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Each of the returners in the running back room offered something a little different. James has flashed a mix of burst and power. Baldwin is smooth and savvy, capable of recognizing his cutback lane and picking up yards in chunks. Ellis is a unique hybrid, a natural receiver who can make plays in space. What makes Carr unique is, in his ideal form, he's a little bit of all of those things. The former five-star prospect just never quite put it all together in four years at USC. Repeated injuries and the depth of the Trojans' backfield made it hard for Carr to settle in as a three-down back. But he was highly regarded as a recruit because he flashed an ability to do it all, turning on a dime and making people miss, churning out tough yards, when necessary. What he's proven most is his ability to catch passes out of the backfield.

Carr's upside potential is intriguing, especially with the departure of Scott. But at the very least, Carr's arrival brings competition to IU's running back room. Yes, James has the makings of an every-down back. But he could never quite surpass Scott for carries. Yes, Baldwin and Ellis have talent. But they don't have a ton of experience. Carr will push James, Baldwin, and Ellis to their maximum, and he will also serve as insurance against failure. But if the situation merits, it's not out of the question that McCullough splits carries between two or three. Devine Redding and Jordan Howard were both 1,000-yard rushers in 2015. Along with Tevin Coleman's 2,000-yard season in '14, D'Angelo Roberts had 107 runs for 493 yards. - Herald-Review Times

(DS#66 RB) rSr/2022

RB Stephen Carr, Indiana
News Source: Herald-Review Times
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05/24/21 - Camron Buckley, rSr/2023, Indiana, 6-1, 198 (DS#999 WR) + More +

Indiana announced another transfer addition Monday, receiver Camron Buckley from Texas A&M. Buckley, a 6-2, 190-pound receiver from Cedar Hill, Tex., missed the 2020 season with a knee injury in August. In three seasons with Texas A&M, Buckley collected 62 catches for 877 yards and four touchdowns. His best season came in 2018 as a sophomore, pulling in 34 catches for 474 yards. "Cam has caught a lot of footballs and made a lot of big-time plays in the SEC," IU coach Tom Allen said in a news release. "He brings experience and leadership to the wide receivers room. We're excited about the play-making ability he adds to our offense." As a recruit, Buckley was ranked as a three-star prospect in the class of 2017, considered the No. 372 recruit in the country. He had offers from Texas, Auburn, Miami, and TCU, among others. He was also recruited and offered by current IU receivers coach Grant Heard when he was at Ole Miss. - Indianapolis Star/News

(DS#999 WR) rSr/2023

WR Camron Buckley, Indiana
News Source: Indianapolis Star/News
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05/17/21 - Stephen Carr, rSr/2022, Indiana, 6-0, 211 (DS#66 RB) + More +

Indiana has dipped into the transfer portal for another potential impact player, landing a commitment from Southern Cal running back Stephen Carr as a graduate transfer. A five-star high school recruit from Gardena, California, Carr rushed for 1,329 yards on 264 carries (5-yard average) with 12 TDs in three seasons with the Trojans. The 6-foot, 215-pound Carr also was effective catching the ball out of the backfield, with 57 catches for 421 yards and one TD and returned 15 kickoffs for 321 yards.

At IU, Carr will be reunited with IU running backs coach Deland McCullough, who recruited Carr to USC before leaving to take the running backs coaching job with the Kansas City Chiefs. Carr will join an IU position group that includes junior Sampson James, sophomore Tim Baldwin, sophomore David Ellis and returning walk-ons Charlie Spegal and Davion Ervin-Poindexter. James sat out spring drills with an undisclosed injury. - Herald-Teview Times

(DS#66 RB) rSr/2022

RB Stephen Carr, Indiana
News Source: Herald-Teview Times
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05/12/21 - Stephen Carr, rSr/2022, Indiana, 6-0, 211 (DS#66 RB) + More +

As USC leaves behind a by-committee approach to its backfield, one of its most experienced running backs is planning to leave USC. Stephen Carr has decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal, a person familiar with the decision confirmed to The Times, ending an up-and-down, four-year tenure that started with a bang as a freshman, only to taper off in the seasons that followed.

