2017 Spring Practice Preview: Tight Ends

Danny Friend has helped anchor the line at tight end. Image: A.J. Mast 247 Sports

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The tight ends at Indiana caught 10 total passes and their usage, or lack there of, drove Hoosier fans insane. The good news is that Tom Allen brought in Mike DeBord whose tight ends caught a combined 45 passes at Tennessee last season. The talent at the position is not the problem. IU will have five good ones entering spring practice and another joining the squad when the freshmen arrive on campus. Could this deep, but under utilized group be the answer to some of IU’s offensive woes that flared up in 2016?

The Starter- Danny Friend

The fifth-year senior has had an injury plagued career at IU. After playing in all 12 games as a true freshman in 2013, Friend injured his knee if fall camp and redshirted the 2014 season. He was back healthy in 2015 and played in four games before getting hurt against Wake Forest. Before the season-ending injury, Friend was an impact blocker that helped open holes for the IU rushing attack. He also made three catches for 39 yards.

Last season Friend played in all 13 games and caught seven passes for 65 yards and two touchdowns. However, his biggest impact came in run support where he routinely bulldozed defenders out of the way of the running backs.

Entering what should be his final season in Bloomington, Friend will again bring a dominant blocker to the IU front, but what is unknown is how he will be used in the aerial attack. Friend has a great frame at six-foot-five and 265-pounds. While not the most agile tight end on the roster, Friend has shown the ability to catch the ball. The key for Friend this spring is to stay healthy and work on his role in the new offense.

Key Reserves- Ian Thomas and Austin Dorris

Both Ian Thomas and Austin Dorris came to IU with offensive playmaking ability. To the chagrin of the Hoosier faithful neither of their offensive talents have been realized while donning the Cream and Crimson.

Dorris appeared in seven games as a redshirt freshman while battling injuries. He played quarterback in high school and should have the ability to be a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. Dorris is a good blocker, as he was seen bowling over defenders in IU’s win over FIU in 2016. This spring Dorris should be healthy and able to make his mark on the group. He has so much potential to be a real weapon in the future.

Thomas came to IU from Nassau Community College and played in all 13 games with one start. He made three catches for 28 yards. His 6-foot-5 frame should allow him to be a great target in the red zone. He's an athletic tight end who can make moves in space and can go up and grab the ball and is probably IU's most dynamic tight end. IU did try and target Thomas in the red zone, however were unsuccessful in doing so. Thomas will have a chance to move up the ranks with a good performance is the spring.

Added Depth- Shaun Bonner and Ryan Watercutter

IU will have two other tight ends who will give the group solid depth should someone go down with an injury. Shaun Bonner is a redshirt freshman with a lot of potential and Ryan Watercutter is a converted linebacker who has turned heads with his ball skills. They’ll be hard pressed to get major minutes in 2017, but should be able to fine-tune their skills in spring ball. With the physicality of the position, don't be surprised if you see both of these players see the field in 2017.

Underused, But Not Untalented

The tight ends were not underused in 2016 because they lacked talented players. The Hoosier tight ends have the ability to be a strength for the offense in both the passing and running game. With DeBord running the offense, fans should expect the tight end production to sky rocket from what it has been the last couple of seasons.