Moore Part of IU’s Safety Transformation
Pete DiPrimio | IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Louis Moore’s latest football evolution finds him at free safety.
The Indiana senior can’t wait to show what he can do.
This follows last year’s transition to husky which followed his previous role as a Texas junior college receiver.
Let’s just say it gives Moore plenty to think and do.
“As a safety, I have to know run fits, pass fits, know what everybody is doing,” the senior says.
It’s all worth it, he adds, because the free safety move, “Puts me in the best position.”
At 6-1 and 191 pounds, with enough speed and athleticism to have averaged 18 yards a catch in junior college, that best position could wreak plenty of offensive havoc.
Moore just needs enough safety work to reap full benefits. Spring practice provides it.
“We have more time,” Moore says. “We’re not game planning for other teams. There’s time to develop and get in the playbook.”
Moore arrived at IU last summer after a solid two years at Navarro College in which he caught 48 passes for 713 yards and five touchdowns. As a defensive back, he had 18 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one pass breakup to suggest a strong defensive upside.
Hoosier coaches noticed.
Last season, Moore totaled nine tackles and one sack. To accelerate his development, he worked a lot after practice with husky Noah Pierre.
“I was just getting a feel for the defense and learning everything,” Moore says. “We stayed after practice working out a lot, working on my technique, working on the position. Eventually, I got playing time.”
Moore now gets plenty of time with co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach Matt Guerrieri.
“When he first got here, he showed us all love,” Moore says. “He really aligns with us. He was honest with us. He said if there are any problems, let him know and he’ll work it out. He came in wanting us to succeed. I’m grateful to have him.”
Moore will have a big role as IU revamps its safety positions after the departures of standouts Devon Matthews, Bryant Fitzgerald, and Jonathan Haynes.
“It’s an interesting position,” Allen says. “We lost some experience there.”
The Hoosiers still have experience, led by redshirt senior Josh Sanguinetti. He’s played in 27 games and totaled 48 tackles, two interceptions, and eight pass deflections.
“Having Josh back is big,” Allen says. “He’s done some good things. He has a good mindset to adjust to (situations).”
Also back are redshirt junior Bryson Bonds, who was mostly a special teams player last season, and sophomore Phillip Dunham, who played in 12 games as a true freshman last year.
“Philip Dunham played as a freshman,” Allen says. “I want him to continue to elevate. Bryson Bonds has played a lot of ball for us. Now he has to step up.”
A big addition is junior college transfer Tyrik McDaniel, rated the No. 1 junior college safety and No. 17 overall junior college prospect by 247Sports. ESPN had him as the No. 4 safety and No. 47 overall junior college prospect. He was a three-star recruit coming out of high school in South Carolina while helping Dutch Fork win four-straight state titles.
“Tyrik McDaniel is a guy who has flashed some things,” Allen says. “He has good pop. He’s a good tackler. A physical guy. That’s what we’re looking for at that spot.”
McDaniel made an impact as soon as he arrived at the start of the second semester.
“He immediately became a leader,” Allen says. “We loved his film. We were looking for better tacklers. He fit the bill.
“I love his mindset. He has a focus to him. An edge to him. He’s so into what we’re doing. He’s very locked in.
“We ask those guys to do a lot. He comes in extra for film work all the time. That’s what I saw in the recruiting process. He will help us.”
Allen expects a lot of help from the safety position, especially with Guerrieri in charge.
“He’s doing a great job with that group,” Allen says. “He’s been great for us. I love the way he works. He has a great mindset. He’s embraced the system and also brought ideas to help us make it better.
“He’s a great person. He’s smart. He handles the room well, but also listens. It didn’t take the players long to recognize that he’s special.”
The goal is to have the players bring that to the field.
“We have to keep getting better,” Allen says. “What I see from that position is a lot of depth. We need more guys who can help us, not just from the physical part, but also for special teams. Guys who are a big, physical and who can tackle. That’s a position I’ll keep my eyes on.”