Offensive Line Still Progressing After Spring Practice.

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by Matt Smith

The Hoosiers’ spring practice has been over for a couple of weeks now, but one of the biggest questions going into the summer and fall is the offensive line. Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan met with the media on Wednesday to discuss the offense following spring practice.

One big focus of the press conference was the development of the offensive line this year, following a subpar season for the group last year.

“I think we are still a work in progress up front relative to the depth piece that you are asking about. I think we have a pretty good idea about who we are anticipating being in the top group or the top group and a half. Those positions are still open and to be determined. But certainly, there are some players there that have a ton of experience that we are expecting to continue to elevate their play,” Sheridan said.

A big focus for the group going through spring practice is the depth from the younger players.

“I think from the young player standpoint and just the number of reps that they were able to get. We have a lot of good, young linemen in the program that just need to continue to get developed, make mistakes, learn, and grow. We are excited about that,” Sheridan said. 

There were also a couple of standout younger players during spring ball that impressed Sheridan. 

According to Sheridan players such as Cameron Knight, Joshua Sales Jr, Randy Holtz and Tim Weaver were some of the players that stuck out during spring practice. These players are developing and the IU coaching staff are very excited about these players among others. 

The offensive line position is a developmental position as it is one of the biggest and most important positions on the field.

“You are talking about the biggest, strongest part of the game. You are getting on the line of scrimmage. Not only from a physicality standpoint, but also from communication and recognition at this level of football it takes time,” Sheridan said. 

Darren Hiller, the offensive line coach for the Hoosiers, and Sheridan spoke very highly of him during the press conference. Hiller is developing these players and getting them ready to go for fall camp according to Sheridan.

“He is grinding those guys and trying to get them as good as they can be as quickly as can be. They have had a great attitude and are working hard. There are other guys that I'm forgetting off the top of my head, but we are excited about the young linemen that we have recruited here. Now it is our job to get them to play up to the level that we think they are capable of, and their job to work and get coached as hard as possible. They are doing a great job, and we are really excited about them.

The young and veteran players will continue to develop and grow together during the offseason during their own workouts. IU will look to have an improved offensive line come fall training camp.