2022 Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 50 Days Part I (Zach Carpenter)

Written by: Sammy Jacobs

#50

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff rolls on to day 50 and we are halfway through to Indiana kicking off against Illinois. Today, we feature two linemen from each side of the ball. First, on the offensive line, Zach Carpenter.

Zach Carpenter (Redshirt Junior)

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 304 Pounds

Position: Offensive Line

Carpenter came to IU from Michigan where he played in five games as a freshman, prior to the 2021 season. Last year for IU, Carpenter played in five games with three starts.

This season Carpenter will be counted on to be a major piece of the offensive line, either at center or guard. Tom Allen has challenged the redshirt junior to be better in 2021.

"There was a lot of emphasis on our offensive line.” Allen said. “They have to get better. I've really been encouraged by Matt Bedford's leadership growth and physical growth. It's the same with Luke Haggard and Zach Carpenter. Those three guys stuck out to me who needed to get better. The challenge has been put out to them and they responded.“

Carpenter has changed his body type according to Allen in an interview during spring practice.

“Zach Carpenter, who played last year, but wasn't a full-time starter, just changed his body this off-season, did a tremendous job with that. Need that growth to continue and he's doing a great job.” Allen explained.

If Carpenter can develop into the lineman that Allen envisions, that will go a very long way in determining how this season goes.