Damon Hazelton Jr. wasn't even listed on Ball State's depth chart coming into the game against Eastern Kentucky.
The freshman played a few snaps at Indiana in Week 2 after Ball State fell behind 30-0. But after starting junior receiver Corey Lacanaria was ruled out of Sept. 17's home opener with a shoulder injury, the Cardinals needed Hazelton to step up.
"Of course I was a little bit nervous," Hazelton said after his first career start. "But it wasn't nothing. After that first catch, it all went away. I was good after that."
Hazelton's first collegiate grab came on the Cardinals' second offensive play, a 9-yard catch and one of three receptions on the opening drive.