Indiana University Football Celebrates Successful National Signing Day 2024
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The anticipation and excitement surrounding National Signing Day reached its peak today as Curt Cignetti and the new Indiana coaching staff officially welcomed a talented group of players to the Hoosiers’ football program. The day marked a significant milestone for the university, as it unveiled the first recruiting class under the leadership of Coach Cignetti.
In the weeks leading up to this moment, the Indiana coaching staff, led by Curt Cignetti, worked tirelessly to shape a formidable roster. The day began with a flurry of activity, and TheHoosier.com provided live updates on each signed National Letter of Intent (NLI), offering fans a real-time look at the future of Indiana football.
Early Morning Highlights:
- Miles Cross (7:24 AM): The first official transfer signee of the day, Cross, a dynamic wide receiver from Ohio, brings impressive stats from his time at Athens, making him an exciting addition to the Hoosiers’ offense.
- Justice Ellison (7:25 AM): A key transfer commitment from December 10, Ellison’s signing solidifies his position as a valuable running back for Indiana. His past performance with the Demon Deacons suggests a promising future with the Hoosiers.
- Mikail Kamara (7:26 AM): The addition of Kamara, a highly productive edge rusher from James Madison, reflects the coaching staff’s commitment to fortifying the defense. Kamara’s accolades in the Sun Belt make him a standout prospect.
- Ty Son Lawton (7:28 AM): The morning brought a surprise commitment in the form of James Madison running back transfer Ty Son Lawton, a seasoned player with an impressive track record, adding depth to Indiana’s backfield.
- Myles Price (7:29 AM): Price, a slot transfer wide receiver from Texas Tech, contributes to the Hoosiers’ receiving corps with his impressive career stats, making him a reliable target for Indiana’s quarterbacks.
- Kurtis Rourke (7:30 AM): Rourke, an experienced Ohio transfer signal caller, joins the Hoosiers as the new quarterback, bringing substantial numbers and a MAC Offensive Player of the Year title from his time in Athens.
- Trey Wedig (7:31 AM): The offensive line received a significant boost with the commitment of Wedig, a Wisconsin transfer with valuable experience from his time with the Badgers.
- Ke’Shawn Williams (7:32 AM): Williams, a talented slot playmaker and former Demon Deacon, reunites with Ellison, adding depth and skill to Indiana’s receiving options.
- Brody Kosin (7:35 AM): A top tight end from Michigan, Kosin’s commitment remained steadfast through the coaching change, showcasing loyalty and skill that make him a significant addition to the team.
- Dontrae Henderson (7:36 AM): The defensive backfield gained a promising addition with Henderson, a versatile player with experience at safety and cornerback, further strengthening Indiana’s defense.
- Quentin Clark (7:38 AM): Clark, a linebacker from Georgia, demonstrated unwavering commitment by sticking with Indiana through coaching changes, showcasing his potential to make a lasting impact on the defensive side.
- Evan Lawrence (7:38 AM): Lawrence, an offensive tackle from Danville, IN, adds depth to the offensive line, combining size and skill to contribute to Indiana’s future success.
- Alberto Mendoza (7:40 AM): Mendoza, a highly decorated quarterback from Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, FL, becomes the first high school quarterback to commit under Coach Cignetti, highlighting his significance in the recruiting class.
- Adedamola Ajani (7:53 AM): Ajani, a standout offensive tackle from Speedway, IN, chose to stay close to home, reinforcing Indiana’s commitment to securing top in-state talent.
- Mario Landino (8:10 AM): Landino, an edge rusher from Emmaus, PA, adds versatility to the defense with his accolades as the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference defensive MVP.
- Charlie Becker (8:12 AM): The talented wideout from Nashville, TN, solidifies his commitment to Indiana, overcoming injury concerns to bring his skills to the Hoosiers’ receiving corps.
- Jah Jah Boyd (8:14 AM): Boyd, a dynamic two-way star from Philadelphia, PA, flipped his commitment from James Madison to Indiana, becoming the 17th signee and showcasing his potential on both offense and defense.
- William Depaepe (8:33 AM): Depaepe, a versatile edge rusher from Moline, IL, flipped his commitment from Georgia Tech to Indiana, adding depth and athleticism to the Hoosiers’ defensive line.
- Mitch Vertstegen (8:34 AM): The Wisconsin-based offensive lineman, Verstegen, brings size and strength to the offensive line, further solidifying Indiana’s commitment to building a robust front.
- Khobie Martin (9:01 AM): Martin, a talented running back from Fishers, IN, showcased his skills with an outstanding senior season, earning him a spot as the 20th signee for Indiana.
- Austin Leibfried (9:02 AM): Leibfried, a 6’6″ offensive tackle from Mount Horeb, WI, became the 21st Hoosier to officially sign, emphasizing the continued success of the recruiting efforts under the new coaching staff.
The signing day event promises a bright future for Indiana football, as the coaching staff successfully secured commitments from a diverse group of talented players. With this new class, expectations are high for the Hoosiers to make a significant impact on the field in the coming seasons. Coach Cignetti is set to meet with the media later in the afternoon to share his insights on the day’s events and the exciting prospects for Indiana football. Stay tuned for more updates as the day unfolds.