Defensive Line

One thing that the Indiana State Sycamores have on the defensive line is experience. With the exception of defensive tackle Ben Geffert, the other three starters on the line are upperclassmen.

The Sycamore defensive line hasn’t helped their rushing defense. Indiana State has given up an average of 294 yards rushing (6.5 yards per carry) in their first two games against Eastern Michigan and Eastern Illinois.

The Sycamore pass rush hasn’t been much better, with Indiana State only recording one sack through its first two contests.

The four starters on Indiana State’s defensive line, Geffert, Kevin Wilson, Jon Goodrich, and Dan Millington, have a combined zero sacks in their careers.

Whoever is at quarterback for the Huskies, either Dan Nicholson or DeMarcus Grady, shouldn’t have to worry about too much pressure.

Grade: C-

Linebackers

One of the bright spots for new Indiana State head coach Trent Miles is linebacker Jayden Everett.

The senior recorded 26 tackles and 2.5 tackles for a loss in just three games last season. He also forced two fumbles, tying him for the team lead.

Everett has recorded 14 tackles in Indiana State’s first two games.

In Everett’s last full season in 2006, he recorded 61 tackles with eight tackles for a loss after playing his first two yeas at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, where he was a teammate of NIU cornerback Chase Carter.

The Sycamores play a nickel defense, and Everett is joined by junior Quinton Scott at the other linebacker spot.

Grade: B-

Secondary

Indiana State’s secondary is experienced, with two senior cornerbacks in Mike Woods and Kyle Monroe.

However, Woods and Monroe have only seen action in 29 games between them.

Free safety Donye McCleskey is a freshman, and strong safety Darius Middlebrooks is a sophomore.

Freshman Larry Carter is the team’s nickelback in the five-person backfield.

Indiana State only gives up an average of 165 passing yards per game, but Sycamore opponents hold a 68 percent completion rate through the first two games. Indiana State has not yet recorded an interception.

Miles needs his veteran secondary to step up if he wants to have a successful season in his first year at the helm of the Indiana State program.

Grade: C

Special Teams

Sophomore punter Gabe Mullane has had a lot of work so far this season. However, freshman kicker Braulio Martinez has not. But, Martinez does account for all of Indiana State’s scoring so far this season with one field goal.

Martinez is 1-2 so far on the season, making a 22-yarder. He has not yet had the chance to attempt an extra point.

Mullane has punted the ball 15 times through the first two games. Compare that to NIU punter

Andy Dittbenner, who has only had to punt eight times so far.

The experience has helped Mullane, who has a respectable average of 39.2 yards per punt and a long of 59 on the season.

Starting cornerback Kyle Monroe is the team’s kick returner, averaging 21.7 yards per return.

The Sycamores have only returned two punts this season, with Ryan Patrick and Koby Kraemer each having one and combining for 20 yards.

Grade: B-