Written by Andrew Walker (@Andrew_JW17)
The Indiana Football squad has been hard at work over the two-month-long off-season. The Hoosiers’ roster is looking stronger than ever, one year removed from the highest ranked recruiting class in program history. The program’s attempts at a winning culture through the kinds of talent they bring through the locker room is working. It is growing exponentially as well. Tom Allen and company have rejuvenated the Hoosier faithful’s faith in Indiana Football.
Part of last season’s success on the field had to do with Indiana’s high powered offense. Both quarterbacks that started last season were some of the best in the Big Ten, and that certainly wasn’t an accident. Tight ends were a huge part of that passing success, much to the delight of now-departed offensive coordinator, Kalen DeBoer.
The 2020 tight end crew, complete with returning and new members, is primed for an even bigger 2020 season. With Mike Penix Jr. returning to pilot the offense, Indiana’s tight ends should see just as much action as last year, if not more.
Let’s take a look at the tight ends that will be playing for the Hoosiers this year.
Peyton Hendershot
The prodigal son returns. Hendershot had a heck of a season last season, with a career-high 52 receptions for 622 yards. He was second on the team in total receiving production. Four touchdowns on the season and just over 47 yards per game in 2019 season was a pretty good mark as a redshirt sophomore. However, after some recent criminal charges and an indefinite suspension, Hendershot’s future with the football program and at the university is up in the air.
Matt Bjorson
Promising is an understatement. Bjorson showed flashes of his true potential last season, even though he only caught seven receptions for 36 yards and one touchdown. Look for Bjorson’s role to expand this season as he becomes more experienced. Bjorson should make great strides to be the number one tight end this upcoming season. The sophomore will pair nicely with Mike Penix.
Turon ‘TJ’ Ivy Jr.
Big man with hands. Ivy played in 10 games last season, only hauling in 3 receptions for 24 yards. Ivy stands 6’5, 257 pounds though, making him a valuable asset on the line of scrimmage. Ivy’s size could make a difference the deeper he gets into his career. He could end up being that tall, deep threat that he was in high school. Ivy is over even the NFL’s average height and weight, so that big presence could be a difference maker for the Hoosiers this year if he plays extra minutes.
Gary Cooper
Cooper, longtime friend and roommate of DL Jeremy Passmore, is a sight yet to be seen extensively on the football field. He played in four games last season, only catching two passes for 15 yards. Cooper will learn a lot from the guy above him in the depth chart, so maybe one day he’ll be able to step into a more expanded role.
Ryan Barnes
Having redshirted the 2018 season, Ryan Barnes made his collegiate debut for the Eastern Illinois game. He played in four games last season, mostly in a special teams role. He was also two-time special teams scout team player of the week last year. The redshirt freshman out of Noblesville is looking to get some extra playing time this year, and if he can show he can use his 6’4 frame to his advantage, he just might.
Trey Walker
Walker, standing 6’5 226 from Winnetka, Illinois, is one of the most interesting prospects the Hoosiers have in my opinion. He’s already a great height, but he’s lighter than a traditional tight end. Walker might end up being that one quick receiving tight end that can end up playing wideout sometimes. Walker is surprisingly quite similar in stature and weight to former Lions WR Calvin Johnson. If Walker’s speed is adequate, he might want to think about switching positions.
