Hoosiers Take A Bite Out Of the Big Apple and Land JUCO TE Ian Thomas

Written By Nick Holmes (@HoosierHolmes)

The Hoosiers made their way to the Big Apple on Tuesday, not only to attend the Pinstripe Bowl Press Conference, but also to check in on Junior College tight end Ian Thomas. Well, the visit must have been enough to seal the deal, because the 6-foot-5 225-pound Baltimore native committed to Coach Wilson and his staff on the spot, just a few short days after he received a scholarship offer from the Cream and Crimson during his visit to Bloomington this past weekend.

Thomas plays at Nassau Community College in Garden City, New York, where, as a sophomore he made 23 grabs for 433 yards and three touchdowns in eight games. With his size and jumping ability, he makes a dangerous red zone threat that would do wonders for whoever gets the nod to start at quarterback next fall for Indiana. He also shows off good hands on his highlight reel and looks like a more than capable blocker, which would allow him to line up in both the slot or play at the end of the line with his hand on the ground.

The Hoosiers enter next season with some question marks at the tight end position. All-Big Ten Honorable Mention Michael Cooper is graduating along with Anthony Corsaro. Both Danny Friend and Jordan Fuchs will be returning from injuries, although neither seems to be too serious. Indiana also has Austin Dorris to turn to, but he has yet to play a snap at the collegiate level, as he redshirted this past fall.

Currently a three-star recruit according to 247 Sports' Composite rankings, Thomas also held offers from Temple, Middle Tennessee, New Mexico and Idaho and was hearing from Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Iowa State, Syracuse, Central Florida and South Alabama.