His departure clears the way for Texas transfer Keaontay Ingram to join forces with sixth-year senior Vavae Malepeai as the two top backs in a Trojans rushing attack that last season ranked among the worst in college football. USC averaged just 97 yards rushing per game during its shortened 2020 campaign, worse than all but seven teams at the FBS level. Carr played a mostly part-time role, rushing for 176 yards and two touchdowns on 46 attempts, second-most on the team behind Malepeai. But the trio of Malepeai, Carr, and oft-injured Markese Stepp, who left in January for Nebraska, never found its rhythm. A lackluster showing on the ground led USC to replace its offensive line coach and run game coordinator and retool its philosophy. In January, running backs coach Mike Jinks told The Times that USC planned to scrap its by-committee approach in favor of using "an RB1 and an RB2". - Los Angeles Times

(DS#66 RB) rSr/2022

RB Stephen Carr, Indiana
News Source: Los Angeles Times
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05/04/21 - Jerome Johnson, rSr/2021, Indiana, 6-2, 296 (DS#28 DT) + More +

Four Indiana football players signed undrafted free agent deals with teams shortly after the NFL draft ended Saturday. All-Big Ten first team defensive tackle Jerome Johnson was the first to sign with the Miami Dolphins, while All-Big second-team running back Stevie Scott III signed with the New Orleans Saints. Former IU center Harry Crider signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, while wide receiver Whop Philyor signed with the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. - Herald Bulletin

(DS#28 DT) rSr/2021

DT Jerome Johnson, Indiana
News Source: Herald Bulletin
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04/30/21 - Camron Buckley, rSr/2023, Indiana, 6-1, 198 (DS#999 WR) + More +

Texas A&M wide receiver Camron Buckley and safety Derrick Tucker have entered the NCAA transfer portal, both making the announcement via twitter Wednesday. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Buckley missed the 2020 season because of a knee injury suffered in fall camp. "I have enjoyed my 4 years as an Aggie but after careful consideration I have decided to enter the transfer portal as a graduate transfer," Buckley said. "I am walking by faith and trusting God." Buckley for his career had 62 receptions for 877 yards with four touchdowns. His best season was as a sophomore in 2018, making 34 catches for 474 yards with a touchdown. Tucker, who opted out of the 2020 season, played in 25 games, making 16 starts. He ended with 84 career tackles, 55 of them solos. - Bryan/College Station Eagle

(DS#999 WR) rSr/2023

WR Camron Buckley, Indiana
News Source: Bryan/College Station Eagle
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04/29/21 - Stephen Carr, rSr/2022, Indiana, 6-0, 211 (DS#66 RB) + More +

The past few seasons, the USC run game has had too many cooks in the backfield. Since the end of Ronald Jones II's junior year in 2017, the Trojans have employed a by-committee approach at running back only to finish in the bottom-quarter of Pac-12 rushing attacks each time. After bottoming out in 2020, averaging the fewest ground yards per game in the conference, USC is looking for a different approach in 2021, searching this spring and during the summer for a pair of leading backs. Or, as position coach Mike Jinks puts it, 1A and 1B. "It's exciting," senior back Vavae Malepeai said of the opportunity. "We all just focus on what's in front of us and where our feet is. It's a matter of enjoying the process and making sure we trust the process."

So far at spring camp, there have been four contenders for the two jobs. Malepeai and fellow senior Stephen Carr are the two returners, while Texas transfer Keaontay Ingram and freshman Brandon Campbell have entered the fray. Of the four, Carr had the best performance at the spring game two weeks ago. He had eight carries for 53 yards and a touchdown and a catch for an extra 13 yards. Overall, Carr has looked healthy for the first time in years, with an explosive burst at the line of scrimmage. "I feel like I understand more of what I'm doing on the football field," Carr said. "I'm playing more comfortable, not thinking as much, making full-speed decisions." - Orange County Register

(DS#66 RB) rSr/2022

RB Stephen Carr, Indiana
News Source: Orange County Register
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04/20/21 - Demarcus Elliott, rSr/2023, Indiana, 6-2, 307 (DS#69 DT) + More +

If you just glance at Demarcus Elliott's listed weight, there isn't much of a difference. This spring, the junior defensive tackle is listed at 6-foot-3, 307 pounds. In the fall, he was 311. But hidden in that four-pound difference is an important detail. Elliott's goal immediately following the 2020 season was to replace 10 pounds of fat with 10 pounds of muscle. His overall number may be similar, but the content is different. Hugely different. "It's a night-and-day difference," Elliott said. "Just being able to strike blockers and hold my ground more and drive back." That change is why Elliott was recognized along with safety Raheem Layne as the Hoosiers' two most improved defensive players at spring practice. Elliott, the ultimate unfinished product, seems to be getting closer to his ultimate potential. "D-Mac" was just a little bit behind. The freshman from Garden City Community College in Kansas didn't sign with the Hoosiers until May 2019. That gave him a short runup to his first fall camp as a sophomore, which Elliott surmounted with a non-stop motor. - Indianapolis Star/News

