Indiana Football Positional Preview: Can the Offensive Line Show Off Their Improved Strength After a Solid Showing in Fall Camp

The offensive line is the key to the Hoosiers' season in 2018 Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Written By Evan McShane (@veryreasonable)

The Indiana Hoosiers struggled on the offensive line last season. IU had an abysmal run game last season despite finishing third in the Big Ten in passing offense. Indiana simply could not sustain a rushing attack during conference play. Injuries affected the offensive line throughout the season, impeding any potential consistency up front. This year should be different. The Hoosiers return nearly everybody on the offensive line. IU will boast more depth on the O-line than they’ve had in a while. Whether or not that translates to a drastically improved running game remains to be seen. The addition of strength and conditioning experts David Ballou and Dr. Matt Rhea have seemingly given the entire roster a boost. The experience IU will have on the offensive line this season is very valuable. With strongholds like Wes Martin, Coy Cronk, Simon Stepaniak and others, the Hoosiers offensive line should be drastically improved in 2018.  

Wes Martin | Senior | 6’3” 316

Wes Martin has been a reliable force ever since he was a redshirt freshman in 2015. Martin started six games and appeared in all 13 after redshirting his first year in Bloomington. During his redshirt sophomore and junior seasons, the Ohio native started every game at left guard for the Hoosiers. Martin is so vital to the offensive line, for example, in 2017 he led the nation with the most pass blocking snaps without allowing a sack, per iuhoosiers.com. Martin was a captain in every game last season and he will look to provide immeasurable leadership to an experienced Hoosier offensive line. His performance last season earned him honorable mention for the All-Big Ten Team while he earned his third consecutive Academic All-Big Ten selection. Look for Martin to anchor down the left guard spot as he’s done for years. Martin is a big reason Hoosier fans should be excited about this offensive line.

Coy Cronk | Junior | 6’5” 309

Coy Cronk, the left tackle from Lafayette, Indiana, has a boatload of experience for a junior with two years of eligibility left. The durable Cronk started every game as a sophomore and as a true freshman. Cronk gained national recognition from 247Sports by being named to their True Freshman All-American team. He also received Big Ten All-Freshman honors by ESPN.com and BTN.com. Cronk was steady in 2017, although the Hoosiers struggled mightily in the running game, finishing 12th in the Big Ten. IU, however, finished second in the Big Ten in passing offense. As an upperclassman, Coy Cronk will lean on his experience in 2018 as he evolves into a leader on this offensive line. He’s owned the left tackle position for 25 consecutive games and Hoosier fans should expect Cronk to start there again this season. Cronk will be a key cog in what should be a much-improved front.

Simon Stepaniak | Redshirt Junior | 6’4” 311

Simon Stepaniak had a promising season partially derailed by injury, missing six games. Aside from that, Stepaniak has been impressive. He started in two games and played in 12 as a redshirt freshman; and he started all six games he appeared in last year. As a recruit, Stepaniak was the third ranked guard in Ohio. Stepaniak appears healthy and rejuvenated this season. He’s had an excellent offseason and has taken full advantage of David Ballou and Dr. Matt Rhea, IU’s new strength and conditioning team. Hoosier fans will most likely see Stepaniak starting at right guard. Like many Hoosiers on the roster, he has improved his body and conditioning. Stepaniak could be poised for a breakout year in 2018.

Brandon Knight | Senior | 6’5” 307

Brandon Knight hopped on the scene in Bloomington as he appeared in all 12 games as a true freshman, earning honorable mention for the All-Big Ten Team. During his first season, he played both tackle and tight end, catching a 22-yard touchdown pass in a victory over Purdue. In 2016, the in-state product from Noblesville was on his way to big things before a season-ending injury halted his sophomore campaign. Because Knight’s injury occurred later in the year, he was not a full participant during last year’s offseason. However, Knight was able to play in each of the last ten games, starting eight of them at right tackle. Despite potential health concerns, Knight has looked the part during this offseason. Hoosier fans should expect Brandon Knight to start the season at his usual spot: right tackle. With injury luck on his side, Knight has the potential to end his career at IU on a high note.

Hunter Littlejohn | Redshirt Junior | 6’3” 304

Hunter Littlejohn has made some serious strides throughout the offseason. From Ohio to Bloomington, Littlejohn redshirted his freshman season and made just one appearance in 2016. Littlejohn was thrust into action as a redshirt sophomore. He started all 12 games at center. The Hoosiers brought in a graduate transfer from Miami named Nick Linder, however, it’s Littlejohn who may emerge as the starter. The work he’s put in this spring and summer have benefited Hunter Littlejohn as much as anyone. With Linder and Littlejohn as options at center, Hoosier fans have to feel confident in the position. It will be interesting to see how much Littlejohn’s offseason improvements show on Saturdays.

