Here's our roundup of IU basketball, football and recruiting news.
Jordan Wells / Basketball Beat & Recruiting News
IU had a few targets in-town for Sunday’s tilt against Purdue, including Betterndorf (Iowa.) four-star point guard DJ Carton (6-3, 190 pounds, No. 51 player nationally) and La Lumiere four-star forward Isaiah Stewart (6-8, 230 pounds, No. 32 player nationally).
Let’s start with Carton. It’s a good sign that he came in town for a couple days unofficially, and was joined by his family. Actions speak louder than words, and that shows some interest.
However, Iowa and Wisconsin have been on him for a while. If he gets back to campus again, that would be encouraging, but I’m only saying let’s keep in mind those schools have been on him a while.
I urge caution on looking too much into Carton’s quotes. He seems to speak pretty strongly about most schools.
For example, here’s a quote about one of his Iowa visits (link): “I really love Iowa. I went down there for their football game against Penn State. The atmosphere was something else. It is a special place. They take their sports very seriously there. I really like the coaching staff. They are all really good guys that I connect with well, and the players, too.”
So, words like “love” and “special place”. Again I can’t be anymore clear about this, I’m not trying to put down the recruitment or say he isn’t going to IU. It definitely shows interest that him and the family came in for a weekend.
I’m only trying to keep perspective.
On Stewart, continue to feel like IU has an outside shot. Seems like he really likes Duke but I’m not sure how hard Duke is recruiting him. Notre Dame has also done a great job - he plans to visit ND next month after already visiting there this fall for a football game (although, keep in mind trips to ND are easy from La Lumiere).
Nothing new on the Romeo Langford front, outside a potential announcement at the McDonald’s All-American game would make sense.
My gut feeling? If I had to predict a school for him today, I’d predict IU. But factually, we don’t know where he’s leaning - they maintain all three schools are even.
So, no Romeo prediction (yet.)
Continue to feel like IU is also in a good position with 2019 Center Grove four-star forward Trayce Jackson-Davis (6-9, 210 pounds, No. 28 player nationally). Ohio State and Michigan State among others are also contending - Izzo watched him play recently - but still think IU has done a great job.
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Stu Jackson / Basketball Beat & Recruiting News
A few tidbits from Archie Miller's radio show last night:
Miller has been impressed with the Hoosiers' mentality this week despite being mired in a three-game losing streak. He specifically pointed out senior guard Robert Johnson as a player who has really stepped up his leadership this week.
Health-wise, Miller indicated grad forward Collin Hartman is progressing well from a lower leg injury but would be a game-time decision if he played on Saturday against Michigan State. "Did some stuff on the floor today, running up and down, moving" was how Miller described Hartman's recent involvement in practice, for what it's worth.
Elsewhere on the roster, freshman forward Justin Smith's name was also brought up pertaining to a question for Miller about what he's doing well and where he can improve. Smith, who's been the topic of several discussions on this board because of his potential, is a "respectful," "intelligent" and "coachable" player according to Miller. However, Miller said IU needs more rebounding out of him, specifically getting after those loose, 50-50 balls/rebounds. Looking at the stat sheet, it's understandable why Miller would bring that up with Smith averaging 2.3 rebounds per game in each of his last eight games (all starts).
Miller also provided an update on redshirt freshman forward Race Thompson, who has recently been impressing in the weight room.
Miller said Thompson has really transformed his bodied, and out-benched every player except Freddie McSwain Jr. on Thursday.
Miller also praised Thompson's high basketball IQ. The staff uses him in a lot of different ways on the scout team in practices.
"He's a guy who's really going to help Indiana over the course of his time here."
The last newsworthy update was redshirt junior guard Zach McRoberts saying he will be graduating with a degree in economics in May but will return for his redshirt senior season. He's a walk-on, so unless he gets awarded a scholarship before next season, he won't impact IU's numbers in that regard.
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Taylor Lehman / Football Beat & Recruiting News
This is the final weekend before the final Signing Day Period arrives on Wednesday, February 7, and I have not heard of or confirmed any 2018 visitors this weekend.
With that in mind, there are a few guys to keep an eye on as the signing day approaches:
3-star Florida cornerback Jamar Johnson committed to the Hoosiers in mid-January and expects to start at cornerback, though his frame and abilities could put him anywhere in the secondary.
