Anderson, Carpenter and Matthews Need to be Impact Transfers at Positions of Need

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers welcomed in three new players who came to Bloomington via the NCAA Trasfer Portal in wide receiver D.J. Matthews (Florida State), offensive lineman Zach Carpenter (Michigan) and defensive lineman Ryder Anderson (Ole Miss). All three should have impact roles for the Hoosiers in 2021.

“This place is special. The culture here is unreal.” Carpenter said of the culture at Indiana. “The players have all been welcoming. I've never felt uncomfortable or anything like that. They have been here, taking me in, helping me out in any way they can. The coaching staff here is great. They really care about their players and they want the best for them.”

Anderson committed to play for IU just days after Ole Miss topped the Hoosiers in the Outback Bowl and it has been brought up in conversation with his new teammates. “It has all been good. Just getting here and meeting everybody. We have definitely had some jokes and chit-chat about the bowl game. It has been great these past couple of weeks and has been fun meeting everybody.” Anderson said.

For Matthews coming to Bloomington was greeted by the bitter cold and snow, but his relationships with his teammates is warming up.

“I’m a Florida kid, so when I first got here, it took me a few weeks to get adjusted to the weather, it was cold, but it was good.” Matthews said. “As far as the team locker room and environment, it's great. I'm just happy I got the opportunity to be around so many guys that are willing to work and pursue the dream, chase everything, chase greatness.”

All three players will play prominent roles for the Hoosiers in 2021 and need to perform should IU want to continue their success on the gridiron.

Matthews will try and fill the shoes of Whop Philyor who left to head to the NFL. “My role is really whatever Coach Heard and Coach Allen want me to do. As of now, yes, they have me playing in the slot, but things could change during the season or game planning. I'm just here to play my role.” Matthews said. He should also factor into the return game.

Carpenter adds experience and leadership to an offensive line unit that needs to improve in 2021. “I've always seen myself as a leader. I think definitely getting some Big Ten playing experience has also been beneficial to that as well. Obviously, there are no fans, but I'm confident that even if there is, that I will be able to lead that offensive line out there.” He said.

On defense Anderson, who had a big game against the Hoosiers, needs to provide playmaking abilities from the defensive end position. A position he said he would be playing more in 2021 with IU. “I am probably going to be playing a lot more defensive end here. I could move inside depending on some different scenarios and packages, but I will primarily be at defensive end.” Anderson said. He added that he has familiarity with IU’s 4-2-5 scheme as well. “I like the 4-2-5 a lot. This is the third or fourth defense that I am learning. I have played in the 4-2-5 before and it is a lot of fun. I like it and I feel like I fit well into it. Just getting into the playbook and learning how I need to do things here is my primary goal right now. It has been a blast so far.”

The three newest Hoosiers will have many eyes watching them this spring and while the Hoosiers have many good players coming back, these three are thrust into positions of need.