Entering the 2018 season, the Indiana Hoosiers currently sit at 15 hard commits for their football program with 14 three-star prospects and one four-star – running back Ronnie Walker.

Of those 15 incoming players, perhaps the most versatile of the group is defensive star Aaron Casey. Primarily a linebacker, Casey has also received notice for his ability to play all around the field, but especially in the defensive backfield. According to him outside linebacker is his true position, but many sites have him listed as either a safety or defensive back hybrid.

Casey committed to the Hoosiers back in June via his Twitter account. He chose Indiana over offers from several other schools, including Big Ten foe Rutgers, national powerhouse West Virginia and Florida Atlantic, the new home of former USC coach and Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin.

“I had a very good relationship with the coaches and they [Indiana] have a really good business school,” Casey told Armchair. “I love the campus and Bloomington and feel like I would really enjoy living there for the next 4 years of my life.”

The 6-foot-1 out of Alexander High School in Douglasville, Georgia recently started his senior year, and his team is 1-1 out of the gate. Despite having almost a full season yet to play, Casey is excited to get to Bloomington and start a new chapter in his life.

When asked on what he is most looking forward to about moving north, Casey responded, “To experience a new life style, new people, and get away from things that I’m used to.”

Posting 84 tackles in an 11-game junior season, Casey’s athleticism and speed all over the field make him an attractive fit to play in the Big Ten. He played soccer all the way up until 11th grade and has enjoyed accomplishments in several other sports, a testament to his raw athleticism. Of all his accolades, Casey said he is most proud of a coaches award in basketball. You can check out his junior season highlights on Hudl here.

Moving to Bloomington will be a new journey in Casey’s football career. Originally from Washington D.C., Casey has made a name for himself in Douglasville and is now ranked nationally as a three-star athlete by 247Sports. With his stock expected to grow in 2017, Casey is ready to showcase his talent for all the Hoosiers fans.

“I want Hoosiers fans to know that I won’t give up, I’ll play my hardest until the end and that I will fly around to pursue the football,” Casey said. “My goals are to better myself as a man and to earn a starting spot on the field.”

Casey has a chance to contribute immediately for a Hoosiers team that ranked eighth in the Big Ten a year ago in total defense. What makes Casey such a special player is that he has both the vision to ball hawk in the secondary (he already has an interception on the season), and the strength to move up in the box and make much-needed tackles.

Casey recalled a play in a recent high school game where he did just that – made a game saving tackle when his team needed it the most.

“My best high school moment was when I flipped the running back to stop them on fourth down to win the game,” Casey spoke of one of his many big moments with Alexander.

The Hoosiers just experienced their first ever College Gameday visit before a nationally televised game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. To Casey, these type of things show that the Indiana football program is heading in the right direction, and he’s excited to join in on the uprise.

Most of all, Casey is excited by the level of competition the Big Ten has to offer, “I look forward to playing Ohio State, just because they are one of the best teams in football.”

Securing defensive players has been a weak point in recent years, but Indiana is doing a good job so far this cycle. The Hoosiers currently rank No. 11 on Armchair’s 2018 class rankings for the Big Ten Conference.

A lot can change in rankings and a school’s position with incoming recruits between now and the 2018 season, and Casey has a message for those trying to chase their dream of playing college football.

“Always listen to your coaches and be coachable. Also keep working even when you think you’re the best player around because there are hundreds of other players that think the same thing.”

The Hoosiers have a long journey to get to the top of the Big Ten in terms of conference championship contention and national prominence, but players like Casey know that. He wants Indiana fans to understand that it will not come easy.

“When I leave Indiana I want people to think of me as someone who works hard and is a team player.”

For now, it appears that the Hoosiers are headed in the right direction. Aaron Casey and the rest of the class of 2018 will have a major say in just how far the Hoosiers can go.

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