Countdown to Kickoff: 63 Days (Ian Thomas)

#63

There are now 63 days remaining until the Indiana Hoosiers kick-off the 2016 season in Miami against the Florida International Golden Panthers. Join us each day for each part of our 100-day countdown to the opener! There is no number 63 on the roster right now. Instead, we will introduce tight end Ian Thomas.

Ian Thomas  (Junior)

-Height: 6’5”
-Weight: 225 pounds
-Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
-Position: Tight End

The Hoosiers reached into the Junior College pool again, but this time they landed the second best tight end at that level. According to IU tight end’s coach James Patton, "He's an unbelievable athlete, he's a guy that's going to come here and get better and get stronger. Really a mature kid for his age. Just really excited about his upside."

The Hoosiers have a need for depth at the tight end position and Thomas could be an immediate patch. When he signed in February, head coach Kevin Wilson eluded to the idea of playing Thomas in the slot, a la Ted Bolser a few years ago. Thomas gives the Hoosiers a weapon they could use all over the field and really get the fast-paced offense moving with out subbing.

In high school, Thomas played tight end for head coach William Brandon at Digital Harbor High School in Baltimore. He was voted the team’s most valuable player and earned Digital Harbor’s most improved player. He was a three-year football letter winner. 

At Nassau Community College, Thomas was an all-conference selection in 2015 after posting 23 receptions for 433 yards and three touchdowns in eight games. During his freshman season Nassau C.C. won the NFC title after going 10-0. Thomas helped by catching four passes for 88 yards and two scores. He will have two years of eligibility remaining at Indiana. 

Share any memories or recollections you have of Ian Thomas as a player in the comments section (or on the message boards) and be sure to come back to Hoosier Huddle each day during our countdown!