Spring Practice 2020 Position Preview — Tight Ends

Image: amanda paVelka/hoosier huDdle

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. 

2019 Indiana Football Positional Preview: Tight Ends

Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Written by: Amanda Pavelka (@AmandaPavelka3)

One of the youngest position groups for the Indiana Hoosiers lies in the tight ends. In his third year of coaching at Indiana, Nick Sheridan, the man responsible for reeling in Michael Penix, transitioned from quarterbacks to tight ends. With the expertise of strength and conditioning staff David Ballou and Dr. Matt Rhea, Sheridan has done a fine job developing the youthful, talented group of five so far.

-Peyton Hendershot- 6’4”/255 pounds - Redshirt Sophomore

The returning starter from North Salem, Indiana is looking for a breakout year. Hendershot suffered an injury his freshman year, taking the medical redshirt in 2017 after appearing in four games. At his first opportunity, he bounced back and made his presence known in last season when he most famously carried a career-high 32-yard touchdown against No. 3 Ohio State and sealed the road win against Rutgers with a 25-yard reception on fourth down. Hendershot’s 2018 stat line reads: 15 receptions, 163 yards, two touchdowns, a pair of tackles, one for loss, and a blocked punt. With a productive year under his belt and an added 10 pounds, he’s capable of adapting as a more confident hybrid to new offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer’s scheme quite well.

-Matt Bjorson- 6’3”/249 pounds - Sophomore

As a freshman, Matt Bjorson showed flashes of potential early-on with his 15-yard catch in the season-opener at Florida International and a pair of catches totaling 31 yards against Ball State. In total, he secured five catches for 53 yards in the 12 games he played. Bjorson has made some great plays in fall camp and is has the potential to really contribute on offense. He comes back for his sophomore year 12 pounds bigger, more powerful, beaming confidence— expect to see more receptions and blocks as a product of his hard work in the offseason.

-TJ Ivy- 6’5”/ 257 pounds - Redshirt Freshman

TJ Ivy was forced to take the bench his freshman season, and remains one of the most talented Hoosiers whose potential has yet to be tapped. Ivy’s size and impressive high school resume qualifies him for number three tight end, although it is very possible he could earn more play time if he takes advantage of the chance to prove himself early-on this season. Ivy’s added 10 pounds in the offseason and presents like a Big Ten tight end. He’s on the list of players I’m most excited to see take the field in the upcoming season.

-Ryan Barnes- 6’4”/ 249 pounds - Redshirt Freshman 

A walk-on from Noblesville, Indiana, Ryan Barnes joined the team and has been a contributing member of the scout team. Barnes was awarded offensive scout team player of the week twice, for games against Virginia and Iowa and was also special team scout player of the week against Michigan last season. Barnes did not waste time pursuing his dream to play college football in the offseason— he put on 23 pounds. With a competitive tight-end group, there just is not room for Barnes— expect him to contribute behind the scenes this season.

-Gary Cooper- 6’2”/ 235 pounds - Freshman

To redshirt or not to redshirt Gary Cooper will be one of the biggest decisions for the tight ends group in the 2019 season. Cooper may be the most versatile tight end in the group— his sturdy frame and speedy catching could be lethal for Indiana’s opponents. Ranked No. 13 hybrid tight end by ESPN, Cooper makes the future of Indiana football look bright, but with the competition at the tight end spot, a redshirt could be a smart move. Either way, he has four games to decide what’s best for Cooper and Indiana football.