2022 Indiana Football Positional Preview: Tight End

Written by: Zach Greene

The Indiana tight end room lost a key piece to the NFL in Peyton Hendershot, but Junior AJ Barner could pick up right where he left off.

Barner was selected as one of three players to represent the IU Football Program at Big Ten Media Days last month.

“A.J. Barner, tight end, that's been in the shadows of Peyton Hendershot All Big Ten tight end the last couple years, and now this is his opportunity to be able to show who he is on the football field. Love his leadership. That's a big reason why he's here today.” Head Coach Tom Allen said during Big Ten Media Day. 

Barner has a huge frame at 6-6 250 and there’s no doubt he can contribute this season. The young man can line up on the outside as well in the backfield. He had to sit these past couple of seasons and will be starting under the lights on September 2nd.

Barner is a great route runner who has 4.5 speed to burst into the end zone. Let’s see what new Offensive Coordinator Walt Bell has planned for Barner. There’s no doubt he will be a factor in the passing game, but I would like to see the young man step up his blocking to create a more diverse offense. 

Now let’s dive into the other tight end’s for the Hoosiers

Ryan Miller #87, Freshman, 6’6, 230

A new addition to the program Miller was a top 20 prospect in the state of Ohio and was a dual sport athlete in Football and Baseball. Did not play much his senior season at Kenston High School in Chagrin Falls Ohio but caught 5 touchdowns as a Junior.

Ryan Barnes #39, Redshirt Senior, 6’4, 245

A walk-on during the 2018 season Barners enters his 5th season in the program. His most playing time so far came as Freshman in 2019 appearing in 5 games. He’s earned many special teams and offense player of the week honors while in the program but hasn’t seen much playing time. He’s a local kid who played his high school ball at Noblesville High School.

Trey Walker #45, Redshirt Junior, 6’5, 250

Walker is another walk-on who joined the program during the 2019 season. He earned offensive and special team scout team player of the week honors that season. He did not see any action during the 2019 or 2020 season but appeared in two games last season. Walker is one of the vets on the program and will be relayed this season.  

Brody Foley #86, Freshman, 6’6, 250

Foley was one of the top recruits in the 2022 class. He enrolled in classes last semester and is a player fans should keep there eye on. He is from Cincinnati where he attended Anderson High School preformed earning the No.26th Tight End in the nation. He also lined up on the defensive side of the ball (Linebacker). Foley is versatile and I expect him to be a factor in the program down the road. 

James Bomba #48, Redshirt Freshman, 6’6, 250

Bomba is another walk-on who joined the program during the spring of 2021. Bomba is a Bloomington South grad who committed to Miami of Ohio before transferring to IU.  He did not see any action last season. He had an amazing career at Bloomington South earning two-time all-state selection honors and MVP as a senior. Bomba has been taking 2nd and 3rd string reps during this year’s fall camp and expect him to be in some blocking schemes this season. I expect him to end up being the backup.

Aaron Steinfeldt #84, Redshirt Freshman, 6-5, 250

Steinfeldt is the other Tight End from Bloomington. Bloomington North and he also had an amazing career, earning two all-state honors. He tallied 15 touchdowns and over 1,400 while at Bloomington North. He was the 10th prospect in the state and overall was the 34th ranked tight end by rivals. Expect Steinfeldt to be 3rd on the depth chart for the upcoming season.

Sam Daugstrup #49, Redshirt Sophmore , 6’5, 240

A walk-on during the fall camp of 2020, Daugstrup has not seen any action yet. He earned offensive scout team player of the week honors against Penn State last season.