2022 Spring IUFB Position Battles: Tight End

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by Zach Greene

After the departure of All-Big Ten Tight End Peyton Hendershot someone on the offensive side of the ball will need to step up at the tight end position. Last year, most of the production at the position came from Hendershot who finished the season with over 500 yards receiving and four touchdowns. The offense often would line up in two or three tight end sets with A.J. Barner and Matt Bjorson. However, Bjorson is no longer with the program. This season the Hoosiers have a new offensive coordinator in Walt Bell who looks to ramp up an offense that was historically bad last season. That said, the tight end position is led by a clear front runner in A.J. Barner, who I expect to get starting reps at camp, and a bunch of guys who will battle to get reps. The Hoosiers recruited two local Ohio guys who come into the program as sought-after freshmen. Now let’s dive into the tight end position.

THE PLAYERS

A.J. Barner, Junior- Barner comes into his third year in the program as a clear front runner who offers experience and a massive frame. Standing at 6’6 and 250 pounds, Barner played a decent amount of snaps last season and scored a 76-yard touchdown against the Idaho Vandals. The job will be his to lose. It will be interesting to see how Bell decides to use him in the spring camp. Whether that’s him line up at the line of scrimmage or on the outside.

Ryan Barnes, Redshirt Senior- Barnes comes into this season with another massive frame who will be looking to get some reps. He has been in the program since 2018, offering a lot of experience. We haven’t seen a lot of him on the field, so it’s hard to judge whether he will be worth keeping an eye on. He did not play at all last season, but did appear in two games during the 2020 season.

Brody Foley, Freshman - Standing at 6’6 and over 240 pounds Foley, was one of the IU’s top recruits. He was the No.26 ranked TE in the nation and No.16 prospect in the state of Ohio. Brody received many offers from SEC programs but decided to stay close to home. Foley has a background as a linebacker and running back before hitting a growth spurt. I expect Foley to be a premier back in the program. He will need to get some experience before getting reps in-game but spring camp should help him get some experience.

Ryan Miller, Freshman - Miller is another guy who comes in as a top-rated recruit. He was the NO.23 ranked TE according to ESPN. As a junior at Kenston High School, he caught 23 passes for five touchdowns. He was a dual-sport athlete who played baseball. I expect Miller to split reps with Foley at spring camp and let the two freshman star recruits compete with one another.

Aaron Steinfeldt, Freshman - Steinfeldt redshirted last year and made an appearance during the Purdue game. He attended Bloomington North where he was a star. He ended his career there with over 1,400 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns. According to Rivals, he was the No.10 Prospect in the State of Indiana. He is another player who will compete with the freshman for the second or third spot at tight end.

Trey Walker, Redshirt Junior - Walker is another guy who has been in the program for a while and offers a lot of experience. Joining the program as a walk-on in the 2019 season he redshirted and earned multiple scout team player of the week honors. Last season, he appeared in two games and made all academic Big-Ten. This is another guy who is hard to judge as he has very little to judge off of but I’m sure he will offer good knowledge and experience at the position.

James Bomba, Redshirt Freshman - Bomba walked on in the 2021 season after having an amazing career at Bloomington South. He utilized the transfer portal after attending one season the Miami of Ohio. Bomba is a legacy as his father Matt Bomba played at IU and would later become the strength coach. Standing at over 6’6 240 Bomba is a physical freak who Bell might use at the line of scrimmage. Again Bomba is another guy who we haven’t seen a lot of so we will get a better idea of what he can do during spring camp.

Sam Daugstrup, Redshirt Sophomore - Another walk-on Daugstrup comes into the 2022 season not having a lot of tape. He stands at over 6’5 240 and will look to compete during spring camp.

Prediction

I expect AJ Barner to be the clear front-runner before spring camp starts. He offers a lot of experience and a massive frame. Behind Barner, I think you will see the two incoming freshmen in Foley, Miller, and Steinfeldt who will battle it out to get reps. Other than those three guys the rest will battle to earn a spot in case of injuries. It will be interesting to see how Walt Bell uses the Tight End position in his offense. That will be something Hoosier Huddle will keep an eye on during spring camp. Stayed tuned for an update on the position.