Countdown to 2020 IUFB Kickoff: 89 Days (Matt Bjorson)

Written by Evan McShane

We are through the 90’s and heading to the 80’s as we look at tight end Matt Bjorson. We are 89 days away from the scheduled kickoff of the 2020 Indiana football season.

Name – Matt Bjorson

Position – Tight End 

Year/Hometown – Junior from Hinsdale, Illinois

Height – 6’3”

Weight – 248lbs

In 2019, Matt Bjorson showed flashes of what he could become. The sophomore played in all 13 games and caught seven passes for 36 yards total. One of those receptions was Bjorson’s first-career touchdown, a pivotal score during the second half of Indiana’s road win at Nebraska.

Having played in all 12 games in 2018 as a freshman, Bjorson enters his junior season with true veteran experience. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Bjorson’s production ramp up in 2020. The versatile tight end caught 51 passes for over 800 yards and 12 touchdowns at Hinsdale Central High School. Although Bjorson has caught just 12 receptions in his career thus far, he’ll have ample opportunity to get his hands on the ball this season.

Bjorson has been making the most of the unique circumstances due to the pandemic. Indiana tight ends coach Kevin Wright was asked who has stepped up as a leader during these unprecedented times, Wright pointed to Bjorson. “We're spending virtual meetings and I think sometimes the position coach probably talks too much quite honestly. But I think you see the older guys like Matt Bjorson who really stepped up during spring practice. He was thrust into the position of being THE guy,” Coach Wright said. “He's been stepping up from his home. I think he was in Florida for a while and then he went back to the Chicago area… To answer your question, I think Matt did a great job in Peyton's absence early, and that's carried over to the last few weeks here.”

Bjorson’s role as a team leader is growing off the field. As players and coaches are itching to get the pads back on, guys like Bjorson are hungrier than ever. Former IU offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer was known for utilizing his tight ends in the passing game. As a result, tight end Peyton Hendershot went from 15 receptions in 2018 to 52 in 2019. Although DeBoer is no longer with the Hoosiers, new offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan won’t be overhauling the system. Hoosier fans will want to keep their eye on 89. Matt Bjorson could have a big year.