Line of Defense

Indiana is not exactly known for playing tough, physical defense.  Actually, they are not even known for playing decent defense.  The past several seasons have been very frustrating for IU fans and the defense is usually the unit to blame.  I can distinctly remember watching games against physical teams like Wisconsin and Iowa.  Whether it was an opposing running back, tight end or wide receiver, the Hoosier defense could not tackle the ball carrier.  Nothing is more deflating to a defense than having a team run the ball up middle time and time again, gaining five or six yards a carry until they reach the endzone.  

In 2007, Greg Middleton, then a sophomore, set a school record with 16 sacks.  Defensive end cohort Jammie Kirlew had 12.5 tackles for loss (TFL).  In 2008, Middleton fell to 4 sacks.  Kirlew had a very good year with 10.5 sacks and 9 TFL.  The Hoosiers must replace Greg Brown, Ryan Marando and Kevin and Keith Burrus.  That means Deonte Mack needs to step up at one of the tackle spots.  IU has also moved former offensive lineman Jarrod Smith to defensive tackle.  By all accounts, Middleton had a great offseason.  Lynch was quoted as saying that Middleton, "looks like a completely different player."  Indiana is one of two schools to have two players on the preseason watch list for the defensive end of the year award (Oklahoma is the other).  If Middleton returns to form and the defensive tackles are adequate, this is IU's best unit.  In fact, they could be one of the best in the Big Ten.  

Defensive End

-Greg Middleton- Senior, 6'3", 285 lbs., from Indianapolis Pike High School

Middleton was First Team All-Big Ten as a sophomore when he led the NCAA in sacks with 16.  He struggled to deal with double and triple teams last season.  In my opinion, he was not ready to deal with the attention he got after his sophomore season.  He probably did not work as hard as he needed to and his play suffered.  The emergence of Jammie Kirlew should prevent teams from loading up on Middleton and I expect a very strong senior season.

-Jammie Kirlew- Senior, 6'3", 263 from Orlando, Florida.

Kirlew was First Team All-Big Ten last season.  He kind of gets overlooked but he has been one of the best linemen in the Big Ten for two seasons in a row.  I don't see any reason why that won't continue this year.  Middleton and Kirlew form one of the nation's top pass-rushing duos and they should both be on NFL rosters next season.  For now, their job is to make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable in the pocket.

-Erik Thomas- Redshirt Sophomore, 6'4", 265 from Cleveland, OH

-Terrance Thomas- Junior, 6'1", 263 from Detroit, MI

Both of the Thomas' will be given snaps because no defensive linemen can play every down.  They will need to play well because there are not a lot of options behind them.

Defensive Tackle

-Deonte Mack- Junior, 6'3", 286 lbs. from Elkhart, IN

Mack had 10 starts last season and compiled 21 tackles.  Mack needs to be rock solid in the middle of this line.  The talent of the defensive ends should divert some attention away from the interior of this line.  That will open things up for Mack to make some plays.  IU would love to their opponents average yards per carry below 4.0.

-Jarrod Smith- Junior, 6'4", 301 lbs. from Fairborn, OH

Smith was an offensive lineman last season.  He has the size that you desire in a defensive tackle.  We are going to find out if he can tackle like one.

-Nicholas Sliger-RS Freshman, 6'3", 293 lbs. from Cicero, IN

-Larry Black- RS Freshman, 6'2", 312 lbs. from Cincinnati, OH

-Mick Mentzer- RS Freshman, 6'4", 308 lbs. from Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger High School

Keep an eye on this one.  I have read a couple of articles about how good Mentzer has looked so far in camp.  He might make an impact on the field this season.

Again, I like this defensive line more than any other unit on the team.  The offensive and defensive lines are very important to a team's success.  Tomorrow, we will cover the linebackers.  Until then, stay vigilant and God Bless America.