Countdown to Kickoff: 63 Days (Tyler Lukens)

Written By: Nick Holmes (@HoosierHolmes)

There's really only one way you can improve upon Cream and Crimson, and that's when you throw in a little blue. Happy Fourth of July Hoosier Nation! Tonight you'll hear a different kind of boom than you've been accustomed to recently, when it seemed like the Hoosiers were reeling in a commit everyday. However, use this opportunity as a dress rehearsal for the season, as the Hoosiers will assuredly be setting off fireworks both figuratively and literally this fall. Today, on our nation's birthday, we continue our countdown by looking at number 63, Tyler Lukens.  

The 6-foot, 290-pound South Bend native started his college career out at Sienna Heights University in Adrian, Michigan. Lukens spent one season with the Saints, the football team's inaugural season, before making his way to Bloomington during the summer of 2012 as walk on. 

Tyler Lukens - Guard
	RS Senior 6'0'' / 290 South Bend, In Saint Joseph

Despite seeing limited action at Indiana, he's still managed to have an impact on the team, especially during their preparations for an opponent. As a sophomore (2013) he was named the scout team player of the week once (Michigan State). This past season he was not only named scout team player of the week twice (Missouri and Rutgers), but was Indiana's offensive scout team player of the year. Coach Wilson awarded Lukens with a scholarship during the spring for his contributions to the team. 

Future Outlook

If you have read any of our other Countdown to Kickoff profiles that feature an offensive lineman, you know by now that the Hoosiers return an incredible amount of talent upfront. As such, Lukens is unlikely to see a lot of playing time on Saturdays this fall, however, that does not diminish the importance of the role he plays in helping the team prepare for upcoming opponents. And when his career at Indiana draws to a close, he'll have an economics degree in hand. I'd say the future outlook is quite bright for Lukens.