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Early Look at 2016 IUFB Commits: Defensive Line


benfaunce
  • In the final installment of a three part series, Ben Faunce takes a look at the defensive linemen that have committed to Kevin Wilson and the IU football program in the 2016 class. Read on to learn about the three prospects.

In the final addition to the early look at the current crop of 2016 commits, I take a look at the three defensive linemen that have verbally committed to the Hoosiers. All three of them have different playing styles, but they all have one important element in common: versatility.

 

Allen Cater – 6-4/240 – Kennesaw, Ga.
Playing Style: Run Stopper
IU Comparison: Bobby Richardson (2011-14)

 

Cater is the highest ranked defensive commit in the 2016 class according to ESPN. His biggest asset for the Hoosier defense is his ability to play multiple positions. He can play on the edge in a three-point stance and as a stand-up rusher, which is valuable in a 3-4 defense. But already at 240 pounds with a long body, Cater has plenty of room to grow and move to the outside.

 

By the time Cater is seeing playing time for the Hoosiers, he could be closer to 260 pounds or more, which likely puts him at the strong-side defensive end position that Bobby Richardson owned last season. Cater has a similar run stopping play style to Richardson – who also moved all around the defensive front in his Indiana playing days. Cater’s combination of strength and quickness could get him some snaps early in his career.

 

Where Cater needs to improve his game is staying low off the snap and leveraging blockers’ pads. He also must add pass rush to his repertoire. He already possesses a solid bull rush that simply overpowers weaker linemen at the high school level. It’s all mechanical work that needs improvement, but Cater certainly has the size, strength, speed and motor to be successful at the Big Ten level.

 

Chris Henderson – 6-4/230 – Hampton, Ga.
Playing Style: Pass Rush
IU Comparison: Flo Hardin (2011-14)

 

Henderson currently lines up as a defensive end in a 5-2 scheme at the high school level, which can essentially be considered a 3-4 outside linebacker. Henderson’s skill set will allow Coach Brian Knorr to play around with his position. Henderson should have no problem sliding in at the “Bandit” linebacker/end position once he gets to Bloomington.

 

Henderson is a fantastic edge rusher. He’s quick off the snap and with his hands, but sometimes he relies too much on his first step and will overcommit. That could come back to bite him against athletic quarterbacks at the next level. Learning patience in containing scrambling quarterbacks will be a key development point. Henderson’s burst gives him the ability to fly to the flats to attack screens and flare-routes, similar to the plays that Flo Hardin made for Indiana.

 

Henderson has the potential to succeed as a rush linebacker, but that could be the extent of his game. Henderson fits the mold of a third down blitz specialist, but he could be a very good one.

 

Ryan Smith – 6-5/280 – Cincinnati, Ohio
Play Style: Run Stopper
IU Comparison: Adarius Rayner (2011- )

 

Ryan Smith is an interesting prospect. Scouting services list different positions for the versatile lineman. Here at btownbanners.com, we list Smith as a defensive end. Rivals.com also has Smith playing the end position. But ESPN and Scout.com pin Smith as a defensive tackle, while 247sports.com lists him as an offensive tackle (although I don’t see Smith playing offense for the Hoosiers).

 

There isn’t a lot of information on the two-star prospect, but based on the tape Smith profiles as a weak-side defensive end in Knorr’s 3-4 scheme. This means he’s lining up closer to the inside– the position that Adarius Rayner and Darius Latham currently platoon. Smith’s frame and run-focused play style mimics Rayner.

 

Smith will likely be redshirted as a freshman, giving him the ability to add strength and speed for a season or two before he earns playing time. He already displays good athleticism and a nose for the ball carrier. If he hits the weight room with aggression, Smith could even slide to nose tackle.

 

You can follow Ben Faunce on Twitter: @ben_faunce.

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