Indiana, coming off a brutal Big Ten schedule that saw them play competitively with four top-15 ranked teams, will look to end their season with a winning record. Duke finished with a 7-5 record, doing a bit of rebuilding after losing most of their top offensive talent in last year’s draft.
By: Patrick Callaway
Indiana Football
Jordan Howard, RB#8, 6’1 230 (JR) – Expected to Declare
Howard is a physical downhill runner with a muscular upper body and big powerful lower body that always gets yards after contact and falls forward when tackled. He was awarded 1st team All-Big Ten in 2015 after gaining over 1200 yards and 9 touchdowns in his only season in the conference. After transferring from UAB where he also earned All-Conference USA honors, he immediately made an impact as one of the top rushers in the country. Jordan has a very similar skill set to Jeremy Hill (LSU-Cincinnati Bengals) due to his size, second level elusiveness and nose for the end zone. His major flaws are a lack of a true second gear in the open field and the ability to pass block. Howard will be a first and second down rotational back in the NFL. A junior that could and probably should declare early.
Nate Subfield, QB#7, 6’4, 230
Sudfeld is a tall and thin pocket passing quarterback with average arm strength. The 3rd team All-Big 10 selections best attribute is his quick and smart decision making ability which is caused by efficient pre-snap reads and highlighted by his TD-INT ratio of almost 5:1 for his senior campaign. His major flaws are his lack of arm strength which prevents him from throwing the ball downfield or into the boundary, and also his lack of ability to extend plays with his feet. He is a four year starter that has led Indiana back to a bowl game for the first time since 2007. Sudfield will be a solid NFL backup that should go in the mid-late rounds.
Jason Spriggs, OT#78, 6’7, 305
Springs is a long and lean pass blocking Tackle. The All-American Tackle is a good athlete as evidenced by his ability to stay in front of defenders on their speed rush and redirect with them on their counter moves. He also has the ability to quickly anchor and stop the charge of power rushers. His major flaw is the leverage he plays with in the running game which prevents him from being able to move defenders off the point of attack. Jason is a 4-year starter that has been a very durable and productive player. Spriggs will be a NFL starting left tackle that will go in the early rounds of the draft.
Zack Shaw, DE#33, 6’3, 253
Shaw is a run stopping DE/OLB with a filled out frame and a powerful lower body. Shaw can be a dynamic playmaker in the running game as he has amassed over 10.5 TFL’s in his senior season. His strength allows him to win at the P.O.A. in the run game and his high motor allows him to make plays all over the field. His major flaw is his lack of a first step or burst which prevents him from being an edge rusher. Shaw will be a base down backup player in the NFL as a 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE.
Duke
Jeremy Cash, SAF#16, 6’2, 210 (injured, not playing)
Cash is an all-around football player with a muscular and filled out frame. He plays the run like a linebacker and plays the pass like a safety. The Two-Time All-American has a had a stellar collegiate career filled with an abundance of accolades such as 2015 ACC Defensive Player of the Year which are the result of his ability to consistently create turnovers, make TFL’s, sacks PBU’s and tackles. Cash reminds me of Tyrann Mathieu (LSU-Arizona Cardinals) due to his position versatility and play making ability. Jeremy’s major flaw is his ability to play man coverage on receivers as he is often in position but his slow break on the ball prevents him from making certain plays. Cash will be a second day draft prick that will come into the NFL as an impact player on special teams and a sub-package starter on defense.
Matt Skura, OC#62, 6’4, 305
Skura is a well-rounded Center that can pass block, run block and has the football intelligence to be the centerpiece of an offensive line. The first team All-ACC player is a three year starter that can play Guard or Center. His major flaw is his ability to handle defensive lineman that have a good first step off the ball because he occasionally struggles to recover due to a lack of initial quickness. Skura will be a steal in the draft because he will be a third day pick that will come in and be an immediate starter.
Carlos Wray, DT#98, 6’2, 290
Wray is a run stopping defensive lineman that uses his massive lower body to hold the point in the running game. He has position versatility because he can be a 4-3 3-technique or a 3-4 5-technique. His major flaw is his first step off of the ball which often times prevents him from being an effective pass rusher. Wray will be a late round draft pick or UDFA that could be a base down backup on the NFL level.
Dwayne Norman, LB#40, 6’2, 215
Norman is a versatile linebacker that converted from safety for his senior season. The second team All-ACC player was a first year starter in 2015 but quickly became a playmaker due to his athletic ability. He can chase down plays from behind in the running game can cover TE’s and RB’s out of the backfield. His major flaw is his ability to disengage from blockers once they get on to him. Norman will be a UDFA that will make the final roster of a team to be a special teams contributor and a sub-package starter.
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