Countdown to Kickoff: 73 Days (James Brewer)

Written By T.J. Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

#73

The Hoosier Huddle countdown is more than 25% complete and we are now only 73 days from the 2015 season! There are currently no Hoosiers wearing #73 so we are looking back a few years and remembering one of the best (and biggest) IU offensive linemen in recent memory, RT James Brewer.

James Brewer

-Height: 6’8”

-Weight: 331 pounds

-Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

-Year/Position: 2006-2010/RT

James Brewer came to IU after only playing one season of football at Arlington High School. Until his senior year, Brewer only played basketball. However, he was convinced to give football a try and immediately excelled, earning All-City honors during his only season of play. His size and athleticism intrigued the Hoosiers coaching staff and Brewer earned a scholarship and enrolled at IU in the fall of 2006.

James Brewer entered college as a raw prospect that needed time to develop and he redshirted the 2006 season and then missed the 2007 season with a foot injury. He began seeing the field during the 2008 season (his RS sophomore season) and played in eight games before injuring his ankle. Brewer finally broke through during his junior season and started all 12 games at right tackle. The Hoosiers excelled on offense thanks to an offensive line that surrendered only 16 sacks all season. Brewer continued to start at right tackle during his senior season but another ankle injury ended his college career three games prematurely. Again, the offensive line performed admirably and gave up the fewest sacks in the B1G and 15th fewest nationally. Former IU head coach commented on Brewer’s immense presence, “He’s the first guy we want getting off the bus.” One of his teammates agreed but added that Brewer isn’t scary at all, he just looks it, “He looks kind of scary,” former offensive guard Angel Pagan, “but there’s not a mean bone in his body. Off the field he’s a gentle giant. But when he gets on the field, it’s a whole different Brewer.”

The behemoth of a man (6’8”/331 pounds!) was voted a game captain for two games during his senior season and earned “honorable mention” honors from the league’s coaches and media. Brewer graduated with a general studies degree and was given the team’s “Outstanding Offensive Lineman” award following the 2010 season. He was then drafted by the New York Giants in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft and has spent the past four seasons with the former Super Bowl champions. This past March, Brewer signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets and will spend this coming NFL season with Gang Green.

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