2019 Indiana Football Positional Preview: Offensive Line

Written by Andrew Walker

The Indiana Hoosiers have a promising 2019 season in front of them. With Darren Hiller coaching the offensive line and first year offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer at the helm of offensive schemes, the O-Line is in promising hands.

Starting off with Coy Cronk, anchoring the left tackle position as an accomplished senior. Cronk started in 11 games last season for Indiana. Cronk was a large part of Indiana’s nationally high average of first downs per game at 23.5. Cronk is joined by Simon Stepaniak, Caleb Jones, Hunter Littlejohn as some of the older members of the OL and will look to anchor the line with experience in 2019.

Stepaniak started all 12 games at right guard in 2018 and was a major key to success on the strong side for Indiana’s passing offense. Stepaniak received the IU offensive player of the week last year after the Virginia game. 

Caleb Jones, standing 6’8 / 358 lbs, played 11 games in 2018 at tackle for the Hoosiers. Since 2017, Jones has lost 12 pounds. Based on how promising he’s looking in fall camp, he’ll play extremely valuable minutes, if not start for Indiana’s fall campaign.

Fifth year Hunter Littlejohn played all 12 games at center for the Hoosiers in 2018. In addition to helping Indiana’s stellar offensive line last year, Littlejohn allowed just three sacks in 904 snaps. Littlejohn has gained 11 pounds since last year and looks great in practice so far.

Junior Harry Crider has slid over to guard in an effort to get the best five guys on the field. He had a terrific spring and has been solid in fall camp. He came in as a center, but has found a home at guard.

In addition to some of these older guys, there are plenty of younger guys that can slide into meaningful minutes from day one. Tim Weaver is a true freshman from Phil Sams at Saucon Valley High School. He was a first team all-state selection when he was a senior. Matthew Bedford was ranked the No. 25 prospect in Tennessee and No. 80 nationally. Bedford played in the 2018 East-West all-star classic as well.

The great mix of older more experienced guys and young talent should keep the recent success of the IU offensive line at an all time high.