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Indiana’s two victories against Florida International and Ball State have showcased their revamped defensive. Defensive Coordinator Tom Allen promised a much more aggressive approach, and has delivered thus far.
The defensive cornerbacks haven’t been slouches, but the biggest impact has been at the linebacking core. Tegray Scales and Marcus Oliver have been crucial to Indiana stopping opponent’s run games, while Marcelino Ball at the newly invented “husky” position, helps in coverage. The “husky” position is a hybrid between a linebacker and strong safety that allows him to be much more active in the defensive scheme and has produced great results.
Sep 10, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Ball State Cardinals running back James Gilbert (34) is tackled by Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Marcelino Ball (42) during the first half of the game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Ball, an honorable first team all-state and all-region mention from Roswell High School in Georgia, has already made an impact despite it being his freshman season. In his first two career appearances, he has recorded 13 total tackles, 9 unassisted, with 4 assists, and one interception. For a player who is adapting to a new system, and virtually playing a new position, Ball has established himself as a key part in this linebacking core.
Tegray Scales showed his abilities last season with 40 solo tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions. He played in nearly every game, but only started one. Under Allen, he has taken a much more prominent role, and has turned into one of Indiana’s most versatile defenders.
Scales, from Cincinnati, Ohio, was the 2013 AP Division 1 co-defensive player of the year, as well as a first team all-state honoree. At Colerain High School, he made over 100 tackles, 13 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions. He was one of Indiana’s top rated recruits, and will be instrumental in the future of this new defense.
Along with four solo tackles in his game at Florida International, he also returned an interception for a touchdown which closed out any chance for a comeback. He followed up with another impressive showing in the Hoosiers’ home debut against Ball State, recording 5 more tackles and forcing an important fumble. Scales is proving that he can take the ball away, something that the team desperately needed last season.
Completing the new trio of linebackers is Marcus Oliver, who like the other two, is having a stellar start to the season. A redshirt sophomore from Hamilton, Ohio, Oliver exploded onto the season as a freshman and was looking like one of their top defensive prospects before suffering from an ACL tear against Missouri last season. After receiving a medical redshirt, Oliver has returned without skipping a beat. Oliver has recorded 13 tackles, including a forced fumble last week against Ball State.
So far, Indiana’s linebacking core has dominated. After watching team after team post huge numbers against a weak Hoosier defense, it is a breath of fresh air to see such talent and aggression in their defenders. Tom Allen seems to have already earned the respect of this bunch, and should be able to continue to take the ball away, and get the offense back on the field.
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