2021 Countdown to Kickoff: 79 Days (Charlie O’Connor)

Written By Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

#79

The Hoosier Huddle countdown to kickoff has begun! There are under 80 days until Indiana’s first game of the season against Iowa in Kinnick Stadium. Today, we will highlight the man donning the number 79 jersey this season, Charlie O’Connor.

Charlie O’Connor (Redshirt Junior)

Hometown: Western Springs, Illinois

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 303 Pounds

Position: Offensive Line

After a great high school career at Lyons Township High School, O’Connor joined the Indiana program in 2018 fall camp as a walk-on. He redshirted his first season before seeing four games of action at center in 2019. He was in contention for the starting center position last season, but ultimately served the entire season backing up Harry Crider. 

Crider has moved on to the NFL – in fact he is one of just five undrafted free agents not yet waived on the Eagles roster – but the competition will remain stiff for O’Connor along the offensive line. Dylan Powell will return, along with Mike Katic and Tim Weaver. The coaching staff has high hopes for Cam Knight, the brother of former tackle Brandon Knight. Indiana also added Zach Carpenter, a transfer from Michigan, who has hopes of playing center. 

It’s not an easy path to playing time for O’Connor, but he will certainly provide needed depth along the interior of the offensive line, an area the Hoosiers struggled in last season, especially in run blocking.