John Pannozzo quickly established himself in 2005 as the starting middle linebacker after converting from fullback over the summer. Last season, Pannozzo recorded 52 tackles with 40 solos, 7.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. He also forced three fumbles along with two fumble recoveries for 100 yards. Remarkably, his 57-yard recovery against Ohio State went the distance for a touchdown. The versatile player also dropped into coverage to break up a pair of passes. Notably, Pannozzo snared Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week recognition for the period ending Sept. 4 after a six-tackle defensive debut against Central Michigan. During the game against the Chippewas, Pannozzo registered three tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble. Before crossing the line to the defensive side of the ball, Pannozzo started at fullback since his freshman campaign. He played in 10 games in 2004, starting nine of them and was used primarily as a blocker and receiver out of the backfield. Pannozzo had nine receptions on the season for 88 yards with five of his nine catches on the year resulting in Indiana gains of 10 yards or more. He saw 703 snaps of game action as a sophomore in 2003 despite missing Indiana's game at Penn State with a head injury. Pannozzo has 41 catches for 375 yards and three touchdowns during his career, including 15 catches for 117 yards as a sophomore in 2003. The most productive day of his sophomore campaign came at Michigan, where he made six catches for 41 yards. Pannozzo has carried the ball seven times for 31 yards in his career. He was one of eight true freshmen to play in 2002 and was a threat out of the backfield as a receiver in his first season as a Hoosier. He led all first-year players in receiving. Pannozzo played in 12 games, making nine starts as a true freshman. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native played 609 snaps of game action and played 40 or more snaps in 11 of his 12 games, the only exception was 36 snaps against Purdue. He saw a season-high 60 snaps against Penn State. He was the team's fourth-leading receiver with 26 catches for 258 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for 16 yards in 2002. His top receiving game came against Penn State, when he had eight catches for 64 yards. His three touchdowns were the most receiving scores by a fullback since 1974 and his 258 yards was the most by an IU fullback since 1997. He had at least one catch in 10 of 12 games and four or more catches in three games. Prior to coming to Indiana, Pannozzo played both sides of the ball at Poly Prep. During his senior season (2001), he amassed 945 yards rushing on 89 carries and 11 touchdowns. Pannozzo caught 13 passes for 245 yards and five touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, he had 89 tackles, 14 for loss and five sacks. He was recognized as one of 22 players selected from Connecticut, New Jersey and New York as a Heisman Trophy All State. He was also Class C Player of the Year, all-state and a two-time all-city selection. Pannozzo played on two undefeated championship teams and compiled a 26-1 mark during his prep career. He also played baseball at Poly Prep. The son of John and Meryl Pannozzo was born December 5, 1984. He has one sister. |
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