2022 Indiana Football Positional Preview: Offensive Line

Written by: Andrew Walker (@Andrew_JW17) 

The Indiana University football offense was, by all accounts, less than perfect last season. Part of that certainly had to do with QB play, ground attack, and receivers. The bigger picture, and perhaps the reason behind it all, was the offensive line. Indiana’s OL finished 119th in the nation in line yards per carry and 91st nationally in sack rate, putting the team near the bottom of the list in stats related to both pass and run blocking. Offensive line coach Darren Hiller said he’s seen serious improvement among the OL room as apposed to a year ago, especially in how consistent they are. One thing going for Indiana’s offensive line: their experience. There’s not one started on the OL that hasn’t been with the Hoosiers for less than three years. 

The Starters

Luke Haggard – Senior LT – 6’7, 305 

Going from left to right, Luke Haggard starts us off at left tackle for Indiana. Having been with the team for years at this point, the 6’7, 305 big man takes no prisoners when he’s defending the weak side. He’ll have to enjoy protecting that weak side most likely even more this season with both QBs vying for the top spot not necessarily being all that mobile.

Mike Katic – Redshirt Junior LG – 6’4, 310 

Katic has also been with the Hoosiers for quite some time as well. Having to protect an inside weak side position at his size will be tough, but Katic’s experience with the team will most likely prove useful. As stated, this offensive line’s experience and age with the team will prove to be the most important factor in determining their success at run and pass blocking.

Zach Carpenter – Redshirt Junior C – 6’5, 305

Recently having transferred from Michigan before the 2021 season, Carpenter played in five games with three starts at right guard. Carpenter’s time with the Wolverines was mostly held to special teams roles. Here at Indiana though, he’s getting his opportunity to start at center taking snaps for the starters. 

Tim Weaver – Redshirt Junior RG – 6’6, 315

The big left guard out of Hellertown, PA will get his shot starting for the Hoosiers. He appeared in all 12 games last season for Indiana having made one start at right guard for the Iowa game. He’ll get his start on the same side of the ball this year. Weaver’s ability and size should do great things to shore up the left side of the line as well.

Matthew Bedford – Senior RT – 6’6, 314

Bedford’s senior year will be his most important to the team yet. His experience up and down the offensive line will undoubtedly give him an edge over a lot of defensive ends going up against him. He started all 12 games in the 2021 season with eight starts at right guard, three at left guard, and one at right tackle. His experience is apparent for Indiana’s passing and rushing efforts. He’s going to need to set a tone in the OL room of professionalism and excellence for this line to protect this season.  

Who’s Up Next?

Among the older veteran talent for the offensive line, there are always a few younger guys that can come in and make a serious impact when they’re needed. Going down the line, Joshua Sales Jr. is a young guy that saw little time last year due to redshirting the 2021 season, but being 6’6, 311 pounds has its merits. Vinny Fiacable also didn’t see any playing time last year, but his high school career speaks for itself. Rated the no. 10 prospect in Indiana and the no. 30 OG nationally carries weight. Cameron Knight made his collegiate debut and lone appearance in the Idaho game last season after redshirting the 2020 season. He could get some serious playing time this year at center for relief. Khalil Benson is entering his redshirt sophomore year for Indiana, and it couldn’t be any more of a make or break season for him. After suffering an ACL injury during fall camp of 2020, he didn’t see any game time in 2021. This season will be a serious test of aptitude for him in this Indiana football team.

True freshmen Carter Smith, Bray Lynch and DJ Moore have potential, but it is the Big Ten and they are true freshmen. Junior college transfer Parker Hanna could be in the mix at tackle as well after an impressive transition.

Redshirt freshman Joshua Sales came in with some fanfare and Randy Holtz could be a depth piece coming off an injury last season.

This season it’ll be imperative for the offensive line to act as a cohesive unit in front of whichever QB is starting for Indiana. The more secure the OL is, the more likely Indiana is to have success come this fall.