Hoosier Huddle's Postseason Review Tight Ends: Up and Down with Bursts of Good Play

Written by Zach Greene (@zachegreene)

After getting a chance to digest the season and go back and review some games, Hoosier Huddle is doing a full post-season evaluation of the Indiana Football program. Today, we look at the tight end position and how the group performed in 2022.

The tight end position going into the season clearly was junior tight end AJ Barner and a cast of in experienced players. He failed to be consistent and now is in the transfer portal. He showed signs of hope to be the top target for the offense. There were multiple players who tried to step in and take over, but they were very inconsistent.

There was a clear theme of inconsistent play from the tight end position. Whether it was being able to catch the ball or pick up key blocks. It derailed the Hoosier's offense. Looking forward the position will be wide open. Expect it to be a battle and the Hoosiers looking into the transfer portal to see if they could find their guy.  

AJ Barner - 28 Receptions for 199 Yards. 3 touchdowns on the season. The longest Catch was 43 Yards. 

Barner had an up-and-down year for the Hoosiers. Before the season he was one of three guys selected to represent the Hoosiers program in Indianapolis at Big Ten Media Day and the clear TE #1. Now he is in the transfer portal. Barner’s season was inconsistent. He started in eight games. His ability to receive the ball was shown in bursts during the season but he often failed to pick up key blocks which kept him off the field. Standing on 6’6 250 Barner was able to use his size for one of the Hoosier's touchdowns against Ohio State.

James Bomba - 5 receptions for 22 Yards. Started in One Game making appearances in 7 games for the Hoosiers. 

Bomba is a local kid playing at Bloomington South. He earned a two-time all-state selection and worked his way onto the football field. He started against Ohio State and made his debut in the season opener against Illinois. His first catch was against Western Kentucky.

Trey Walker- Appeared in Four Games, Mostly on Special Teams

Walker did not see the field much this season. A redshirt Junior out of Winnetka Illinois, Walker was a walk-on during the 2019 season. He will hope to bring some much-needed production next season to the Hoosiers.

Sam Daugstrup - One Appearance. Season-Ending Knee Injury

Redshirt Sophomore from Cleveland, Ohio Daugstrup walked on to the program during the 2020 season.

Aaron Steinfeldt - Played in 10 Games with 2 Starts. 6 Receptions for 52 yards and 1 Touchdown.

Steinfeldt surprised a lot of people this season. A redshirt Freshman out of Bloomington North. Steinfeldt made the most of the time he got on the field. He caught two passes against Cincinnati and scored a touchdown against Maryland. I expect Steinfeldt to be competing for the starting gig this upcoming season.

Brody Foley - 2022 Spring Enrollee. Did not see any Action.

No.26 ranked right end in his class and No.16 ranked prospect in the state of Ohio.

Ryan Miller - 20222 Spring Enrollee. Did not see any Action.

 No.23 ranked Tight End in his class and top 20 prospects in the state of Ohio.