Indiana University Athletics
Quoted: Fall Camp Edition - Amare Ferrell & Jamari Sharpe
8/13/2026 1:00:00 PM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Following the sixth day of the Indiana football program's fall camp on Thursday (August 13) defensive backs Amare Ferrell and Jamari Sharpe spoke with the media in the Don Croftcheck Football Team Room.
Below is a partial transcript, while video of the full media sessions can be found in the links above this story or at IUHoosiers.com/watch.
Amare Ferrell | DB | Fourth Year
On Byron Baldwin Jr.'s progress…
AF: I think he will be a big-time player for us this year. We are still working on some things, like coach Cig said, you know, day-in and day-out consistency. But, he definitely has done a great job of showing us what he can do.
On his approach to being a veteran presence in the safeties room…
AF: I feel like that is what the coaches expect me to do. Just being in this system for three years and being able to help the new guys come in, fit and be comfortable and learn the defense [is important]. They know I am a guy that is going to help the new guys and make sure they are on top of their stuff.
On Preston Zachman…
AF: I feel like our chemistry is great. He brings a lot to the table. I always ask him questions about how he is thinking about the game. He is really smart. I'm just finding little things to pick up from him to add to my game. And he picks up things from my game. We just make each other better.
Jamari Sharpe | DB | Fifth Year
On being the role model and example for the new guys…
JS: I have to step in a leader role to show the young guys and the transfers how this program has worked and how we run the defense.
On being under the radar last season and now being a face of the defense this year…
JS: I felt like I did go under the radar last year before that play (the interception against Miami in the National Championship Game) but you know after that play my name started ringing bells. But, my head was always down even though I was under the radar, I stayed focused and continued to do my job for the team.
On the competition in the room for the No. 2 cornerback spot…
JS: Those guys over there are competing very well right now for that spot over there. It comes down to the coaches' decision on who is going to get that spot.
Below is a partial transcript, while video of the full media sessions can be found in the links above this story or at IUHoosiers.com/watch.
Amare Ferrell | DB | Fourth Year
On Byron Baldwin Jr.'s progress…
AF: I think he will be a big-time player for us this year. We are still working on some things, like coach Cig said, you know, day-in and day-out consistency. But, he definitely has done a great job of showing us what he can do.
On his approach to being a veteran presence in the safeties room…
AF: I feel like that is what the coaches expect me to do. Just being in this system for three years and being able to help the new guys come in, fit and be comfortable and learn the defense [is important]. They know I am a guy that is going to help the new guys and make sure they are on top of their stuff.
On Preston Zachman…
AF: I feel like our chemistry is great. He brings a lot to the table. I always ask him questions about how he is thinking about the game. He is really smart. I'm just finding little things to pick up from him to add to my game. And he picks up things from my game. We just make each other better.
Jamari Sharpe | DB | Fifth Year
On being the role model and example for the new guys…
JS: I have to step in a leader role to show the young guys and the transfers how this program has worked and how we run the defense.
On being under the radar last season and now being a face of the defense this year…
JS: I felt like I did go under the radar last year before that play (the interception against Miami in the National Championship Game) but you know after that play my name started ringing bells. But, my head was always down even though I was under the radar, I stayed focused and continued to do my job for the team.
On the competition in the room for the No. 2 cornerback spot…
JS: Those guys over there are competing very well right now for that spot over there. It comes down to the coaches' decision on who is going to get that spot.
#NeverDaunted
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/ FootballThursday, August 13
Thursday, August 13
Tuesday, August 11
Tuesday, August 11