2021 Countdown to Kickoff: 63 Days (Andy Buttrell)

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

The 2021 Countdown to Kickoff is churning along. There are 63 days remaining until the Indiana Hoosiers travel to Iowa City and play the Iowa Hawkeyes in a crucial season-opening contest. We are in the middle of a whole bunch of offensive linemen profiles and today features a second-year freshman walk-on from Texas, Andy Buttrell.

Name: Andy Buttrell

Hometown: Argyle, Texas (Liberty Christian)

Position: Offensive Line

Year: Freshman

Height/Weight: 6’5”/295 pounds

Andy Buttrell is not a typical walk on. He joined the Hoosiers prior to the 2020 season as a preferred walk-on, meaning he was guaranteed a roster spot and did not need to try out for his spot. Buttrell, who came to Bloomington from Texas, was not just interested in being a football player though. He was looking for a school that he could compete in track and field as well.

“Track is a huge influence,” Buttrell told 247Sports. “I believe I can achieve greatness in both sports. I threw the shot in high school and I was ranked Top 25 nationally, but I don’t think I’ve even tried the hammer throw or weight throw and those will most likely be my best events.”

Instead of accepting scholarship offers at schools like Nevada, Fordham or Air Force, Buttrell chose to play for Coach Darren Hiller and Cory Martin (IU’s assistant track coach). He had those opportunities because of his outstanding play at Liberty Christian in Texas. He was a two-time all-state selection and did not allow a single sack in his high school career. Things do not always go as planned though and Buttrell ultimately chose to forego track and focus on football. He was the offensive scout team player of the week for the Michigan game and has the size you want in a tackle. It is incredibly difficult for walk-on offensive linemen to break into the rotation but Buttrell still has four years of eligibility and he has the physical tools that give him a shot to have an impact down the road.

The countdown continues with a new profile each and every day so come back to hoosierhuddle.com daily!