Countdown to Kickoff: 78 Days (Coy Cronk)

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

#78

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown rolls on! There are now only 78 days remaining until the 2016 season kicks off for the Indiana Hoosiers! Our profile today focuses on a true freshman without an assigned number at this time but since no current Hoosier has the #78, we are temporarily giving it to offensive tackle Coy Cronk!

Coy Cronk @CoyCronk (Incoming Freshman)

-Height: 6’5”
-Weight: 272 pounds
-Hometown: Lafayette, IN (Lafayette Central Catholic)
-Position: Offensive Line

Most everyone in Big Ten country is aware of Indiana’s offensive prowess. A large part of that consistent offensive success can be attributed to something Kevin Wilson has made a priority since the day he arrived in Bloomington: a strong offensive line. Offensive line coach Greg Frey is one of the best position coaches in the country and he, along with Kevin Wilson, have combined to turn IU’s O-Line into one of the best units in the conference and another future staple to this group may have been added in 2016 recruit, Coy Cronk. 

Cronk, a 6’5” tackle from Lafayette, played for high-school powerhouse Lafayette Central Catholic and won a state title (his Knights outscored opponents by nearly 50 points a game!) playing as an offensive linemen and linebacker. His highlight film showcased good mobility, strength and a willingness to play physically. He’s long and has the height you look for in an offensive tackle and, given IU’s proven ability to develop linemen, his future is incredibly bright. Cronk enters IU with three other offensive linemen (Grayson Stover, McKenzie Nworah and Ryan Smith) and the position is well-stocked with capable options so the coaches will have the luxury to redshirt Cronk and allow him to add muscle to his 272-pound frame.

Brandon Knight appears in line to start at left tackle for at least the next couple of seasons but Dimitri Camiel is a senior so there will be an open starting position at right tackle for the 2017 season. Cronk probably won’t factor into the on-field product right away but there’s no doubt he has the potential to develop into a valuable member of the IU offensive line in the not-too-distant future.

Share your thoughts or expectations for Coy Cronk and the rest of the Hoosiers offensive line in our comments section (or on the message boards) and be sure to come back to Hoosier Huddle each day during our countdown!