Signing Day 2015: Joe Belden

Written By Nick Holmes (@HoosierHolmes)

Joe Belden, DE, Avon HS, Avon, IN 247 Sports Composite Ranking: 3-Star

Belden’s decision to join the Hoosiers on June 18th was a dream come true for him, “From the start that was my dream school, I was born in Indiana and I'm a Hoosier, that's what I was thinking the whole time."The hard-nosed defensive end had a strong senior season for the Avon Orioles, finishing the year with 62 total tackles, five sacks, three passes defensed and was named to the 2014 Associated Press Indiana All-State Class 6A Team. Stoutly built, Belden has good power as bull rusher and makes good use of his hands, which can be seen in his highlight tape. He possesses a great motor and is absolutely relentless when pursuing the quarterback. In an interview with HoosierHuddle.com, Belden touted his determination as one of the strengths he’ll bring to Indiana, “I am not the fastest, I am not the strongest, but I am not going to give up. You may knock me down, but I’ll get right back up.” Belden is the 63rd best weak-side defensive end nationally and is the 21st best player in the state of Indiana. He also held offers from Ball State, Bowling Green, Miami (OH) and Western Michigan.