Hoosier Tight End A.J. Barner Ready to Fill Big Shoes on Offense

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

When A.J. Barner and the other hoosier tight ends entered their position meetings following last season, the knew what and who were missing.

“When we first met in January and both freshmen were early enrollees, so my whole group has been together [through spring practice]. I said, 'okay, look around the room. What's different?' Matt [Bjorson] and Peyton [Hendershot] weren't there.” Indiana tight ends coach Kevin Wright said.

Barner has played in 20 games so far in his brief Hoosier career. While he did not get much action behind Peyton Hendershot, who is now with the Dallas Cowboys, Barner showed flashes of what he is capable of with 14 catches for 162 yards and a touchdown.

“He is a guy that walked on campus as a true freshman and was running down on kick off team and forcing double teams just because of his physicality and his ability to make plays. He hasn't maybe shown it as much at the tight end position, but he has had opportunities to get in games at different times. He was in the Michigan game two years ago at home when we won, he was in at a key time at tight end. I think he's waited his time and is excited and ready.” Wright added.

The Hoosiers not only need Barner to be a force on offense, they need him to step into the leadership role vacated by Hendershot and Matt Bjorson. His coaches think he’s ready for that role as well.

“He's ready to lead not just the room, but the offense. I think he got that from Peyton, and he got that from Matt. Peyton was the most productive tight end in the Big Ten the last three years and Matt Bjorson played in every game for four years when walked on campus. Two really great leaders and two guys he has absorbed a lot of those leadership qualities from.” Wright said.

Fellow tight end Aaron Steinfeldt has appriciated Barner’s leadership on the field saying, “AJ's such a good leader. He's a guy that has great fundamentals, great technique. Every time I see him in the game, I watch him to see all the little things he does. I think he's done a good job helping me understand defenses. He's been able to help me have an easy transition to the game.”

Barner, who Wright describes as a “tough kid”, should be featured in Walt Bell’s offense in 2022. Hendershot and Bjorson are gone, it’s is now Barners turn to lead.