Linebackers Jailin Walker and Aiden Fisher played a key role in James Madison’s success under Curt Cignetti. Now they’re hoping to revitalize the Indiana football program.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Linebacker Aiden Fisher recalled a message delivered by coach Curt Cignetti in the early months of his tenure as Indiana’s new football coach.
Cignetti said after the first practice that he wants to see more consistency in performance, a standard Jailin Walker, another transfer linebacker from James Madison, learned to meet during his first three seasons of college. He put Indiana’s new identity simply.Fisher and Walker started alongside each other at linebacker last season as James Madison went 11-2 and climbed as high as No. 18 in the AP top-25 poll.
“I just feel like our bond is special,” Walker said. “We can just rely on each other. We can communicate and we know the standard. So if I’m down, he can always hold me up and I can hold him up. That’s my brother.” They have big shoes to fill in the middle of Indiana’s defense, which lost first-team All-Big Ten linebacker Aaron Casey, who ranked third nationally with 20 tackles for loss. Walker said Haines expects his linebackers to know as much as he knows about the defense, including the secondary and defensive line’s responsibilities.
While injured, Walker said he tried to coach up the linebackers, and it helped to have previous knowledge of Haines’ system. He also prayed every day for a speedy recovery and credited Indiana’s training staff for their help in the process.“It felt great,” Walker said. “The first day back was yesterday. It felt great to be back. I’m just happy to play football again.”
Walker said he wasn’t much of a leader during his freshman and sophomore seasons, but he’s trying to improve in that area as a Hoosier.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why Stranger Things Season 5 Recast Holly WheelerStranger-Things-Holly-Wheeler-Tinsley-Price-Evil-Dead-Rise-Nell-Fisher
Read more »
Aiden Chiles is the future of Michigan State Spartan FootballMichigan State's new quarterback, Aidan Chiles, is adjusting to the life of becoming the future for Jonathan Smith and Spartan football.
Read more »
Alabama Basketball Newcomer Breakdown: Aiden SherrellThe 5-star center's shooting capabilities and versatility bring a unique element to the Crimson Tide frontcourt.
Read more »
Safety Aiden Manutai Commits to Cal for 2025Manutai chose the Golden Bears over Washington, Tennessee, Arizona and Nebraska
Read more »
King of the Pick-6s, Hawaiian Safety Picks UW as College DestinationAiden Manutai has scored on an interception return in each of his three high school seasons.
Read more »
Indiana Football Announces Representatives For Big Ten Media DaysCoach Curt Cignetti, running back Justice Ellison, linebacker Aiden Fisher and offensive lineman Mike Katic will represent Indiana football at Big Ten Media Days.
Read more »