Countdown to Kickoff: 46 Days (Ryan Watercutter)

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Written By T.J. Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

#46

The Hoosier Huddle countdown rolls on as we reach #46! For the first time since 2006, this number belongs to a player that doesn’t have the last name of “Replogle”. #46 is a record-setting athlete and multi-sport star at Bishop Dwenger High School, redshirt freshman Ryan Watercutter.

Ryan Watercutter

  • -Height: 6’2”
  • -Weight: 225 pounds
  • -Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN (Bishop Dwenger)
  • -Year/Position: Redshirt Freshman/Bandit

Many of us grow up wanting to be like our fathers and follow in their footsteps. For Ryan Watercutter, a redshirt freshman from Fort Wayne, that meant choosing to walk-on at IU instead of accepting a scholarship offer from one of several FCS schools. The standout athlete’s dad, Dave Watercutter, played nose guard at IU in the mid-1980s and, as a result, Ryan has followed the Hoosiers his entire life.

“I went down for the spring game and it felt like home,” Watercutter told the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel after committing to IU. “I have been down to several games and around the program all my life. I feel so close to the school.”

Watercutter had opportunities to play on scholarship for FCS schools after excelling at both football and basketball at Bishop Dwenger High School. He earned All-State honors as both a junior and senior and holds school records for receptions and receiving yards. He also is second all-time with 17 interceptions and had 93 tackles as senior safety.

The dual-sport athlete played on both sides of the ball and led Dwenger to the state championship game in his senior season and was originally expected to play tight end for the Hoosiers. However, when former offensive coordinator Seth Littrell left for North Carolina, the coaching staff decided to switch Watercutter to defense. Watercutter redshirted his 2014 freshman season and is expected to be on the depth chart as a Bandit linebacker in 2015. While Watercutter certainly isn’t expected to see regular snaps this season, it’s entirely possible that he can play a valuable role on the scout team and earn some opportunities on special teams.

The 2015 season will be here before you know it! Keep coming back to Hoosier Huddle for the best IU football coverage.