Court ruling allows Indiana football to strengthen defensive line with champion's return

BLOOMINGTON — Curt Cignetti told reporters last season he would have loved to get additional time coaching defensive end Stephen Daley.

It looks like Indiana football's coach will get his wish.

The school announced Tuesday that Daley is back on the roster in the wake of a District Court judge in Colorado issuing a preliminary injunction last week that grants athletes from the 2022 high school class an additional year of eligibility. The ruling allows student-athletes like Daley to take advantage of the NCAA's new age-based "five-for-five" rule it put in place over the summer.

Daley, a former Kent State transfer, played four seasons without redshirting.

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If the ruling stands up to further legal challenges — the NCAA issued a statement announcing it will appeal the decision right after the initial order — Daley would join a defensive end room loaded with talent. The Hoosiers added three edge rushers — Chiddi Obiazor, Tobi Osunsanmi and Josh Burnham — out of the portal.

Indiana's depth at the position will give Daley time to return to form as he rehabs his way back from the serious knee injury he suffered in the wake of his team's 13-10 win over Ohio State in the Big Ten title game. Daley, who had six quarterback pressures with a sack against the Buckeyes, landed awkwardly on his leg while trying to high-five family members in the stands and had to be carted off the field.

Daley missed IU's entire playoff run, but still finished with the third-most tackles for loss (19.0) in the country. He also finished with the second-most quarterback pressures (41) on the team. During the season, Daley made it clear just how much fun he was having playing in defensive coordinator Bryant Haines' system.

"I definitely have enjoyed not just sitting back and letting the offense dictate, dying slowly," Daley said. "We are getting after the offense and controlling the terms. It's kind of fun to play in this defense."

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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Court ruling allows Indiana football to strengthen defensive line with champion's return