pancake blocks." Cronk said of the BSU game. "We were getting after them really well. I think we understood our scheme and our game plan. We stuck to it. We definitely had some big blocks. Hopefully we can continue that this week."
And after benefiting from blocks that gave him a big hole at the BSU 11, Scott did some pancaking of his own near the goal line during the fourth quarter when scoring his second TD Saturday.
Scott ran right over and through BSU safety Mitch Larsen.
"Yeah, that got a lot of us hyped up," Scott recalled. "That was a big run, a big play."
Saturday night's game will bring the hype. And it will bring members of the family Scott from Syracuse, N.Y., to Bloomington.
"My parents (Aisha Lively and Stevie Scott Jr.) will actually be back for this week's game, because this is a big game," Scott said. "Especially my dad. Because he likes big games. He likes that competition level. He'll definitely be here. Especially with the Big Ten Conference (play), he'll want to be here to see it live."
And if all goes well, perhaps consume some celebratory Sunday brunch pancakes will be on the menu?
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
Harris and punter Haydon Whitehead shared Special Team Player of the Game honors for IU from Saturday as Allen announced all the team salutes Monday.
Redshirt sophomore starting quarterback Peyton Ramsey, who completed 18 of his final 19 throws before halftime and finished 20-of-27, was IU's Offensive Player of the Game. He also ran for a TD.
Redshirt junior linebacker Reakwon Jones and senior safety Crawford, who had five tackles apiece, were co-Defensive Players of the Game.
Allen also recognized the players who prepared the Hoosiers via Scout Team work: true freshman linebacker James Miller for the defense and quarterbacks Mike Fiacable and Johnny Pabst for the offense, and linebacker Andrew Stamm on Special teams.
"That group continues to be critical for us," Allen said of the Scout Team. "James Miller is a young man that's come here and really worked extremely hard. Weight room coaches comment about him. Offensive coaches, down with the scout team. Defensive Player of the Week. Attitude, work ethic has been tremendous. Is going to be a really good player here. Excited for him.
"Offensively on the scout team, Mike Fiacable, Johnny Pabst, two guys that play quarterback for us. Give us a tremendous look, give us pride in doing that. Sets the whole tone with that group. Can't get ready without those guys. Special teams is Andrew Stamm, another guy that's a complete player in terms of on the field, off the field. Always get compliments for him. Does a great job as a linebacker for us."
INJURY UPDATES
Allen noted that redshirt junior defensive end Gavin Everett, who was held out of the BSU game, was a "game-time decision" Saturday and could be back for Michigan State. Offensive guard Mackenzie Nworah could be out a little longer, but not too much longer.
"Mackenzie is a guy we're hoping to get back," Allen said. "Getting better and better all the time. He should be back soon. I don't know how soon it is. Hopefully within the next week or two. He's progressing very well.
"Gavin is a guy that could have gone (Saturday) if we needed him. Kind of a game-time decision. Wasn't really sure. As the game unfolded, we felt like it was best to keep him rested. Should be ready to roll this week, if he continues to progress. Mackenzie will not be playing again this week, but hopefully he'll be ready to go very soon."
SWEET 16
Indiana ranks in the top five amid its Big Ten brethren for 16 team statistical categories, over half of those listed by the conference, through three weeks of play.
Included in that are scoring offense, scoring defense and total defense.
And IU leads the league in pass defense, sacks against and opponents' fourth-down conversions.
Below are listed 19 categories in which the Hoosiers rank among the league's upper half:
IUHoosiers.com
An old football phrase: "He de-cleated him."
It refers to contact causing an opponent's feet to fly upwards, so that cleats once imbedded in turf suddenly point skyward.
A recent example:
Indiana true freshman defensive back Jamar Johnson's block that sprung senior J-Shun Harris II's scintillating 86-yard punt return touchdown during Saturday's 38-10 win over Ball State.
And it was actually Johnson's second block on the play.
Johnson initially shielded Ball State's Ray Wilborn away as Harris used an initial move to split between BSU's Josh Miller and Tyler Potts and shift into gear.
