Countdown to Kickoff: 38 Days (Damon Graham)

Wide Receiver Damon Graham runs upfield against Maryland last fall. PHoto Credit - Michael Hickey/Getty Images North America

Written By: Nick Holmes (@HoosierHolmes)

Good morning Hoosier Nation and welcome back to our Countdown to Kickoff. Only 38 more days until the Cream and Crimson take the field for their first contest of what looks to be a potential breakthrough season for the program. A lot is riding on this year, so the Hoosiers are eager to get things underway and prove naysayers wrong. To do so, the team will need to revive a passing offense that took some steps back in 2014. Now with the return of a healthy Nate Sudfeld at quarterback, the Hoosiers will be looking for some playmakers at wide receiver. Indiana saw the graduation of three experienced pass catchers this past fall, including Shane Wynn, so offensive coordinator Kevin Johns will be looking for some of his talented athletes to emerge from the pack and take a strangle hold on the playing time that is up for grabs. Today we are taking a look at Damon Graham, a player who certainly appears to be in the mix at slot this fall.

The 5'10", 180-pound Graham played his prep ball at Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis. As a senior he carried the ball 129 times for 1302 yards and eight touchdowns and made eight catches for 87 yards. After an outstanding career with the Titans, Graham walked onto the Hoosiers football program in the summer of 2012. He contributed not only during the team's preparation for an upcoming opponent, where he was named scout team player of the week twice, but he also helped out on special teams, seeing action in six games during the 2012 season.

The following offseason he was shifted around to a couple of positions before he landed at wide receiver. During the 2013 season he played in five games on special teams and returned three kickoffs for 72 yards. He was once again named scout team player of the week twice that fall.

During 2014 fall camp Graham was awarded with a scholarship, something Coach Kevin Wilson enjoys doing for deserving walk ons.  As a junior he appeared in 10 games, returning nine kickoffs for 189 yards. This spring Graham played well during the team's Cream and Crimson game making 5 catches for 48 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Future Outlook

Now entering what looks to be his final season in Bloomington, Graham is hoping to have an even larger impact on the gridiron in 2015. The opportunity is there, as the Hoosiers are looking for answers at wide receiver to help get this passing attack back on track. At the very least the Indianapolis native will be able to contribute on special teams this fall.