(DS#69 DT) rSr/2023

DT Demarcus Elliott, Indiana
News Source: Indianapolis Star/News
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04/18/21 - D.J. Matthews Jr., rSr/2023, Indiana, 5-10, 160 (DS#999 WR) + More +

Florida State transfer receiver D.J. Matthews Jr. was named one of the two most outstanding offensive players this spring, while Ole Miss transfer defensive end Ryder Anderson was named one of the two most outstanding defensive players. Both should figure prominently into IU's plans in the 2021 season. The 5-foot-10, 153-pound Matthews came to IU as an established receiving and return threat in three seasons in the ACC with the Seminoles. "He had a really good spring," Allen said. "It was from Day 1, I think he might have got offensive player of the day the first practice he had, just his quickness, very, very good route runner, not a very big guy but extremely quick, also good speed, really good ball skills, had a great attitude, just a really likeable person." Matthews will likely line up as a slot receiver and return punts in the fall. "Just gives us another weapon in that throwing game, which we really need and just has a chance to replace what Whop (Philyor) gave us at that position," Allen said. - Herald Bulletin

(DS#999 WR) rSr/2023

WR D.J. Matthews Jr., Indiana
News Source: Herald Bulletin
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04/14/21 - Shaun Shivers, rSr/2023, Indiana, 5-05, 187 (DS#46 RB) + More +

Yes, Shivers' size is that of a smaller running back, but the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native has always played bigger than his stature -- as though he is always the biggest, most physical man on the field. "I just think this is the best offense for me, because I have a chance to show what I can really do - just get downhill," Shivers said. "That's something I came from before, when I was in high school. It's just something we did, running downhill. That's just what I'm used to." Shivers hasn't been afraid to show that this spring, as evidenced by a since-deleted video that Auburn's official team account posted to Twitter on Saturday afternoon. It showed Shivers taking a handoff in practice from Bo Nix and taking off down the left sideline, where defensive back Malcolm Askew tried to square up and bring him down.

Shivers, like he did to McKinney in the 2019 Iron Bowl, trucked Askew and dropped him to the turf before being wrapped up by two defenders a few yards downfield. "That position - especially at tailback - that's one you've got to be physical," Harsin said. "You've got to be a different dude. You're going to get hit every play, you've got to be able to protect the passer, you've got to take care of the ball." Shivers, who has rushed for 933 yards and seven touchdowns in his first three seasons, has brought that approach consistently to practice this spring, leading by example while impressing Harsin and the new staff with his demeanor. As Harsin put it Saturday, Shivers has been "purposeful" in everything he has done this spring - rarely, if ever, taking a play off while also being focused in absorbing the new playbook. - Birmingham News

(DS#46 RB) rSr/2023

RB Shaun Shivers, Indiana
News Source: Birmingham News
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04/10/21 - Devon Matthews, rSr/2023, Indiana, 6-0, 203 (DS#40 SS) + More +

Indiana junior safety Devon Matthews enjoyed a breakout 2020 season for the Hoosiers, one that ended with him earning third-team All-Big Ten honors. Now, IU safeties coach Jason Jones is challenging Matthews to take another step in his development next season in terms of being a more vocal leader on defense. "He now understands what is going on in the back end with the safeties, the husky and the two corners," Jones said. "Now let's take the next step and understand what the linebackers are doing and what is happening up front to see the entire picture. He is a smart young man and understands that we could put a lot on his plate and give him different options.

"We are putting more on his plate, and he has done a good job at embracing it. He is taking and running with it." The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Matthews, nicknamed "Monster," proved to be a playmaker in his first year starting at strong safety for IU, finishing with 40 tackles, two tackles for a loss, one sack, one interception, six pass breakups and one QB hurry. "I have definitely progressed very well going into last year," Matthews said. "I think I stepped up more last year and being more vocal. This year, I am even taking it up more of a notch. I am just talking more, communicating more." - Herald Bulletin

(DS#40 SS) rSr/2023

SS Devon Matthews, Indiana
News Source: Herald Bulletin
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04/08/21 - Caleb Jones, rSr/2022, Indiana, 6-9, 370 (DS#51 OT) + More +

As an in-state product, Caleb Jones has been a proud representative of Indiana football the past several years. The 6-foot-8, 355-pound offensive tackle could head home for the offseason after an eight-win campaign in 2019, or the pandemic-shortened, six-win season of 2020, with his head held very high on his very broad shoulders. But the chorus Jones has heard isn't all positive. "What happened? What happened?" the Hoosiers' big man recalled hearing from his former Lawrence North classmates after IU dropped Jan. 2 bowl games in consecutive seasons. "Why didn't you guys … ? Why didn't you guys … ?" also echoed in Jones' ears. "I think it brings about a level of focus and tenacity toward what we want to do next season and the goals we want to achieve," Jones said. "Two years in a row, we didn't finish. And this year, it can't be that same way."