Delroy Baker | Senior | 6’6” 316

Delroy Baker is back in action as a senior. The Florida offensive tackle has provided depth for the Hoosiers over the course of his time in Bloomington. He redshirted as a freshman and made one appearance in 2015. As a redshirt sophomore and junior, Baker played in 18 games, starting four at right tackle. Baker will get plenty of reps rotating with Brandon Knight as the Hoosiers will try to keep their offensive line fresh for the fourth quarter. Baker has experience at right guard as well and could be used in a variety of rotations. Delroy Baker is another importance piece to an Indiana offensive line that could very well use up to ten players.

Nick Linder | Senior | 6’3” 306

Nick Linder was an exciting addition to the Hoosier football program this offseason. Linder used his final year of eligibility to join IU after transferring from Miami. While at Miami, Linder, originally from Fort Lauderdale, gained a lot of valuable experience. He played in 31 games at center during his first three years at Miami before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury his junior year. The injury effectively cost him his starting spot with the Hurricanes in 2017. Linder will be pursuing a master’s degree from the Kelley School of Business. His experience will undoubtedly help the Hoosiers. Linder can rotate with Hunter Littlejohn at the center position, creating depth and options for the IU coaching staff. The addition of Nick Linder will help the Hoosier offensive line whether he starts or not.

Harry Crider | Sophomore | 6’4” 306

Harry Crider made his college debut in the season opener against Ohio State last year. Ultimately, Crider would play in eight games at center as a true freshman for the Hoosiers. The Columbus, Indiana native had a decorated high school career, and his freshman season showed promise. With two experienced centers, Crider could be plugged in at right guard behind Simon Stepaniak. Last year, IU was put in a position where they needed Crider to provide significant production as a true freshman. This season, with on year and a solid offseason under his belt, Crider will be a factor in the depth of IU’s offensive line.

Caleb Jones | Redshirt Freshman | 6’8” 360

Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Caleb Jones possess astonishing size, standing 6-foot-8 and 360-pounds. Jones redshirted last season after committing to IU. The Indianapolis native played for Lawrence North High School en route to becoming the 12th ranked prospect in the state. As a redshirt sophomore, Jones is an intriguing player. Based on physical stature alone, Jones stands out from the pack. If he can improve his agility and quickness, he could become a brute force for years to come. Jones won’t be expected of too much as a redshirt freshman, but after a promising offseason, there’s some hope that Jones can be another player who can provide relief for the starters.

Mackenzie Nworah | Redshirt Sophomore | 6’4” 300

Mackenzie Nworah redshirted in 2016 when he came to Bloomington from Houston, Texas. As a redshirt freshman, Nworah was rushed to play as he appeared in ten games and started six times at right guard. Nworah will not be relied upon as heavily in 2018 and that should ultimately benefit his development. Nworah is a player Hoosier fans should keep an eye on because he will have some big shoes to fill in the future. For now, look for Nworah to rotate in and out of the offensive line.

DaVondre Love | Redshirt Junior | 6’7” 300

DaVondre Love is a giant, although he’s not in the same weight class as Caleb Jones. Love joined IU in 2015. The St. Louis native redshirted his freshman year and made three appearances in 2016. Last season, Love saw playing time in 11 of the team’s 12 games. Players on the offensive line always get nicked up and having a guy like DaVondre Love to fill in the gaps is essential.

Britt Beery | Redshirt Freshman | 6’6” 301

Britt Beery was ranked as one of the ten best prospects in Indiana per Rivals. The Hoosiers secured his commitment and redshirted Beery in 2017. As a redshirt freshman, not much will be asked of Beery, but he’s important to the offensive line’s future.

Nick Marozas | Freshman | 6’5” 265

Nick Marozas comes to Bloomington from Brother Rice High School near Chicago. Marozas has good size at 6-foot-5, 265-pounds. A versatile athlete, Marozas played basketball and rugby in high school.

Nick Ramacca | Redshirt Junior | 6’2” 285

Nick Ramacca joined the Hoosiers as a walk-on in 2015. Ramacca did not see game action in 2017, although he was named scout team player of the week in September. Ramacca will provide more insurance for the IU offensive line.

Dominic Altimari | Redshirt Freshman | 6’4” 323

Dominic Altimari arrived in Bloomington after winning the high school state championship with St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati. Altimari redshirted last season as he joined the program as a walk-on.

Aidan Rafferty | Freshman | 6’6” 280

Aiden Rafferty has the frame to become an effective offensive lineman in the Big Ten, but he will need some time for his body to adjust to the physicality of college football. Rafferty hails from Gonzaga College High School in Kensington, Maryland.

Ryan Smith | Redshirt Freshman | 6’5” 282

Ryan Smith had a decorated high school career at Moeller High School in Ohio. Smith redshirted the 2017 season.

Charlie O’Connor | Freshman | 6’2” 296

Charlie O’Connor joined the Hoosiers this season. O’Connor is originally Western Springs, Illinois.

Tommy Greene | Freshman | 6’2” 258

Tommy Greene joined the Hoosiers this season after playing for Marist High School near Chicago.

Zenden Dellinger | Redshirt Freshman | 6’7” 325

Zenden Dellinger hails from Fort Wayne, Indiana where he played for Snider High School. Dellinger will be a redshirt freshman this season.