2024 Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 44 Days (Zach Horton)

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown continues with new tight end Zach Horton with 44 days to go. The Hoosiers open the season on August 31st against the FIU Golden Panthers.

COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: #44 Zach Horton

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 254 pounds

Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia (Lord Botetourt )

Previous School: James Madison

Class/Position: Senior

Horton was one of the bigger pieces to follow Curt Cignetti to IU in December. As a junior with the Dukes, Horton earned First-Team All-Sun Belt and helped make the JMU offense hum with six touchdown receptions. Horton is also a good blocker in the run game and gives the Hoosiers more depth and production at the tight end position.

Horton is not setting limits on what he can do in the Big Ten and has high expectations as he explained during spring practice.

“I want to stay healthy, that's number one. Then, I want to be all-conference again. I set the bar high. I believe in myself. I believe I can do that. I want to help the team to get in a winning position.” Horton said.

The tight end room is full of hard workers and tough players which plays into the culture that Cignetti is instilling, but having a player of the caliber of Horton who knows the nuances of a Cignetti program will just help accelerate the growth of that group. Horton echoed Cignetti’s mantra for the offense during spring practice.

“Coach Cig is big on if you block, you’ll get the rock.”

Horton should get the rock plenty of times for the Hoosiers in 2024.

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff continues each and every day so be sure to check back often for the latest profile piece!