2021 Countdown to Kickoff: 71 Days (Randy Holtz)

Written by Nate Comp

The Hoosier Huddle countdown to kickoff has begun! A day over ten weeks remain until Indiana’s first game of the season against Iowa in Kinnick Stadium. Today, we will highlight the man donning the number 71 jersey this season, Randy Holtz.

Randy Holtz (Redshirt Freshman)

Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana

Height: 6’7”

Weight: 340 Pounds

Position: Offensive Line

Fellow offensive lineman Caleb Jones would likely take the crown for biggest guy on the Indiana roster, but it wouldn’t take long before mentioning Randy Holtz. Holtz was a 2019 Mr. Football Finalist in the state of Indiana at Snider High School before joining the Hoosiers as a part of the 2020 recruiting class. The two-time all-state honoree was ranked the 14th best prospect in Indiana by Rivals and led a career that saw him stuff a highlight tape full of instances where he abused the defensive lineman lined up against him. Luckily for Holtz, he’s had the opportunity to continue this tenacious streak early on in his career, as he made his collegiate debut in a win against Maryland and saw three total games of action at guard last season.

Holtz is progressing in strength and athleticism and continues to impress the coaches along the way.

“Guys like Cameron Knight, Joshua Sales, Randy Holtz, Tim Weaver [are] guys that are younger, developing offensive linemen in our program that we are really excited about,” said offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan after a spring practice in April. “We think they have bright futures, but it is a developmental position. You are talking about the biggest, strongest part of the game… Not only from a physicality standpoint, but also communication and recognition at this level of football takes time.”

“They have had a great attitude and are working hard. Now it is our job to get them to play up to the level that we think they are capable of, and their job to work and get coached as hard as possible. They are doing a great job, and we are really excited about them.”

Holtz will likely serve as a depth piece again this season, making the most of the opportunities he does see the field and continuing to progress towards a starter role later in his career.