The Big Ten recognized IU defensive back Marcelino Ball as the conference’s freshman of the week Monday after the Hoosier’s performance against Ball State.
The 17-year-old Roswell, Georgia, native tied for the team lead in tackles with eight, all of which were solo stops.
Ball also picked off Ball State quarterback Riley Neal in the second quarter to record his first career interception.
Neal overthrew his intended receiver, and, consistent with defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s desire to have his players go for takeaways, Ball was there to capitalize.
Ball has been an instant impact performer at the husky position, a linebacker-safety hybrid position included in Allen’s 4-2-5 scheme. This is his first career weekly award and the first freshman of the week award for IU since now-sophomore Jonathan Crawford in 2015.
Crawford picked off Western Kentucky quarterback Brandon Doughty, who now plays for the Miami Dolphins, twice and tallied four tackles.
Ball is currently tied with junior linebacker Marcus Oliver for the team lead in tackles so far this season with 13.
IU (2-0) will take on Wake Forest (2-0) next on Sept. 24 in Bloomington. Wake Forest beat Tulane 7-3 in its season opener, and upset Duke this past weekend, 24-14.
The Hoosiers beat the Demon Deacons in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, last season 31-24.
Jordan Guskey
