Redshirt Preview: OL Hunter Littlejohn

Written By Avery Jones

Hunter Littlejohn

6’3”/ 295/ OG from Powell, OH

Hunter Littlejohn was Indiana’s fifth signee in the class of 2015. A guard from Powell, Ohio, Littlejohn played for Olentangy Liberty where he was team captain and led his team to their first playoff win in school history. He earned Second Team All-Conference and an honorable mention for All-District. He was rated a three-star offensive lineman by both Rivals and 247sports and ranked the 53rd best offensive guard nationally by 247. He received eleven other offers including Purdue, Duke, Minnesota, and Illinois. He committed to Indiana University in the summer after his junior year, on June 18, 2014.

WHY DID HE REDSHIRT?

The offensive line last season was deep with strong players, ranking 34th in total offense out of all 128 teams in NCAA Division 1. Offensive Coordinator Kevin Johns and line coach Greg Frey already had options to play so it made sense to redshirt Littlejohn in order to save him for another year after some of the older players leave. Littlejohn also needed to take the opportunity to build his frame up to collegiate size, as well as his strength. Through training with new weight coach, Keith Caton, Littlejohn has been able to do just that during his redshirt season and will come into next season ready to fight for a position.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM 2016 AND BEYOND?

Littlejohn has experience from high school playing at both guard, tackle, and center. This versatility could prove very beneficial to him, considering that the offensive line is still extremely deep with strong, talented, and more experienced players. His best position certainly is either guard or center and that’s where I would expect to see him for the Hoosiers. I think it’s possible that Littlejohn will see some playing time this year if his strength is up to par with those around him. He still has extremely tough competition but he’s hard working and has the athleticism to potentially beat some guys out for a spot. Spring practices are going to be crucial in proving his strength on the line. Alongside Littlejohn will be another strong, redhshirted freshman guard, Simon Stepaniak. It will be interesting to see these two battle it out for a spot or maybe play beside each other at some point. Whether or not Littlejohn gets a lot of playing time this season, he still has a bright future ahead of him and the potential to become a great lineman for Indiana during his years here.