Countdown to 2018 IUFB Kickoff: 77 Days (Caleb Jones)

Written By T.J. Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

Countdown to Kickoff: #77 – Caleb Jones

Height: 6’8”

Weight: 360 pounds

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN (Lawrence North High School)

Class/Position: Redshirt FR/OL

We are only on day 77 of the countdown but today, we’ll profile the largest Hoosier on the roster (and one of the bigger guys in college football), offensive lineman Caleb Jones. At 6’8” and weighing more than 350 pounds, Caleb Jones has no problem standing out. Even in a sport of large men, he’s easy to spot on the sidelines. That being said, there is a little bit less of Jones now than there was when he arrived on campus after a successful career at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis. While his size and frame is an asset, he knew getting into better shape was key.

“I’ve absolutely made strides. First drives when I got here, I realized that tempo offense is really something. It was hard to keep up at first but something I’ve improved in every day. I’ve worked on giving my all every play. I’m a big guy so I get gassed pretty easily, or I used to. I worked on that everyday giving 100% in my reps,” Jones told the media in March.

IU’s new strength and conditioning staff has transformed the way the Hoosiers approach strength training and Jones is one of the players that stands to benefit the most. His massive frame makes a future in the NFL as a tackle a very real possibility so getting into prime condition and maximizing his strength is paramount.

“Everything I’ve done in high school has improved,” Jones said. “The main thing is the power profile. That’s something Dr. Ray works on a lot. It measures how much power you can put out at the size you are. In high school, I had no idea. I noticed that as my squat and bench goes up, my athletic ability goes up as well.”

Coming from a triple-option based offense that rarely threw the ball or ran traditional running plays makes the already difficult transition to the Big Ten even more challenging for Jones. However, he has always moved his feet impressively for a young man of his size and position coach Darren Hiller has worked with Jones to fine-tune his technique. Right tackle is the only spot that appears to be the only starting spot that is in doubt as IU heads into the 2018 season and giving Jones a shot there makes sense. However, the redshirt freshman commented in March that he is only working at left tackle. If that’s the case, it appears he’ll be the back up to Coy Cronk and would only see the field if the outstanding junior tackle gets injured or in mop-up duty. So while 2018 might not be a year we see much of Jones on the field, if he continues to shape his body and prepare for his starring role, he seems likely to be the heir apparent as the book-end of the offensive line.

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