The unquestioned leader of Indiana’s defense is coming back for his senior year season.
Linebacker Aiden Fisher announced on social media Sunday evening “More work to be done. Run it back,” signaling his intent to utilize his final year of eligibility in Bloomington.
Named a FWAA first-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten, Fisher led the team and ranked third in the Big Ten in total tackles at 108 stops on the season. He started all 12 games and chipped in eight-plus tackles in eight games on the season, with four double-digit tackle games. He had 4.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and broke up three passes.
“It’s hard to put into words how important he’s been,” Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines said last week of Fisher. “He’s part of the culture change here. He’s part of my voice, my mouth piece to the guys on the field. He’s the green dot. He’s the leader. He’s the unquestioned leader.
“He knows what I want, and he’s able to get it done and gets his ten teammates to play the right call. Yeah, I can’t say enough good things about him and what he means to this defense.”
Meanwhile, Fisher’s fellow All-American Mikail Kamara posted a simple emoji on social media indicating he’s pondering his next move.
Kamara has one season of eligibility remaining, and after finishing second for the most quarterback pressures in college football this season, he’s on the NFL radar and has a decision to make.
A 12-game starter, Kamara ended the regular season ranked No. 2 in the Big Ten in sacks (10.0) and tackles for loss (15.0). He finished atop the Big Ten had 64 total pressures per Pro Football Focus.
“Mikail is the hardest worker on the defense,” Haines said. “He’s the harder worker on the defense, he’s the last guy off the practice field, so he’s always looking for his own improvement.”
Kamara has not announced his next move one way or the other as of Sunday evening.