Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 76 Days (Wes Martin)

Written by David Sugarman (@David_Sugarman2)

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kick-off keeps on cruising as we’re now just 76 days away from opening night against Ohio State. Today we take a trip into the trenches and look at a key cog in the offensive line, Wes Martin.

#76

Wes Martin (Redshirt Junior)

Height: 6’3" 

Weight: 310 pounds

Hometown: West Milton, Ohio

Position: Offensive line

In 2016 Indiana’s offensive line wasn’t bad, but there is without a doubt room for improvement. The only teams the Hoosiers were better than in the rushing department were Rutgers, Illinois and Purdue, the basement dwellers of the Big Ten. In addition to that, when it came to protecting Richard Lagow the Hoosiers were pedestrian at best, allowing 29 sacks, 8th in the Big Ten. The starting group up front will see it’s fair share of changes in 2017 so experience and veteran leadership where they can find it will be key. One of the places they’ll look for those qualities is redshirt junior, Wes Martin.

Martin has appeared in every game the last two years, starting in six his freshman year and all 13 last season. With some new faces stepping into full-time starting roles like Simon Stepaniak (center) and Hunter Littlejohn (right guard), that experience will be invaluable, especially with All-American Dan Feeney and starting tackle Dimitric Camiel gone to graduation. Martin wasn’t shy about making those replacements along the line saying in an interview with IUhoosiers.com, “We have to have some younger guys step up. Those are some big shoes to fill, but I think that we have some young guys really working toward that.”

Something else the Hoosiers may lean on is Martin’s flexibility. Martin has played extensively at both left and right guard the past two seasons and  while we project he’ll start at right guard, injuries happen and it’s good to know he can be slid along the line if need be. There’s no doubt that there’s talent across the line between Martin, Coy Cronk and a hopefully healthy Brandon Knight. If Martin and company can bring along the young guys quickly in offensive coordinator Mike DeBord’s and O-line coach Darren Hiller’s new scheme, IU’s offense should see more success this season.

Share your thoughts or expectations for Wes Martin, what you think his role will be and the rest of the offensive line in our comments section (or on the message boards) and be sure to come back to Hoosier Huddle each day during our countdown!