The quarterback, skill position players and defensive ballhawks get all the credit when things are going well.
But there is always a cast of unsung stars who contribute under the radar to good football teams.
Who are some of those names to know helping to fuel Indiana’s 5-0 start?
Here are some players who have stood out thus far.
Brendan Franke: The kickoff specialist has forced touchbacks on 34 of his 36 kickoffs while averaging 71.3 yards per attempt. He’s second nationally in touchbacks, fourth in percentage of kicks returned, ninth nationally in yards per attempt, and ninth in hangtime.
Isaiah Jones: Despite not technically being a starter, Jones has played the 11th most snaps on the defense, and he’s been highly productive, with 24 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Jones has also played 92 special teams snaps across four different units, and he has the second-best PFF grade among all IU players on special teams this season. He blocked a punt vs. Iowa.
Quinn Warren: Losing the starting punter can be tricky, as there often can be a major drop off to the number two guy. A walk-on punter, all Warren did when filling in for the injured Mitch McCarthy was kick six times for a 48 yard average, with three kicks inside the 20, and three of more than 50 yards.
Riley Nowakowski: What Nowakowski does is hard to quantify, but the former Wisconsin walk-on is a jack-of-all trades. He grades out well as both a pass blocker and run blocker, and he has both a receiving and rushing touchdown. Don’t ask us if he deserves to be named here. “Sort of an unsung hero, high effort, high character, gives you everything he’s got play in and play out, really dependable,” IU coach Curt Cignetti said.
Defensive Line: The interior of this group has been performing at a high level. Mario Landino has the highest overall defensive PFF grade on the team, and Tyrique Tucker is right behind him at No. 2. They’ve combined for 6.0 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss. PFF credits Landino with 13 QB pressures, and Tucker with nine, second and third on the team. Who’s first? You might think All-American Mikail Kamara has been quiet this year, but he leads the team with 15.
Offensive Line: Among all offensive linemen with at least 200 snaps, Drew Evans has the third-highest pass blocking grade in the country according to PFF. According to that outlet, the starting left guard has allowed just one hurry through five games. Evans started the first game despite suffering an Achilles injury last November. Left tackle Carter Smith is 10th nationally in pass blocking, and right tackle Kahlil Benson is 11th in run blocking, again both among OL with at least 200 snaps.
Ryland Gandy: After coming over from Pitt as a starter, Gandy was ready when duty called in the most challenging game of the year — at Iowa. His task: replace All-American D’Angelo Ponds. Indiana’s defense held up in part because Gandy did his job despite a no doubt disappointing reserve role. He has also played 64 special teams snaps this year.
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