‘Stacking Days’ – More Dominating Defense in IU’s Future
Pete DiPrimio | IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Tyrique Tucker sees the Indiana football future, and it once again includes dominating defense.
“It feels good,” the Hoosiers’ All-American senior defensive lineman says. “It looks good. We keep building every day. Keep the main thing the main thing. Keep on stacking days. We have a lot to build on for the fall, but we have a good foundation going.”
It’s what you’d expect from a Bryant Haines defense, which has rated among the nation’s best in his two seasons as defensive coordinator.
Last year, IU held teams to 11.7 points, 77.2 rushing yards, and 266.0 total yards. The previous season, it was 15.6, 81.2, and 257.2
The defensive front leads the way, and it starts with Tucker, who last year totaled 40 tackles, 12 for loss, with six sacks, and two pass breakups.
There’s also returning veterans Mario Landino (32 tackles, six for loss, five sacks, three pass breakups and two forced fumbles) and Daniel Ndukwe (13 tackles, three for loss, two sacks). The Hoosiers added a pair of Kansas State defensive linemen with Tobi Osunsanmi and Chiddi Obiazor, as well as Notre Dame’s Josh Burnham.
Last year’s defensive line, which included standouts Mikail Kamara, Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt, set an imposing standard that shut down potent offenses from Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon, and more.
Tucker doesn’t see any drop off.
“We’re in the same boat, if not better,” he says. “We keep building every year. Every year, we want to improve on what we started. It’s kind of like a foundation thing. You want to build on that foundation.”
Thirteen spring practices, including the spring game, helped develop chemistry crucial to elite success.
“We got plenty of reps,” Tucker says. “A prime example is the best teacher. Keep repping and repping and building that chemistry. The new guys started to feel better and look better as time went on.”
IU also has seven true freshmen and redshirt freshmen on the line. The spring was crucial to their development.
“We were able to take a step forward,” Tucker says. “We have a lot of transfers, a lot of new guys and young guys. We were able to build that chemistry heading into the fall.
“The spring was big for the young guys. They got to see the pace of the game. We had some young guys step up and fill those roles (Kamara, Wyatt and Daley had). They got some good reps.”
As for Tucker, he says he’s ready to elevate his leadership and level of play.
“This summer it’s all about working, grinding, trusting the process, being process oriented,” he says. “Stacking days and getting better every day. That’s for everybody.”