Last season was undoubtedly a good one for IU, but Jones thinks back and knows it could have been better. Especially for himself. Without the structure of a normal offseason, Jones found it harder to keep himself in good shape. By the end of the season - after missing three consecutive games in the middle of it - Jones was playing at around 395 pounds. That weight is carriable for a man as massive as Jones, but it doesn't allow an athlete to be as quick and nimble as Division I football requires. He's down about 40 pounds this spring, determined to cut another five to 10 before he steps on the field next fall. - Indianapolis Star News

(DS#51 OT) rSr/2022

OT Caleb Jones, Indiana
News Source: Indianapolis Star News
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04/01/21 - Myles Price, rSr/2025, Indiana, 5-09, 178 (DS#122 WR) + More +

The closest comparison to Myles Price could be former Texas Tech great Jakeem Grant. When Grant graduated from Tech in 2015, he checked in at 5-7, 168 pounds. Price currently stands three inches taller and seven pounds larger. However, the analogy goes beyond size, as Price proved to be an all-purpose threat in his true freshman campaign. In 2020, the freshman was one of two players to reach 300 receiving yards for the Red Raiders, which he did on 28 catches. But, it is not just his receiving abilities that makes him a threat. Twelve carries for 124 rushing yards gave him a team-high 10.3 yards per attempt. The slot receiver finished fourth on the team in all-purpose yards and first among freshmen. The threat of Price stems from his elusiveness and a sub-4.6 40-yard dash time, which could open a door to more playing time in the fall. A 70-yard rushing touchdown against Kansas showcased his speed, as the burst showed reminisce of Grant's "Little People, Big World" touchdown against Texas in 2015. - Dallas Morning News

(DS#122 WR) rSr/2025

WR Myles Price, Indiana
News Source: Dallas Morning News
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03/25/21 - Thomas Allen, rSr/2022, Indiana, 6-2, 240 (DS#999 ILB) + More +

Indiana junior linebacker Thomas Allen is determined to play football again, even after a career-threatening hip injury that has caused pain, doubts and a lengthy rehab process. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Allen, the son of IU head coach Tom Allen, took a step forward in his rehabilitation by jogging around the field during spring practice this week. "It feels amazing," Allen said. "This type of injury kind of humbles you, and it makes you realize how fortunate you are to play Division I sports and play football in the Big Ten. I mean you've got to take every opportunity, and you don't take anything for granted. So a crappy run on the field is better than not doing it at all, and just putting that in perspective has really helped me."

Allen suffered a dislocated hip with a posterior wall fracture, the same injury Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered in his college career at Alabama, during IU's 24-0 win over Michigan State on Nov. 14, 2020. He forced a fumble earlier in the game, but after a Michigan State player landed on his hip awkwardly to finish a run play early in the third quarter, Allen stayed down in pain. "I've had enough injuries in my career to know something was pretty seriously wrong," Allen said. "I remember screaming, knowing something was wrong, and when the doc got it finally popped back in, it hurt." - Herald Bulletin

(DS#999 ILB) rSr/2022

ILB Thomas Allen, Indiana
News Source: Herald Bulletin
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03/14/21 - Marcelino McCrary-Ball, rSr/2022, Indiana, 6-0, 212 (DS#25 SS) + More +

Indiana senior defensive back Marcelino McCrary-Ball had surgery to repair a torn ACL last October, the same morning of IU's breakthrough overtime win against Penn State that began a historic 2020 season. The rest of the season was one of mixed emotions for Ball -- happy to see the Hoosiers doing well and sad for not being a part of it. Ball found himself Googling "How quickly could you come back from an ACL tear" as he watched IU games on TV or listened on radio. "I had no negative thoughts," Ball said. "It was just more so can I come out there and play? Just put me in a little zone. I can't (play) man-to-man, I can't blitz right now but put me in a little Cover 3, Cover 4, I could go out there."

Ball said he's still "far out" as far as taking part in football practices this spring but is confident he's on the right track to be ready by the season opener Sept. 4 at Iowa. His return could be important to a secondary that lost All-Big Ten safety Jamar Johnson to the NFL Draft. The 6-foot, 214-pound Ball has proven his worth as a playmaker at the husky position, with 15.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and three interceptions. - Herald Bulletin

(DS#25 SS) rSr/2022

SS Marcelino McCrary-Ball, Indiana
News Source: Herald Bulletin
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