A giant purpose behind the Hoosiers’ spectacular begin has been the efficiency of a number of newcomers. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke, vast receiver Elijah Sarratt and defensive lineman Mikail Kamara all transferred to Indiana earlier than this season, and all three have been acknowledged by ESPN’s Eli Lederman and Max Olson in a latest midseason rating of school soccer’s high 50 newcomers to this point this yr.
Rourke, within the No. 5 spot, was given the very best rating of the three as he is been enjoying at an elite degree for the Hoosiers this yr.
In six video games for Indiana this season, the senior switch from Ohio College has accomplished 73.8 p.c of his passes for 1,752 yards (292 per contest), 14 touchdowns and solely two interceptions. In keeping with ESPN, Rourke’s 91.9 QBR additionally leads all beginning quarterbacks who play for a college in a Energy 4 convention (ACC, Large Ten, Large 12, and SEC).
Sarratt obtained the next-highest rating of the three Hoosiers with the No. 21 spot on the listing. The junior receiver transferred from James Madison earlier this yr and has adjusted properly to enjoying towards harder competitors. In six video games for Indiana this season, Sarratt’s used his 6-foot-2, 209-pound body to haul in 29 passes for 513 yards and two touchdowns.
Kamara, who additionally transferred from James Madison earlier than this season, was the ultimate Hoosier chosen for these rankings, and he was given the No. 28 spot.
The junior defensive lineman has been a standout performer for Indiana’s protection this yr with 20 tackles (eight for a loss), 5 sacks, and one pressured fumble in six video games. In keeping with PFF, Kamara’s 26 pressures are the second most amongst all Large Ten defenders this season heading into Week 8, behind solely Oregon’s Derrick Harmon.
Whereas ESPN’s rankings solely included gamers, an argument could be made that the largest newcomer for the Hoosiers would possibly truly be head coach Curt Cignetti.
After two profitable seasons as the top coach for James Madison, Cignetti was employed by Indiana earlier this yr, and he is had a big impact on the varsity’s soccer program in a brief period of time.With matchups towards No. 24 Michigan and No. 4 Ohio State left on their 2024 schedule, the Hoosiers nonetheless have lots to show this season in the event that they need to be among the many 12 groups chosen to compete within the Faculty Soccer Playoff.
However, no matter how they end, Cignetti and his trio of top-notch newcomers have already supplied Indiana soccer followers with some of the thrilling seasons within the historical past of this system.
