Defensive line hasn’t always been a strength for Indiana, and that’s probably describing things generously.
Very often, competing in the Big Ten is about being competitive in the trenches, and a spring transfer out of the program by 2023 starter Philip Blidi had things looking bleak for the Hoosiers up front.
But a wave of transfers into the program, including two spring additions to help offset the loss of Blidi, have provided optimism the Hoosiers could have a group that can make a splash.
Of particular note, three defensive line transfers to IU are among the eight highest-graded 2024 Big Ten players returning to college football at their respective positions, according to Pro Football Focus.
With a grade of 76.9, defensive end Mikail Kamara is the eighth-highest graded edge rusher returning to college for a Big Ten team this season, says PFF.
Last season at James Madison, Kamara fought through a knee injury and still totaled 17.5 tackles for loss with 6.5 sacks. In 23 college games, he has 23 tackles for loss.
In addition to Kamara, IU used the transfer portal to add interior defensive linemen CJ West (Kent State), James Carpenter (James Madison) and Tyrique Tucker (James Madison).
Returning Indiana veterans with significant college experience include Lanell Carr Jr. and Marcus Burris Jr. Kamara’s former JMU teammate Tucker also has starting experience. And the staff moved another veteran, linebacker Jacob Mangum-Farrar, to the “stud” position — a hybrid linebacker/defensive end.
Along the interior, IU has two of three highest graded returning defensive tackles.
West had an 85.9 grade according to PFF, and Carpenter 80.8, for the second and third best marks among players returning to college football and on Big Ten rosters this year.
West tied for No. 4 nationally among interior defensive linemen in tackles for loss or no gain (14). He has seven sacks and 18 tackles for loss for his career.
“A really big person that had good initial quickness, violent,” new IU coach Curt Cignetti said of West late last month. “He made a lot of plays at the nose guard position.”
Meanwhile, while playing for Cignetti at JMU, Carpenter was a two-time All-Sun Belt Conference pick (2022-23). He totaled 141 career tackles, 28.0 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. He also owns two interceptions, two recovered fumbles and one forced fumble.
The addition of the West and Carpenter should give IU a new look up front when fall camp starts on July 31. Along with other possible defensive starters, neither was available during the spring, and the offense appeared to have the upper-hand at times.
Carpenter was out during the spring rehabbing from an injury, and West was not yet an campus.
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