Luke Haggard Steps His Way into Leadership Role on the Offensive Line

Written by: @zachegreene

The offensive line has been the beneficiary of recent criticism by the fans and media despite only giving up one sack this season and veteran Offensive Lineman Luka Haggard wants to make sure that his unit plays with a chip on their shoulders.

“I just think every position, leadership matters. Veteran leadership is even more valuable. I just think that's what he brings. It's the consistency and the toughness and just the steadiness there. Even though you may not be a real verbal person, but just to play speaks for itself in so many ways, and at that position for sure. That consistency and just the strength and the size and the length and all the different things you have.” Indiana head coach Tom Allen said on Monday.

This past Saturday the offensive line started two new players in Khalil Benson and Parker Hanna both of whom have been mentored by Haggard. 

Haggard has been in the program since the 2020 season after transferring from Santa Rosa Community College. He has been through all the ups and downs and is the leader of the offensive line.  

Tom Allen talks about consistency a lot, he believes it is one of the core values in building a winning program. Haggard brings this day in and day out whether that is in the weight room or in the film room.

“When the young guys come in here, they get pulled into it because they understand that, hey, that's how it's going to be expected for me to practice here, how I'm going to lift here, run here, and train here, and how I'm going to study film. He does a great job of that.” Allen explained.

Allen is trying to build a wining culture in Bloomington and at the same time developing young men to be the people they were meant to be. He understands that he can’t do everything and needs people to believe in his mission. Haggard is one of those guys.

“Everybody has to understand that that culture is the responsibility of each position coach, and each position coach within that group has to develop those leaders. We have leaders from each group that's on our leadership council by design.” Allen said. “We talk to those guys by those groups by design to be able to get that to take it back to the group and be able to infuse the leadership within those guys and then affect the whole side of the football and ultimately the whole team.” 

Haggard understands what his role is on this team. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and guides his fellow Offensive lineman. This Saturday, it is expected that we will see Benson and Hanna again.

Haggard has taken on a leadership role this season and is expected to lead this offensive line. He has been a hard worker on and off the field and is a great role model for the young offensive lineman. That said, don’t be surprised to see Pro Scouts have an eye on the young man