Countdown to 2020 IUFB Kickoff: 79 Days (Charlie O’Connor)

Written by Amanda Pavelka (@amandapavelka3)

We are now less than 80 days until the long-awaited 2020 Indiana football season. Representing the cream and crimson No. 79 jersey again this upcoming season will be Charlie O’Connor. 

Name: Charlie O’Connor

Position: Redshirt Sophomore OL

Hometown: Western Springs, Illinois

Height: 6’2” 

Weight: 311 pounds 

A standout multi-sport athlete from Western Springs, Illinois, O’Connor joined the IU football program as a walk-on in 2018 during fall camp. O’Connor’s host of high school football honors are highlighted by all-area and all-conference selection, two-time team captain, and most valuable offensive lineman at Lyons Township High School. 

O’Connor ended up burning his redshirt the first year, and played in four games at center as a redshirt freshman in 2019, making his debut in week two against Eastern Illinois. More play time knocks at the door for the Academic All-Big Ten athlete with his dedication to IU football and another year of experience under his belt. 

With the loss of former starter Hunter Littlejohn, there will be a battle brewing for minutes at center in Bloomington, and he’ll be in the mix.

“Harry (Crider) knows that role and Charlie O'Connor and Cameron Knight, all those guys. Those are the guys we have working at center,” OL Coach Darren Hiller said “Dylan Powell is another one, he's very sharp. Mackenzie Nworah will work in there at times, as well as Mike Katic. There's a lot of position flexibility in the interior. We just have to get back here to work so we know what the best way to go about it is.”

There is not a reason O’Connor shouldn’t see more play time as he develops his body to match his broad shoulder frame and finds rhythm and role on the offensive line in Bloomington.