"He shielded the first guy," Harris affirmed about Johnson when recalling the play Monday. "And he told me, after the play, that he wasn't worried about that guy – that he had confidence I'd outrun him – and so he just took off for the next dude."
The next dude turned out to be Jaylin Thomas, trying to impede Harris' path down the east sideline.
But not for long.
Johnson barreled full-tilt-boogie right into Thomas' chest, "decleating" him, and in the process also wiped out Cardinal punter Nathan Snyder.
"I just saw (Johnson) leaving his feet, and that dude's feet were in the air and, thankfully, that window opened up," Harris recalled with a smile, "and the rest is history, I guess."
(History as in Harris' third punt return TD, tying the IU career school record set by Tim Wilbur.)
It is generally quite difficult to block a covering defender, who has room to fully maneuver in the open field, during a punt return.
Johnson got three of them.
"I tell you, Jamar Johnson is one of the best athletes on our team," Hoosier head coach Tom Allen said. "I've said it already. He can play all five defensive back positions. He can be a corner, either side of corner, a free safety, Rover, Husky. There's not many guys I can say that about. That just shows you the potential we believe he has. He's a tough kid. He loves to hit, loves to play the game.
"As a matter of fact, even a week ago, we said, 'I want to get this guy involved more on special teams.' He's too good of a football player to not be. We're going to even start training him for some third-down opportunities defensively, to master a certain area of one position on that side of the ball at this point."
Allen said the Hoosiers didn't even have a return set up for the play, but instead went for a punt block.
"What happened after we go for the block, it does create some space naturally because they got to protect first, then cover," Allen said. "Then it took flat-out effort from our guys to get in position.
"J-Shun was being J-Shun, started seeing the crease, taking it. Our guys got in position. We coach them what to do after they go for a block and don't get it – we peel back."
Did they ever. Harris ended up with a quintet of teammates escorting him down the sideline for the score, with only Ball State's Nolan Givan running alongside as the final defender. Givan was summarily dismissed by IU's Chris Gajcak and Ty Fryfogle.
"It was a little different," Harris said of the Crimson convoy he received. "I've had it in practice before. It was like a reassurance, like, 'OK, now I just have to slow down behind these guys.' There was one defender left. Just slowing down and letting those guys just guide (me) to the end zone. It was an awesome feeling for sure."
And it ultimately guided Harris to his third Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honor. He gained two of those last season before a third career ACL knee injury intervened.
"It's awesome but, again, the same narrative from last year and this year – I can't do it without the other 10 guys," Harris said. "Those guys literally, and the video shows it, carried me to the end zone. Everyone making their blocks and winning their one-on-one plays, my job becomes easier."
Harris' job-description broadened a bit Saturday. Before the series of knee injuries curtailed his chances, Harris was a real threat as a wideout in the Hoosier offense. His 33-yard TD reception helped beat No. 18-ranked Missouri during his freshman campaign. Against Ball State, Harris was out wide as a receiver again, contributing his first catch of the season.
"It felt like old times," Harris said. "I got a couple snaps last year at receiver, then freshman year I got quite a few snaps. It felt good. It's something I have to get back and fine tune.
"It's different in practice. In practice, I've felt comfortable since I've done it since fall camp. Getting in the game, now I have to focus on the little things."
Harris has had football taken away from him for three straight years.
He even loves practice now.
"Not saying I didn't love practice, but I kind of love practice now," Harris said with a smile, "because when it's taken away from you, you begin to say, 'Well, I should've done this more, I should've been running harder.' You just kind of look back on the things that you might've taken (for granted) before.
"Now I just attack every practice and every game with a smile on my face, being that I have the opportunity again to play this game."
There were smiles on the faces of Harris' family and friends in attendance Saturday. And doubtless on the faces of many Hoosier fans who know the Fishers product's injury history.
And certainly on the faces of his teammates, to whom Harris is a constant source of inspiration.
"Being able to look up to him," IU senior safety Jonathan Crawford said, "especially for the young guys – who have maybe not had an injury yet or are going through an injury now. Seeing somebody that can bounce back and do what he's doing, I feel like, is great."
