Offense-Wrecking Kamara, IU Hope to Keep it Rolling at UCLA
Pete DiPrimio | IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Mikail Kamara wrecks offense. Let’s start there. Don’t limit Kamara. He wants no part of that. Indiana coaches want no part of that. He roams the defensive line as if he was without a position; he goes where he and defensive coordinator Bryant Haines want and opposing offenses absolutely don’t.
At any point in a game, say Saturday at UCLA (1-0) in the Rose Bowl, Kamara could play defensive tackle, defensive end or stud, a Hoosier-specific hybrid position that blends the best of defensive end and linebacker.
Kamara had this role last year at James Madison and totaled 17.5 tackles for loss. This season he leads IU (2-0) with three sacks and six tackles overall, plus nine quarterback pressures.
“I kind of play all three positions,” he says. “I like it because it gives me different matchups. So, if I’m going against a guard and it’s pass rush, I play in space and go against a guy who is not used to being in space.
“Or, if I go inside, I’m closer to the ball. I make one move and I’m right there at the ball. If you make a move on the edge, you still have that ground to make up.
“Playing stud and playing end are a little different in terms of technique and mentality. It gives me an opportunity to manipulate tackles a little differently.”
Deciding which position Kamara plays, he says, is based off the way Haines calls the game, and who is tired, and who isn’t.
And, of course, how much offense wrecking he can cause.
Kamara spent the summer working with his defensive line teammates to hone the chemistry crucial for success.
“The D-line has to have chemistry,” he says. “We play so fast. That was a jump start to that.”
Kamara brought insight gleaned from his James Madison experience while playing for Haines, who had been the Dukes’ defensive coordinator before taking the same job at IU under head coach Curt Cignetti. Returning Hoosier defensive linemen provided their Hoosier perspective.
“They gave me a scouting report of the offensive linemen I’ll face this year,” Kamara says. “They’ll probably be more physical, and more run heavy. That aided into what drills and techniques I needed to work. Then, I provided my drills and techniques to help (Indiana teammates) get better.”
It’s paid off so far. IU defensive linemen have combined for 10.5 tackles for loss in the first two games. Kamara expects more.
“We’re still working the chemistry. I know eventually it will click and then we will roll.”
Kamara mentioned defensive line stunts as an example.
“Maybe Marcus gets up the field real fast. I see it and I know based off this look and set, what type of move he will hit. I can base my move off of that.”
Those moves could be crucial in Saturday’s Big Ten opener. IU has dominated Florida International and Western Illinois, outscoring them 108-10, but this will be a much bigger test, including the West Coast travel. This is the Hoosiers’ first road game of the season.
Receiver Elijah Sarratt says director of athletic performance Derek Owings has provided a number of travel tips, including wearing compression clothing on the plane to help avoid swelling.
Kamara says the Hoosiers will try to keep their sleep schedule in synch with East Coast time.
“Other than that, football is football,” he says.
IU only had one UCLA game to study, and the film showed a team still in transition under new head coach DeShaun Foster, especially the offense. Still, the Bruins displayed toughness and resiliency in overcoming a 10-point deficit at Hawaii to win 16-13.
Additional insight came by watching Washington Commanders’ film. Eric Bieniemy was their offensive coordinator last year before taking over the UCLA attack.
Kamara and his defensive line teammates face an offensive line that allowed multiple negative plays against Hawaii. UCLA should have offensive tackles Garrett DiGiorgio and Reuben Unije back. DiGiorgio missed the opener with an injury, and Unije sat out much of the second half.
Michigan State transfer running back Jalen Berger is likely to see action after not playing against Hawaii.
Take away fifth-year quarterback Ethan Garbers’ 47 rushing yards, and the Bruins ran for just 24 yards on 13 carries. As far as passing, Garbers was 19-for-38 for 272 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He was pressured 14 times in 44 dropbacks.
Kamara says the Bruins run a pro-style offense.
“They have a smart quarterback. A fast running back. Fast guys on the outside. Some big O-linemen. Those guys make it work, but I’m confident in my guys winning one on ones and in Haines making the right defensive calls and outcoaching their offensive coordinator.”
UCLA has won at least eight games in three-straight seasons. It held Hawaii to 1.8 rushing yards per carry, and 51 rushing yards overall. Seven of its last 14 opponents have averaged less than two yards a carry.
This game, Sarratt says, could come down to toughness. He says the Hoosiers have plenty of it.
“That will take us a long way. If we keep doing that, if we keep stacking up the days, the sky is the limit for us.”