2021 Offensive Line Preview: Biggest Question Mark Going Into the Season

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by Matt Smith

Offensive Line is one of the most important positions in football because they have to protect the quarterback and make the run game go. With it being important, it also makes it the most difficult. Indiana’s offensive line has a lot of improvement to do this year from last year.

However, transfer Ryder Anderson said he has already seen a lot of improvement. 

“I feel like this offensive line that we have this year is definitely gonna be among, among the best in the conference, among the best in the nation right now. I feel like those guys have gelled extremely well. Going from spring, and just getting the pieces that we need, and getting everyone in the right position is,” Anderson said.

Projected Starters

LT: Caleb Jones 6’8’’ 362 pounds

Jones is a redshirt junior on the offensive line at left tackle protecting quarterback Michael Penix. He started four games last season at left tackle and one at right tackle. He was also named an honorable mention all big-ten player.

This season Jones needs to stay healthy and continue to improve his quickness off the line as he was beat a lot in the opener against Penn State. 

Jones is also ready to take a leadership role this season to guide the young guys. 

“But for right now, you know, we're just looking to develop other younger guys and make them, you know, the best lineman that they can be,” Jones said in a press conference in the spring.

LG Mike Katic 6’4’’ 312 pounds

Katic is a red-shirt sophomore who played in six games last season at left tackle, this season he will remain as the starter at left tackle . Katic is a younger member of the line but will still look to be a leader as well. Last season Katic also won the offensive newcomer of the year award.

C Zach Carpenter 6’5’’ 320 pounds

The Michigan transfer made starts last season against Rutgers and Penn State for the Wolverines. Carpenter came over this offseason and is projected to start at center. He will need to work on his chemistry snapping the ball to Penix throughout fall camp leading up to the season.

Nick Sheridan spoke very highly about Carpenter’s ability during spring practice.

“An inside player and you know he has versatility. Both at you know, center and guard. And so, you know, we tried to train in as many centers as possible. You know if you can snap we try to get you there because you're just in the position that if somebody, you know pops a shoelace, you got to make sure you have enough guys that can snap,” Carpenter said.

RG Dylan Powell 6’3’’ 310 pounds

As the oldest and most experienced member of the offensive line, Powell will look to be a leader on the offensive line. The former Stanford Cardinal came over before the 2020 season as a graduate transfer and was granted a sixth year of eligibility as well. Last season he appeared in all eighth games at both right and left guard. 

RT Matthew Bedford 6’6’’ 310 pounds

Bedford has one of the most important positions on the line which is to protect Penix’s blindside. A switched position due to the fact that Penix is a left handed quarterback. Bedford was named to the Outland Trophy watch list this July. 

Jones said during the spring that himself and Bedford have been pushing each other a lot over the spring and offseason to become the best players that they can be.

Depth Chart Players

Luke Haggard 6’7’’ 305 pounds.

As a backup last season behind Jones, Haggard made four starts at left tackle and appeared in six games as well. During the offseason Haggard needed to put on more weight and muscle to help him become a more consistent player.

During the spring, Jones said Haggard was doing exactly that.

“Luke haggard has, has taken every step necessary to try to make himself the best player that he can be and I really applaud him for that he, he's put on the weight he's attacked the weight room he's attacked the field and he's really trying to make himself a good player,” Jones said.

Tim Weaver 6’6’’ 315 pounds

Weaver appeared in five games last season. According to offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan, Weaver is one of the younger guys who are coming into their own during this offseason. He is a player that Sheridan is very excited about.

Charlie O’Connor 6’2’’ 303 pounds

O’Connor appeared in four games during the 2019 season, but did not see any playing time last season. He was also an All-Academic Big Ten selection. 

Cameron Knight 6’3’’ 281 pounds

Knight was a scout team player last season and did not see any playing time on the field. This season looks like the same as he is listed as the third string center. Knight needs to put on more weight before he will see more playing time on the field.

Aidan Rafferty 6’6’’ 298 pounds

Rafferty appeared in seven games last season in a back-up role. He will look to remain in the same position this season unless there is some shifting around with the starting linemen as well. 

Last season head coach Tom Allen spoke very highly of Rafferty’s play.

“You just never know in this situation that we are in with COVID-19 and all that creates with your depth and guys staying healthy for a variety of reasons. We are going to have to have depth on that offensive line. There are going to be many more guys that are going to have to play at the tackle position as well. Aidan Rafferty has done a great job of improving.” Indiana head coach Tom Allen said last season.

Randy Holtz 6’7’’ 340 pounds

The red-shirt freshman saw playing time in three games last season. With a lot of experience at the top of the depth chart, Holtz will look to improve his play as a back-up role this season.

Kahlil Benson, 6’6” 319 pounds

Benson was a highly prized recruit, but injured his ACL prior to the 2020 season. He should be healthy in 2021 and continue to develop and move up the ranks.

Joshua Sales Jr. 6’6” 319 pounds

Sales is another young incoming freshman who was spoken very highly of by Sheridan. He is growing and improving during the offseason and in fall camp as well. While he is unlikely to see very much playing time this season, he is a nice depth piece to have on the line.