Why Indiana football doesn’t have to hit reset button at linebacker

BLOOMINGTON — Indiana football linebacker Aiden Fisher found himself in a leadership role as a mid-year enrollee without playing a single snap.

The returning Hoosiers sought out the James Madison transfer to learn more about IU’s new coaching staff and defensive scheme.

“It’s been kind of fun to see everybody gravitate (towards) you a little bit, and be able to help them out with everything that’s new,” Fisher said.

Fisher has embraced the role, and is hoping to be just as impactful on the field as the Hoosiers look to replace starting linebackers Aaron Casey and Jacob Mangum-Farrar, a tandem that started all 12 games together at the position.

Casey is working to achieve his NFL dreams while IU’s new staff has shifted Mangum-Farrar over to defensive end.

Fisher spoke to reporters near the midway point of spring practice and was excited about the progress the team has made in just a few short weeks.

“It’s been a pretty smooth transition so far,” Fisher said.

More: Indiana football’s packed receiver room turning heads in spring practice

Indiana football will follow the same blueprint James Madison’s defense used last season

Fisher called his arrival in the Big Ten part of his continued “upward climb.”

The climb for Fisher started in 2021 when he was an unranked prospect at Riverbend High School in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He signed with James Madison and spent his freshman year primarily playing special teams.

Fisher was a breakout star for the Dukes team that went 11-2 last season while holding opponents 19.5 points per game (No. 20 in the FBS) and 333.8 yards per game (No. 30 in the FBS).

According to Pro Football Focus, Fisher was second on the team with 741 defensive snaps. He also filled up the stat sheet with 108 tackles (51 solo), seven pass breakups, a blocked kick, one interception and 21…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-indiana-football-doesnt-hit-080829023.html

Author : The Herald-Times

Publish date : 2024-04-08 08:08:29

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.