Countdown to Kickoff: 50 Days (Jake Reed)
/
Written By: Nick Holmes (@HoosierHolmes)
Pretty certain that Jon Bon Jovi did not have our countdown in mind when he wrote and performed, "Livin' on a Prayer," but this song could not be anymore fitting, not only because it's played at nearly every Indiana Football game, but also because "Whoa, we're half way there." That's right, we have reached the midway point in our countdown, 50 days left until Coach Wilson and the Cream and Crimson take the gridiron in a clash with the Southern Illinois Salukis. Pigskins, popcorn, and the return of Indiana's potent offense draws nearer. Today we take a look at a senior member of the Hoosiers offensive line, Jake Reed.
The native of Columbus, In. played his prep ball for Tim Bless at Columbus North High School, where he saw action at both tight end and defensive end. To say Reed was a standout would be a gross understatement, earning varsity letters all four years and starting the final three. He received so many accolades his senior season that they are almost too numerous to count, but to name a few, Indiana Associated Press Class 5A All-State, Indiana Mr. Football at tight end, Indiana Football Coaches Association Top 50 at tight end and Indiana Gridiron Digest big school all-state.
| Jake Reed - Center/Guard | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | RS Senior 6'4'' 288 Columbus, In Columbus North | Season | Played | Started |
| 2014 | 7 | 4 | ||
| 2013 | 9 | 5 | ||
| 2012 | Redshirt | |||
| 2011 | 11 | 0 | ||
Reed arrived on campus in the summer 2011 as a member of Coach Wilson's very first recruiting class. He started his career out at defensive end but was quickly moved to tight end during fall camp. He saw action in 11 games on both special teams and tight end during his first season with the Hoosiers.
The following spring Coach Wilson and his staff decided that Reed's future would be along the interior of the offensive line. To give Reed extra time to grow into his new role, he redshirted the 2012 season. However, that did not stop him from contributing, as he was named Offensive Scout Player of the Week twice during the season.
In 2013 he saw action in nine games, starting at guard five times. Reed played an integral role in helping the Hoosiers achieve offensive excellence, setting numerous single-season records including total yards (6,102), total yards per game (508.5), points (461), points per game (38.4), passing touchdowns (36), touchdowns (62), and first downs (300). Additionally, the Hoosiers allowed a sack just once every 26.1 pass attempts, which was third best in the Big Ten. Off the field Reed was achieving some excellence of his own, earning an Academic All-Big Ten selection.
This past season (2014) Reed played in seven games, starting at center four times. The Hoosiers offensive line was able to open up holes for Consensus All-American running back and current Atlanta Falcon Tevin Coleman, who set a single-season rushing record with 2,036 yards. Reed was once again an Academic All-Big Ten selection.
Future Outlook
Entering his final season in Bloomington, Reed will be in competition with Wes Rogers for playing time at center, plugging up the hole left by Collin Rahrig, who graduated and is currently with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Additionally, there looks to also be an opportunity for playing time left guard as well, although based upon what we saw during the spring, Dimitric Camiel looks to have the inside track there. Nonetheless, Reed will provide experienced depth along the interior of the offensive line, an offensive line that will be responsible for keeping senior quarterback Nate Sudfeld upright and opening up holes for the Hoosiers talented group of running backs.