Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 83 Days (Austin Dorris)

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

#83

There are now 83 days until the Hoosiers season opener against Ohio State on August 31st and we continue our run on tight ends with today’s featured player Austin Dorris.

Austin Dorris (Redshirt Sophomore)

-Height: 6’5”

-Weight: 254 pounds

-Hometown: Sunnyside, Ohio

-Position: Tight End

Tight end Austin Dorris is one of the most intriguing players on the IU roster. He’s a big, strong player who came to IU after playing quarterback his senior year in high school where he earned first team all-state honors and was named Ohio Valley Player of the Year. Dorris has the athletic ability to do some special things with the ball and needs to stay healthy in order for every one to see what he can do in Mike DeBord’s new offense.

Dorris was a part of the 2015 recruiting class and he red shirted his first season on campus. During that year Dorris earned Scout Team Player of the Week against Michigan.

As a redshirt freshman in 2016, Dorris made his first career appearance in the season opening win against FIU. He would play in seven games last season and earned Academic All-Big Ten praise. Dorris showed promise as a blocker against FIU as there was several times where he would be punishing defenders 10 yards down field.

The expectations for Dorris haven’t really waned heading into 2017. While Dorris is behind both Danny Friend and Ian Thomas, he should get plenty of reps and targets as Mike DeBord’s offense should feature the tight end more than Kevin Wilson. At 6’5” he provides a great target for quarterback Richard Lagow and he has a good frame and mentality to be used as a blocker as well.

Austin’s father, Bob, is also somewhat of a figure around IU Football games as fans might notice his Hoosier Cruiser in the parking lot prior to home games.

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