Sometimes you can't put a price tag on culture/leadership and what that can overcome. i.e. the teams that don't have the same talent on paper, but b/c of great teamwork go further than anyone thought possible? Think IU has some "Senior Secret Sauce" potential this year in older guys who have bought in, work hard and may hold the team together this year to finish/breakthrough.
Some good examples:
Offense:
-Brandon Knight & Wes Martin - two guys who will lead an O-line looking to make up for last year.
-J Shun Harris & Luke Timian - one has overcome huge injuries & keeps coming back. Other was a walk on who's become one of steadier players in B10. Both small with lot of heart.
-Mike Majette & Ricky Brookins - Both guys have not played a ton, had some injuries, but are seemingly great guys, work hard and set great example for others on and of the field.
-Ryan Watercutter - TE walk on who is all business, worked hard and has produced.
Defense:
-Jonathon Crawford & Jacob Robinson - two 4-yr seniors who have played since FR year, great leaders, will contribute a lot on / off field.
-Nyle Sykes & Damian Willis - two 5-yr guys, have battled some injuries, but contributed on the field and have potential to go out strong in their last year.
-Mike Barwick - 5th year guy, some thought "not big (tall) enough" but has always done what's asked & produced, anticipate he'll do the same again this year.
IU has some of the best talent it's had in a long time on the overall roster, but having great senior leadership is something that should not be overlooked going into this year. It could be a really great year due to this group holding things together and going out strong.
Some good examples:
Offense:
-Brandon Knight & Wes Martin - two guys who will lead an O-line looking to make up for last year.
-J Shun Harris & Luke Timian - one has overcome huge injuries & keeps coming back. Other was a walk on who's become one of steadier players in B10. Both small with lot of heart.
-Mike Majette & Ricky Brookins - Both guys have not played a ton, had some injuries, but are seemingly great guys, work hard and set great example for others on and of the field.
-Ryan Watercutter - TE walk on who is all business, worked hard and has produced.
Defense:
-Jonathon Crawford & Jacob Robinson - two 4-yr seniors who have played since FR year, great leaders, will contribute a lot on / off field.
-Nyle Sykes & Damian Willis - two 5-yr guys, have battled some injuries, but contributed on the field and have potential to go out strong in their last year.
-Mike Barwick - 5th year guy, some thought "not big (tall) enough" but has always done what's asked & produced, anticipate he'll do the same again this year.
IU has some of the best talent it's had in a long time on the overall roster, but having great senior leadership is something that should not be overlooked going into this year. It could be a really great year due to this group holding things together and going out strong.