Story on Johnson’s commitment:https://indiana.rivals.com/news/2018-sarasota-defensive-back-commits-to-iu
More info on Johnson before he committed:https://indiana.rivals.com/news/2018-sarasota-safety-jamar-johnson-has-iu-in-final-two
Then there’s 3-star defensive end Jonathan King, who has IU in his top three which also includes Maryland and Marshall. He’s visited IU and Maryland in the last few weekends, and IU has been down to see King a couple times since his visit as well. His visits with IU have all gone well, and IU has essentially put its remaining focus at the position on him, after it quit recruiting Kenny Turnier and Chauncey Manac committed to Louisiana-Lafayette. We likely won’t know where he’s going until Wednesday.
Story on Jonathan King: https://indiana.rivals.com/news/florida-de-jonathan-king-visits-iu-with-hoosiers-in-top-three
The other prospect to watch is Florida linebacker James Miller. Miller was in Bloomington a couple weekends ago, and he also visited Iowa last weekend. He picked up a Florida State offer last week, which, to my knowledge, is huge for Florida guys. He might choose to stay closer to home, or he could come to Bloomington. Nothing is certain there. But his visit with IU went well I’ve heard, and the open linebacker spots are appealing for any linebacker.
James Miller’s Rivals profile:
James Miller’s tape:
Also, this weekend features IU’s Junior Day on Saturday. Here are a few 2019 guys TheHoosier.com has confirmed will be in town:
Indiana WR Bryce Kirtz
Virginia TE Ben Castellano
Ohio LB Brody Ingle
Illinois DL Jason Bargy
Ohio DL Spencer Bono
One additional note: Indiana made its hiring of Bruce Johnson as Assistant Athletic Director - Director of On-Campus Recruiting official this afternoon. Sources had been telling our Stu Jackson this had been in the works since last week. Makes sense to make it official and have him in the fold now with IU's Junior Day coming up this weekend.
Johnson, formerly senior director of player personnel for Ole Miss since 2012, had helped the Rebels land the No. 7, 19, 21, 7, and 39 recruiting classes nationally in each of the last five years, from 2013-2017 respectively, according to Rivals, so this is a big addition to the Indiana staff.
Jordan Wells / Basketball Beat & Recruiting News
IU had a few targets in-town for Sunday’s tilt against Purdue, including Betterndorf (Iowa.) four-star point guard DJ Carton (6-3, 190 pounds, No. 51 player nationally) and La Lumiere four-star forward Isaiah Stewart (6-8, 230 pounds, No. 32 player nationally).
Let’s start with Carton. It’s a good sign that he came in town for a couple days unofficially, and was joined by his family. Actions speak louder than words, and that shows some interest.
However, Iowa and Wisconsin have been on him for a while. If he gets back to campus again, that would be encouraging, but I’m only saying let’s keep in mind those schools have been on him a while.
I urge caution on looking too much into Carton’s quotes. He seems to speak pretty strongly about most schools.
For example, here’s a quote about one of his Iowa visits (link): “I really love Iowa. I went down there for their football game against Penn State. The atmosphere was something else. It is a special place. They take their sports very seriously there. I really like the coaching staff. They are all really good guys that I connect with well, and the players, too.”
So, words like “love” and “special place”. Again I can’t be anymore clear about this, I’m not trying to put down the recruitment or say he isn’t going to IU. It definitely shows interest that him and the family came in for a weekend.
I’m only trying to keep perspective.
On Stewart, continue to feel like IU has an outside shot. Seems like he really likes Duke but I’m not sure how hard Duke is recruiting him. Notre Dame has also done a great job - he plans to visit ND next month after already visiting there this fall for a football game (although, keep in mind trips to ND are easy from La Lumiere).
Nothing new on the Romeo Langford front, outside a potential announcement at the McDonald’s All-American game would make sense.
My gut feeling? If I had to predict a school for him today, I’d predict IU. But factually, we don’t know where he’s leaning - they maintain all three schools are even.
So, no Romeo prediction (yet.)
Continue to feel like IU is also in a good position with 2019 Center Grove four-star forward Trayce Jackson-Davis (6-9, 210 pounds, No. 28 player nationally). Ohio State and Michigan State among others are also contending - Izzo watched him play recently - but still think IU has done a great job.
