Defensive Tackle is Suddenly Encouraging

After the commitments of two transfer DTs since the Spring Game, what seemed to be a real weakness on the interior of the defense is now back on track.

In case you missed it, Indiana’s lack of interior defensive line depth – what I and the eight other media members I asked were most discouraged about after the Spring Game – has suddenly been gathered into control in just less than three weeks.

The Hoosiers added Kent State DT transfer CJ West, who committed Wednesday, which gives Indiana four effective, playable rotation DTs where there were two before – only Marcus Burris played in the scrimmage. I would be interested to see how Indiana’s North-South offensive attack would look against this refreshed defensive interior, but alas…

West’s commitment gives the Hoosiers 28 incoming transfers and 81 scholarships assigned (out of 85 allowed). There is still room for Indiana to add at various positions – primarily DE and CB, but also potentially interior OL or another DT – but the staff is nearing the completion of its roster construction, after the deadline to enter names into the transfer portal passed May 1.

[Indiana 2024 Scholarship Chart]

---

Defensive Tackle is Suddenly Encouraging

Where the Hoosiers were thin just a few weeks ago, DT is suddenly one of the most experienced positions on the roster, as the top four DTs all played more than 300 snaps in 2023. Below is how each ranked among 341 FBS DTs with 300+ snaps:

• 8. CJ West (468 snaps)

• 22. James Carpenter (803 snaps)

• 171. Marcus Burris (437 snaps)

• 217. Tyrique Tucker (329 snaps)

It is important to keep in mind that only one of the four is proven at the Big Ten level (Burris), but there is a ton of quality experience in that room now for Pat Kuntz. One reason why that experience is significant to Indiana is because Bryant Haines’ defense is vertically driven, meaning DTs are one of the most important positions on the field for IU’s new defensive philosophy. That’s why Curt Cignetti tweeted, “It all begins with Carp!” when Carpenter signed to transfer to IU.