With the commencement of Curt Cignetti’s tenure in Indiana football, the Hoosiers have emerged as one of the most engaged teams in the transfer portal. As reported by 247Sports, Indiana has welcomed its 29th transfer recruit, CJ West, who joins from Kent State. West marks the 12th defensive addition to the roster, with four specializing in the defensive line and three hailing from the MAC conference.
Initially rated as a three-star prospect in the 2020 recruitment cycle, West, a nose tackle from La Grange, Illinois, had initially pledged his commitment to P.J. Fleck’s Minnesota before retracting it and ultimately signing with the Flashes. During his inaugural season as a true freshman, West saw action in merely three games, managing just one tackle.
In 2021, West emerged as a standout player for the Flashes, securing 12 starts on the defensive line. Across the season, he amassed 43 tackles, including eight for loss, and recorded four sacks. Notably, he also contributed a pass breakup and recovered a fumble in a victory over Bowling Green, with three of his sacks occurring in a single game against Akron.
Despite contending with injuries during the 2022 season, West still managed to make 10 starts. However, his statistical output decreased slightly, registering 26 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and one sack throughout the year.
Returning to form in 2023, West’s stellar performances earned him Third-Team All-MAC recognition. Across 12 starts, he tallied 40 tackles, including seven for loss, and secured two sacks. Additionally, he forced a fumble in the team’s season-opening loss to UCF.
Against Power 5 opponents throughout his career, West showcased his ability with 17 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble in eight games. Notably, he contributed four tackles and one sack in a game against Georgia in 2022.
Joining a defensive line abundant with transfers, West is poised to make an immediate impact in the rotation for the Hoosiers.
Having spent four years at Kent State, discounting the free 2020 season, West enters Indiana with only one year of eligibility remaining. Standing at six-foot-two and weighing 315 pounds, the nose tackle opted for the Hoosiers over notable Big 10 competitors such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Rutgers. Additionally, he received offers from Cal, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas State, Miami (FL), and LSU.
