2024 Spring Football-Position Preview-Tight Ends

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle) 

Indiana football’s spring practice opens up on Thursday, March 21st. Today we turn our attention to the tight end position, which has been lacking at IU since Peyton Hendershot left for the NFL. With the coaching change, IU will likely deploy just one tight end most of the time. Here is a look at the position heading into spring practice. (Editor’s Note: Players listed in year order)

Trey Walker, 6’5'', 255 lbs. Redshirt Senior+

Walker saw the most action of his career in 2023 and started seven games for the Hoosiers who were very thin at tight end. He made 10 catches for 81 yards and a touchdown last season. The former hockey player earned a scholarship during fall camp last year and proved to be a tough blocker and an adequate pass catcher. Walker’s role will probably not be as big in 2024, but he’s a good piece to have in the tight end room.

Zach Horton, 6’4”, 250 lbs. Senior

Horton transferred to Indiana from James Madison where he earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2023. In his three seasons at JMU Horton played in 32 games including 18 starts. Last season, Horton found the end zone six times and made 27 catches for 275 yards. The senior will likely win the starting spot in spring. He’s tough, sure handed and can block on run plays.

James Bomba, 6’6”, 250 lbs. Redshirt Junior

Bomba had a full-circle moment when he scored a touchdown against Michigan State. He grew up in Bloomington with his father playing in the same stadium and both of his grandfathers played for IU as well. Bomba has played in 20 games with the Hoosiers including 10 starts. He has 11 catches, 75 yards and a touchdown in his career with IU. Bomba has a chance to continue to improve and solidify a spot in the rotation.

Zac Scott, 6’4” 235 lbs. Redshirt Junior

Scott came into Indiana in 2023 from Blinn College as a depth piece at the position. He’s undersized in terms of weight and will be a depth piece again in 2024. Scott did not see any game action in 2023.

Brody Foley, 6’6” 245 lbs. Redshirt Sophomore

Foley was a highly regarded recruit out of Ohio. He redshirted his first year on campus and 2022 and saw the field in nine games in 2023. The previous staff did not utilize the tight end well and Foley was not in the regular rotation at the position. This spring, the redshirt sophomore could find his way into a bigger role and live up to the potential that scouts saw in high school.

Bryce Hendershot, 6’3” 230 lbs. Redshirt Freshman 

The younger brother of Peyton, Bryce played in one game last year. He is not expected to play a big role in 2024, however having a legacy on the team does not hurt. 

Anthony Miller, 6’5” 265 lbs. Redshirt Freshman

Miller looks the part of a really good tight end. He also looks the part of a really good defensive end. After playing in just one game in 2023, Miller is looking for a bigger role. He’s more mature and has put on the bulk needed to bang in the Big Ten. He’s an intriguing prospect at tight end, however with IU’s lack of depth on the defensive line I am not sold that he will stay on offense.

Sam West, 6’4” 240 lbs. Redshirt Freshman

West was a top-10 player in high school in the state of Indiana. He is another big body at tight end and a highly touted prospect who just never really got to see the field under the previous staff. He played in just two games in 2023, but the thought is he can be developed into a play-making tight end behind Horton and Foley.