IU linebacker Tyler Replogle leads defense

Soft-spoken, model student and polite.

Those three characteristics usually do not describe a Big Ten linebacker.

But these traits have helped build IU senior Tyler Replogle into the man he is today.

As one of two captains on the team, Replogle has become the defensive anchor.
Whether it is a rotating defensive linemen or making a big open-field tackle, Replogle’s attitude embodies his role as captain.

“He’s the kind of kid where if you ask him to jump three feet, he’ll jump eight feet,” co-defensive coordinator Brian George said.

When Replogle was in high school, he would dead sprint roughly 400 yards from the locker room to the practice field. When George was recruiting Replogle, this intense habit jumped off the table.

“That tells you everything you need to know about Tyler,” George said.

The Centerville, Ohio, native came to IU as the No. 22 middle linebacker in the country by Scout.com.

For many programs, having a true freshman play in the opener might not turn any heads. But for coach Bill Lynch, this was making a statement about his confidence in Replogle. Lynch has redshirted all but six true freshmen during his four-year tenure at IU.

It was clear from the beginning that the coaching staff had big plans in store for Replogle.

“We knew right away that he was a mature football player,” George said. “The physical part at that time had to catch up a little bit with the mental preparedness.”

As a sophomore, Replogle found himself behind Matt Mayberry and Will Patterson on the depth chart at middle linebacker. Similar to all good students, Replogle treated it as a learning experience.

“I learned how hard you have to work and all the extra stuff you have to do,” Replogle said.

Lynch found different ways to get Replogle in games, and he became a key asset to the special teams unit.

“I don’t think fans understand how hard special teams is,” Replogle said. “I think it makes you a lot better.”

Replogle’s special teams efforts earned him not only IU’s special teams player of the year but also a starting spot at linebacker in the final two games of the season.

If IU fans had not heard of Replogle, they certainly did after his performance against in-state rival Purdue. A team season-high 19 tackles and his first career sack earned Replogle the Terry P. Cole “Impact Player” Award as the Hoosiers’ most outstanding player in the 2008 Oaken Bucket Game.

That game began a career at IU filled with success.

In the 2010 season opener against Towson, the Tigers appeared to convert a third-and-four with a pass over the middle. It was exactly what IU did not want to see after going three-and-out on its first series. Amid the pileup, Replogle somehow came running out with the football in his arms.

The play had to be reviewed because nobody saw Replogle get the ball. The replay showed that while making the tackle, Replogle had seamlessly taken the ball from the Towson receiver.

Replogle’s interception set up a short field that led to a quick IU touchdown.
The two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection has shown that being calm, cool and collected works on the football field.

“He puts us in the right situation on every play,” George said. “He is the perfect captain.”