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Stu Jackson / Basketball Beat & Recruiting News
A few tidbits from Archie Miller's radio show last night:
Miller has been impressed with the Hoosiers' mentality this week despite being mired in a three-game losing streak. He specifically pointed out senior guard Robert Johnson as a player who has really stepped up his leadership this week.
Health-wise, Miller indicated grad forward Collin Hartman is progressing well from a lower leg injury but would be a game-time decision if he played on Saturday against Michigan State. "Did some stuff on the floor today, running up and down, moving" was how Miller described Hartman's recent involvement in practice, for what it's worth.
Elsewhere on the roster, freshman forward Justin Smith's name was also brought up pertaining to a question for Miller about what he's doing well and where he can improve. Smith, who's been the topic of several discussions on this board because of his potential, is a "respectful," "intelligent" and "coachable" player according to Miller. However, Miller said IU needs more rebounding out of him, specifically getting after those loose, 50-50 balls/rebounds. Looking at the stat sheet, it's understandable why Miller would bring that up with Smith averaging 2.3 rebounds per game in each of his last eight games (all starts).
Miller also provided an update on redshirt freshman forward Race Thompson, who has recently been impressing in the weight room.
Miller said Thompson has really transformed his bodied, and out-benched every player except Freddie McSwain Jr. on Thursday.
Miller also praised Thompson's high basketball IQ. The staff uses him in a lot of different ways on the scout team in practices.
"He's a guy who's really going to help Indiana over the course of his time here."
The last newsworthy update was redshirt junior guard Zach McRoberts saying he will be graduating with a degree in economics in May but will return for his redshirt senior season. He's a walk-on, so unless he gets awarded a scholarship before next season, he won't impact IU's numbers in that regard.
------
Taylor Lehman / Football Beat & Recruiting News
This is the final weekend before the final Signing Day Period arrives on Wednesday, February 7, and I have not heard of or confirmed any 2018 visitors this weekend.
With that in mind, there are a few guys to keep an eye on as the signing day approaches:
3-star Florida cornerback Jamar Johnson committed to the Hoosiers in mid-January and expects to start at cornerback, though his frame and abilities could put him anywhere in the secondary.
Story on Johnson’s commitment:https://indiana.rivals.com/news/2018-sarasota-defensive-back-commits-to-iu
More info on Johnson before he committed:https://indiana.rivals.com/news/2018-sarasota-safety-jamar-johnson-has-iu-in-final-two
Then there’s 3-star defensive end Jonathan King, who has IU in his top three which also includes Maryland and Marshall. He’s visited IU and Maryland in the last few weekends, and IU has been down to see King a couple times since his visit as well. His visits with IU have all gone well, and IU has essentially put its remaining focus at the position on him, after it quit recruiting Kenny Turnier and Chauncey Manac committed to Louisiana-Lafayette. We likely won’t know where he’s going until Wednesday.
Story on Jonathan King: https://indiana.rivals.com/news/florida-de-jonathan-king-visits-iu-with-hoosiers-in-top-three
The other prospect to watch is Florida linebacker James Miller. Miller was in Bloomington a couple weekends ago, and he also visited Iowa last weekend. He picked up a Florida State offer last week, which, to my knowledge, is huge for Florida guys. He might choose to stay closer to home, or he could come to Bloomington. Nothing is certain there. But his visit with IU went well I’ve heard, and the open linebacker spots are appealing for any linebacker.
James Miller’s Rivals profile:
James Miller’s tape:
Also, this weekend features IU’s Junior Day on Saturday. Here are a few 2019 guys TheHoosier.com has confirmed will be in town:
Indiana WR Bryce Kirtz
Virginia TE Ben Castellano
Ohio LB Brody Ingle
Illinois DL Jason Bargy
Ohio DL Spencer Bono
One additional note: Indiana made its hiring of Bruce Johnson as Assistant Athletic Director - Director of On-Campus Recruiting official this afternoon. Sources had been telling our Stu Jackson this had been in the works since last week. Makes sense to make it official and have him in the fold now with IU's Junior Day coming up this weekend.
Johnson, formerly senior director of player personnel for Ole Miss since 2012, had helped the Rebels land the No. 7, 19, 21, 7, and 39 recruiting classes nationally in each of the last five years, from 2013-2017 respectively, according to Rivals, so this is a big addition to the Indiana staff.
