2021 Countdown to Kickoff: 39 Days Part I (Ryan Barnes)

Written by Evan Orris

The 2021 Countdown! Only 39 days left until the Hoosiers travel to Iowa City to take on the #16 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes. Today we will profile Ryan Barnes and Patrick Finley 

Ryan Barnes

Noblesville, Ind.

Redshirt Junior

6’4”/ 244 pounds

Barnes might not be one of the most popular names on the team, but his impact is felt on special teams.

The tight end walked-on to the program in 2018 but sat out the year to secure his redshirt status. That season he was a key part of the Hoosiers’ gameday preparations. He earned two offensive scout team player of the week honors against Virginia and Iowa as well as one special teams scout team player of the week against Michigan.

The next season Barnes made his debut against Eastern Illinois and appeared in five games. He was earned two special teams scout team player of the week honors against Eastern Illinois and Rutgers. His contribution all season led to him being named the special teams scout team player of the year.

Last season, Barnes appeared in just two games, but he was able to secure two offensive scout team player of the week honors. He helped prepare the Hoosiers for two tough tests against Ohio State and Wisconsin.

This year Peyton Hendershot and Matt Bjorson have the tight end spots secured. However, teams will feel Barnes’ wrath on special teams. Where he will be a normal contributor.