Countdown to IUFB Kickoff (Drew Conrad and Shaun Bonner)

Written by David Sugarman (David_Sugarman2)

#88

 There are now 88 days left until Indiana squares off with Ohio State on August 31st. In today’s countdown we take a look at a pair of players who both wear a pair of eight’s on their backs as we talk about Drew Conrad and Shaun Bonner.

 Drew Conrad (Redshirt Freshman)

Height: 6’2’’

Weight: 195 pounds

Hometown: Greenwood, Indiana

Position: Punter

There’s no doubt the Hoosiers struggled with consistency on special teams last season and a lot of that had to due with the inconsistency from punter Joseph Gedeon. Now as I sit here on June fourth I still believe Gedeon will be the starting punter and and if that isn’t the case then it will likely be the Aussie, Haydon Whitehead. Having said that, there isn’t a clear number one on the depth chart and the Hoosiers would be foolish not to look at all their options which includes Drew Conrad.

A walk-on who joined the team during 2016 preseason camp, Conrad came to IU with some solid accolades. The Center Grove High School product was a two-time second team all-state and two-time all-county punter of the year. Averaging just a shade under 40 yards a punt as a senior, Conrad set a MIC Conference yardage record, totaling 1,492 yards on the year. He would go on to help the program win a state championship and complete an undefeated season (14-0) in 2015.

Given that Gedeon has more experience and Whitehead has garnered a fair amount of buzz within the program despite never having played American football, Conrad’s name is likely going to be further down on depth chart when the season rolls around. Though it is his birthday today so we leave this piece wishing Conrad a little bit more luck than usual. If his wish is to work hard and climb up the depth chart, then we hope that wish comes true.

Please share any comments or thoughts in the comments section or in our message board. The countdown continues tomorrow so make sure to check Hoosier Huddle daily as we churn towards the 2017 season!

Shaun Bonner (Redshirt Freshman) 

Height: 6’3’’

Weight: 255 pounds

Hometown: Moultrie, Georgia

Position: Tight End

The tight end position was not a bright spot for Indiana in 2016. While Danny Friend did a solid job in run blocking, first year starter Richard Lagow could’ve used a security blanket in the receiving game and didn’t get it from the tight end position. Although Bonner lacks experience, he brings good size at 6’3’’ and could be a solid fill in if need be.

After winning back-to-back state championships in 2014 and 2015 at Colquitt County High School, the Hoosiers opted to redshirt Bonner his freshman year. Bonner was still able to impress in spots despite not seeing the field, earning scout team player of the week versus Rutgers.

With Danny Friend being the presumed starter and people being high on his backup Ian Thomas, it’s unlikely Bonner will see too much of the field this year. Although given Friend’s injury issues and Thomas being unproven, an opportunity could arise.

Please share any comments or thoughts in the comments section or in our message board. The countdown continues tomorrow so make sure to check Hoosier Huddle daily as we churn towards the 2017 season!