Kent State defensive lineman CJ West is signed by the Hoosiers.
football head coach Curt Cignetti has a strategy in place. He and his team believe that rebuilding the Hoosiers football program won’t take three to four years. With the help of the transfer portal and NIL opportunities, Cignetti is confident that Indiana can achieve success this year. His approach focuses on recruiting experienced, productive players from the transfer portal.
The recent addition of former Kent State defensive lineman CJ West demonstrates this strategy. West, a three-year starter, has had a significant impact for the Golden Flashes. His standout season was in 2021, during Kent State’s bowl run, where he recorded 43 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, and four sacks. Last season, he made 40 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three sacks.
West chose to join the Hoosiers despite offers from Michigan, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Miami (FL), Kansas State, LSU, and Texas A&M.
How he Fits
West strengthens the defense right away. He provides Indiana with much-needed size in the center of their defensive line at 6-foot-2 and 330 pounds. Though the Hoosiers, under defensive coordinator Bryant Haines, will employ a 4-2-5 scheme, they will need a nose and defensive tackle. West is able to perform both.
In the center of the defensive line, he provides the Hoosiers with much-needed depth and versatility. Indiana receives a strong 1-2 punch from him and Robby Harrison over the middle.
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