Countdown to 2018 IUFB Kickoff: 39 Days (Chris Gajcak)

Written By T.J. Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

Countdown to Kickoff: #39 – Chris Gajcak

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 197 pounds

Hometown: Lisle, Illinois (Naperville North High School)

Class/Position: Redshirt Junior/Wide Receiver

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff rolls on and we are now under 40 days until the 2018 season is underway! Today’s countdown piece focuses on a walk-on wide receiver from Naperville, redshirt junior Chris Gajcak.

Gajcak came to Indiana University after a terrific high school career, both as a student and as an athlete. He attended Naperville North High School and played football in addition to track and field and basketball. The Huskies have a strong sports program, with two state football championships, a number of cross country titles and a great soccer program. I was surprised to find they even have a girls badminton team. Gajcak was a unanimous selection as a first-team all-conference running back as a senior. Off the field, he was recognized for his leadership and earned the JKB Leadership Award and was named Senior Man of the Year.

Chris Gajcak joined the Indiana football program as a walk-on during the 2015 season and redshirted as a freshman. He did not see any game action during the 2016 season but was named Scout Team Player of the Week during those two seasons. He played in five games in 2017 and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors.

Wide receiver is a pretty well-stocked position as the Hoosiers have a number of veterans and position coach Grant Heard has done a nice job recruiting. Nick Westbrook is the best of the bunch and players like Donavan Hale, Luke Timian, Whop Philyor and Ty Fryfogle are certain to see extensive playing time. J-Shun Harris is returning from injury and, when healthy, has proven to be a nice piece and incoming freshman like Jacolby Hewitt and Miles Marshall might work their way onto the field. Gajcak is likely competing with guys like David Felton and Justin Berry for snaps. Regardless of how much he sees the field during games, Gajcak is a proven leader and valuable contributor on the scout team.

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff continues each and every day so be sure to check back often for the latest profile piece!