Countdown to 2018 IUFB Kickoff: 20 Days (Cole Gest)
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Written By Rylie Kyhn
Countdown to Kickoff: #20 – Cole Gest
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 195 pounds
Hometown: Lyndhurst, OH
Class/Position: Red Shirt Sophomore/Running Back
If a team wants to win games in the Big Ten, they have to have a really solid a run game and that’s exactly what the Hoosiers are going to try to establish this season. With the new strength of the offensive line and the running backs themselves, it is going to be a huge aspect of the Hoosier offense.
The coaches have talked about how important it will be in order to win games this year as well as the strength of the returning offensive line. Running back Coach Mike Hart explained his two keys to running the ball successfully and the first includes the work on the line and the guys making their blocks, and the second is having strong backs. Both of these aspects seem to be coming together this season and the strength of the running backs has been noted so far in camp. One that has impressed a number of times is Cole Gest.
As a freshman, Gest rushed for 47 yards on 10 attempts in the first three games of the season but then suffered a season-ending injury and received a medical redshirt. He also returned five kickoffs for 110 yards. Last season he finished second on the team with 428 yards on 93 attempts with one touchdown.
Gest has impressed so far in fall camp with some of the plays he has made. He looks like he has even more explosiveness than last fall and he looks mobile and quick and has the opportunity to see a lot of field time this year. Coach Allen discussed how he believes there should be more than one guy that they can depend on as a really strong running back. Allen believes depth is important and in order to win games this year, they are going to need a strong group. Whether Gest plays the starting role or the number two or three guy, he is going to be an important player for the Indiana offense this year.
The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff continues each and every day so be sure to check back often for the latest profile piece!