You'd best believe they're going to keep blocking for Harris.
And de-cleating when given the chance.
TASTY PANCAKES
Johnson's prodigious punt return block was hardly the only impressive Hoosier block on a day the Indiana offense averaged a robust 6.0 yards per play and amassed 255 yards rushing among 457 total yards.
There was, for example, senior right tackle Brandon Knight's pancake block of BSU defensive end Shannon Little that, along with tight end Matt Bjorson's block on Jaylin Thomas, paved the way for IU's first TD, with Stevie Scott going in standing from 1 yard out.
"Brandon Knight!" Scott exclaimed appreciatively Monday. "He's a good one. I like how he blocks for me. That's one of my favorite linemen. I love it. He's so dominant up front. I just like running behind him."
Scott ran behind a veteran IU line that helped him to his second Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor (unshared this time, unlike last week) just three weeks into his college career. Saturday, Scott ran 18 times for 114 yards (6.3) and a pair of scores.
"It's a blessing, but, again, I wouldn't have got that without my line," Scott said of the Big Ten award. "Always have to shout them out. And I'm glad to have it, but that's in the past now. I'm really focused on improving, bettering myself and helping our team win."
Indiana opens Big Ten play by hosting No. 24 Michigan State for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Saturday. It's also the Hoosiers' first trophy game of the season, with the Spartans' present possession of the OId Brass Spittoon at stake.
"First Big Ten Conference game (for me)," Scott said. "First rivalry game. I'm definitely ready to compete."
And the burly 238-pound freshman feels like he's holding up just fine through three games, having carried 69 times for 390 yards to date (5.7).
Asked what the IU veterans have told him about Big Ten play, Scott replied, "They've just said the guys are just big. But, my teammates are big. I just look at it like we're all the same. We're all human. Let's go out and play and let's go play hard.
"I feel good! My body feels good. I'm ready. Ready to compete and help us win. Focused."
Getting and keeping the running game going was a clear focus for the Hoosiers entering 2018, one especially felt up front.
"I don't think we rushed for enough consistently last year," junior tackle Coy Cronk said Monday. "I think it was a big focus, as far as heading into the weight room and getting bigger and stronger so we can move people.
"But this week is going to be the real test. Our first three opponents were non-conference. They played us hard, but this is where it really counts for us."
The Hoosiers couldn't make it count at MSU last fall, taking a 9-3 lead but never getting into the end zone and eventually falling, 17-9.
"We didn't score a touchdown against them last year," Cronk said. "That's just a fact. We don't have any goal line snaps to look at from last year because we didn't get in the end zone. That's a testament to them. That's a chip on our shoulder.
"As an O-line, we pride ourselves on being able to run the ball and score touchdowns. If you don't do that for 60 minutes of an entire Big Ten football game, it's simply not good enough. We have to have a little chip on our shoulder, but they're really good up front, so we'll have our hands full."
MSU returns five starters from its defensive front seven from last year's 10-3 team that concluded by whipping Washington State, 42-17, in the Holiday Bowl.
"Their front seven is their strong suit," Cronk said of the Spartans. "They have a really, really good front seven. Experienced guys. Big strong guys in the middle. Great linebackers. Their ends play extremely hard football. It's going to be a great matchup for us. They're really good up front. We've got to move them, protect our quarterback and run the football."
IU has done just that through wins over Florida International, Virginia and Ball State. Making pancakes along the way.
"I think all the big plays, one or two guys had pancake blocks." Cronk said of the BSU game. "We were getting after them really well. I think we understood our scheme and our game plan. We stuck to it. We definitely had some big blocks. Hopefully we can continue that this week."
And after benefiting from blocks that gave him a big hole at the BSU 11, Scott did some pancaking of his own near the goal line during the fourth quarter when scoring his second TD Saturday.
Scott ran right over and through BSU safety Mitch Larsen.
"Yeah, that got a lot of us hyped up," Scott recalled. "That was a big run, a big play."
