2024 Position Preview: The Hoosiers Boast Experience and Talent in the Tight End Room

Written by Evan Alvarez

From Ian Thomas to Peyton Hendershot to AJ Barner (grandfathered in), the Indiana Hoosiers have attracted and sent several tight ends to the NFL after their time in Bloomington. This year looks to be the start of the same, as the Hoosiers boast experience in the tight end room along with high level talent from recent recruits. I would not be surprised if we see a couple members of this tight end room in the NFL in the next 2-4 years. Let’s look into the room together:

Probable Starter:

Zach Horton, Senior, 6’4”, 252 lbs

Zach Horton is a redzone monster and fits perfectly into this offense. Already having experience with the playbook during his time at James Madison University with Head Coach Curt Cignetti and the entire offensive staff, Horton is looking to build on what was a banner year for him in 2023. Per iuhoosiers.com, Horton finished 5th nationally among tight ends in touchdown receptions and was also selected as a First-Team All Sun Belt Conference player at the tight end position. 

On the Pro Football Focus (PFF) side of things, Horton ranked as the 65th best pass blocking tight end in the country and the 40th best run blocking tight end in the country. With nearly 300 tight ends qualifying on the snap count minimum, this puts Horton as one of the best blockers in the country, something that is desperately needed to give more time for Indiana’s receivers and running backs to find space. And, there is also ample opportunity for Horton to factor in during short yardage and redzone spaces, adding yet another weapon to this expected-to-be potent offense.

The Backups:

Trey Walker, RS Senior+, 6’6”, 253 lbs

Per iuhoosiers.com, Trey Walker joined the program in 2019 as a walk-on and worked his way up to earning a scholarship entering the 2023 season. Prior to football, Walker played ice hockey, and instantly brings that gritty and hard working attitude to the gridiron. Again referencing iuhoosiers.com, Walker does not have much football experience, as he did not play in highschool. Now, as a seasoned vet on the football field, Walker is looking to take his game to the next level as he puts all of his learnings and experiences over the past 4-5 years into action. He started several games last year for the Hoosiers and will see time again in 2024.

James Bomba, RS Junior, 6’6”, 253 lbs (not a typo, Walker and Bomba are the same)

The Bloomington native, Bomba and his family have a very cool story. According to iuhoosiers.com, Bomba is now the 3rd generation (and 4th overall member) of his family to earn a scholarship for Indiana University’s football team. Bomba brings a high motor to the tight end position along with significant experience over his three years so far in Crimson and Cream. Entering year four, Bomba will look to bring that energy in the blocking game while also sneaking out for a few passes.

The Next Ups:

Brody Foley, RS Sophomore, 6’6”, 255 lbs

Foley is a high impact, high ceiling player who very easily could force his way up the depth chart with strong performance in practice and during games. Per 247 Sports Composite Rankings, Foley was nearly ranked as a top-500 recruit in the country (502nd) along with being a top-30 tight end recruit in the country (27th). Originally linked to Tennessee, he was flipped to the Hoosiers ahead of the 2022 season and looks to make an impact this season after appearing in nine games last year per iuhoosiers.com. 

Foley’s ceiling is among the highest in the entire tight end room at Indiana University. Referencing my claim in the beginning of seeing future NFL-ers in this room, Foley is definitely one of those guys.

Sam West, RS Freshman, 6’4”, 246 lbs

Like Foley above, Sam West is another member of this tight end room who I see big things for in the future. In high school, West played everywhere (including fantastic quarterback play, wide receiver, defense, and kick return). Oh, and he played baseball too. West’s versatility and athleticism earned him a rating of a top-800 recruit in the country, the 35th best tight end recruit in the country, and the 11th best overall recruit in the state of Indiana (all per 247 Sports Composite Rankings).

West needs more game time and experience, only appearing in two games his freshman year per iuhoosiers.com, but has all the tools to succeed as a skilled tight end in the future.

Brody Kosin, Freshman, 6’6”, 234 lbs

Kosin was originally a commitment in the Tom Allen regime, but re-committed under the new regime with Head Coach Curt Cignetti leading the squad. This speaks volumes to how Coach Cignetti views Kosin along with how Kosin views Coach Cignetti. Look for Kosin to follow Sam West’s path, redshirting this year with hopefully four games under his belt, ready to explode in future years with the incredible talent he possesses. Illustrating that talent, Kosin was a well sought after recruit, ranking as a 3-star prospect with several Power 4 offers from schools like Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, Pittsburgh, Texas, and West Virginia.