Countdown to Kickoff: 74 Days (DeAndre Herron and Nate Hoff)

Nate Hoff takes down Russell Hansbrough Image: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

As the Hoosiers double downed on Boom’s Monday, we are doubling up on day number 74 in our Countdown to Kickoff. The two guys who don the number 74 have an average height of 6’3” and weigh a combined 605 pounds. DeAndre Herron and Nate Hoff will try and be earth movers on both sides of the ball in 2015 as their playing time should increase.

Name: DeAndre Herron

HT/WT: 6’3” 305 lbs.  

Position: Offensive Line

Year: Red Shirt Junior

Hometown: Avon, IN

Career Highlights:

Herron, an Indiana native, came to IU from Iowa Western Community College where he led the Reivers to an 11-1 record as they won the Midwest Football Conference title while taking home all-conference honors. In high schoo He redshirted for the Hoosiers in 2014.

2015 Outlook:

The Hoosier offensive line will be one of their biggest strengths in 2015. Herron figures to play a major role in contributing to their success, as he will be competing for the starting spot at left guard. He may also see valuable snaps at either left guard or right tackle. Herron has the size to play any of those positions on the line and was seeing some playing time at right tackle in spring practice.

Name: Nate Hoff

HT/WT: 6’2” 300 pounds

Position: Defensive Line

Year: Red Shirt Sophomore

Hometown: Solon, Ohio

Career Highlights:

After redshirting his freshman year in 2013, Nate Hoff burst onto the scene and into the Hoosier defensive line rotation. He was named to the Collegefootballnews.com and BTN.com all-freshman teams as an honorable mention due to his efforts in the trenches. In his first year on the field Hoff appeared in all 12 contests, starting eight of them. He finished the year with 29 tackles, 8.5 TFL’s, and 3.5 sacks, which was second on the team.

2015 Outlook:

Hoff’s role could expand with the uncertainty of Ralph Green III’s future. Hoff’s production is vital to the Hoosiers’ defense, due to the inexperience in the secondary. IU needs the big guy from Ohio to create havoc in the opponent’s backfield in order to hurry throws and create turnovers. Do not be surprised if Hoff is the opening day starter at defensive tackle and remains there for the entire season.