Countdown to 2019 IUFB Kickoff: 38 Days (Jeremy Boyd and Connor Thomas)

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff just keeps on rolling. There are now 38 days until the Indiana Hoosiers storm the field at Lucas Oil Stadium to take on the Ball State Cardinals.. Today we are looking at a pair of walk-ons who have made their mark on the scout team over the last couple of years in Jeremy Boyd and Connor Thomas.

 2019 Countdown - #38

Name – Jeremy Boyd

Position – Defensive Back (RS Sophomore)

Hometown – Indianapolis, Indiana (Ben Davis)

Height – 5’9”

Weight – 189

Boyd joined the Hoosier program as a walk-on during the 2017 season. He redshirted last year and while he did not see the game field in 2018, Boyd contributed on the practice field. The Indianapolis native took home Defensive Scout Player of the Week honors for his preparation against Ohio State and Special Teams Scout Team Player of the Week honors on a short turnaround against Minnesota.

As a high schooler at Ben Davis, Boyd excelled on and off the field. He was a 21st Century Scholar, a program that “provides students up to four years of undergraduate tuition at any participating public college or university in Indiana.” He earned an Academic Honors diploma as well. Boyd also showed out in the weight room, as he is the Ben Davis record holder for the power clean in the 160-180-pound division by lifting 300 pounds. Boyd was also a member of the Ben Davis track team.

Name – Connor Thomas

Position – Running Back (RS Junior)

Hometown – Clarksville, Tennessee (Clarksville Academy)

Height – 5’8”

Weight – 186

Thomas is another walk-on player who provides value depth during the week. He joined the program in 2016 and redshirted after a 1,619-yard and 25 touchdown senior season at Clarksville Academy. As a redshirt freshman he found his way onto the field in five games and had three carries for six yards. He took home Scout Team Player of the Week honors twice and was an Academic All-Big Ten selection.

In 2018, Thomas did not get into any games. However, that did not stop he from being a great teammate. Thomas earned Scout Team Player of the Year and was again an Academic All-Big Ten selection.

Thomas is in a loaded back field and will probably have to find his way back on the game field through special teams.

HUTCH’S TRIVIA QUESTION

In honor of the late Terry Hutchens, we are including a daily IUFB trivia question from his book So You Think You Know Indiana University Football. Hutch is dearly missed and this is our way of keeping his memory with us this season. Please leave your answers in the comments section.

In 2010, what Hoosier linebacker had the interception that set up Mitch Ewald’s game winning kick in overtime against Purdue?

Yesterday’s Answer: N/A

 (check back tomorrow for the answer)

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown continues each day so check back daily!