Saturday night's game will bring the hype. And it will bring members of the family Scott from Syracuse, N.Y., to Bloomington.
"My parents (Aisha Lively and Stevie Scott Jr.) will actually be back for this week's game, because this is a big game," Scott said. "Especially my dad. Because he likes big games. He likes that competition level. He'll definitely be here. Especially with the Big Ten Conference (play), he'll want to be here to see it live."
And if all goes well, perhaps consume some celebratory Sunday brunch pancakes will be on the menu?
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
Harris and punter Haydon Whitehead shared Special Team Player of the Game honors for IU from Saturday as Allen announced all the team salutes Monday.
Redshirt sophomore starting quarterback Peyton Ramsey, who completed 18 of his final 19 throws before halftime and finished 20-of-27, was IU's Offensive Player of the Game. He also ran for a TD.
Redshirt junior linebacker Reakwon Jones and senior safety Crawford, who had five tackles apiece, were co-Defensive Players of the Game.
Allen also recognized the players who prepared the Hoosiers via Scout Team work: true freshman linebacker James Miller for the defense and quarterbacks Mike Fiacable and Johnny Pabst for the offense, and linebacker Andrew Stamm on Special teams.
"That group continues to be critical for us," Allen said of the Scout Team. "James Miller is a young man that's come here and really worked extremely hard. Weight room coaches comment about him. Offensive coaches, down with the scout team. Defensive Player of the Week. Attitude, work ethic has been tremendous. Is going to be a really good player here. Excited for him.
"Offensively on the scout team, Mike Fiacable, Johnny Pabst, two guys that play quarterback for us. Give us a tremendous look, give us pride in doing that. Sets the whole tone with that group. Can't get ready without those guys. Special teams is Andrew Stamm, another guy that's a complete player in terms of on the field, off the field. Always get compliments for him. Does a great job as a linebacker for us."
INJURY UPDATES
Allen noted that redshirt junior defensive end Gavin Everett, who was held out of the BSU game, was a "game-time decision" Saturday and could be back for Michigan State. Offensive guard Mackenzie Nworah could be out a little longer, but not too much longer.
"Mackenzie is a guy we're hoping to get back," Allen said. "Getting better and better all the time. He should be back soon. I don't know how soon it is. Hopefully within the next week or two. He's progressing very well.
"Gavin is a guy that could have gone (Saturday) if we needed him. Kind of a game-time decision. Wasn't really sure. As the game unfolded, we felt like it was best to keep him rested. Should be ready to roll this week, if he continues to progress. Mackenzie will not be playing again this week, but hopefully he'll be ready to go very soon."
SWEET 16
Indiana ranks in the top five amid its Big Ten brethren for 16 team statistical categories, over half of those listed by the conference, through three weeks of play.
Included in that are scoring offense, scoring defense and total defense.
And IU leads the league in pass defense, sacks against and opponents' fourth-down conversions.
Below are listed 19 categories in which the Hoosiers rank among the league's upper half:
- Pass defense (1st at 135.3 yards per game)
- Sacks against (1st, one)
- Opponents' fourth-down conversions (1st, zero)
- First downs (2nd, 26.0 per game)
- Interception return average: (2nd, 16.5 yards)\
- Pass efficiency defense (2nd, 102.5 yards per game)
- Third-down conversions (3rd, 48.8 percent)
- Pass efficiency offense (3rd, 147.8)
- Turnover margin (3rd, +0.67 average)
- Punt returns (3rd, 13.9 average yards)
- Fourth-down conversions (4th, 80 percent)
- Scoring offense (5th, 32.0 average)
- Scoring defense (5th, 17.3 average)
- Time of possession (5th, 31:38 average)
- Total defense (5th, 322.7 yards per game)
- Lowest penalty yardage (5th, 59.0 average)
- Total offense (6th, 436.3 yards per game)
- Rushing offense (7th, 235.0 yards per game)
- Opponents' first downs (7th, 18.3 per game).
Players Mentioned
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DL
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QB
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WR
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WR
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WR
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DB
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LB
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OL
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LB
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OL
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QB
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RB
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