Offensive Line Aims to Paint a Winning Picture

By Pete DiPrimio
IUHoosiers.com

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Darren Hiller wants 10 good men.

Is that asking too much?

We're about to find out.

Hiller, Indiana's offensive line coach, wants enough quality depth to field two complete offensive lines, starting with Saturday's season opener against Ball State at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium.

If he gets it, the Hoosier offense might rock its way to football glory.

If he doesn't, well, why be negative when there's so much potential to work with.

"In an ideal world, I'd like to have 10 guys to rotate," Hiller says. "That's not reality. We have to make sure we have eight guys.

"I told them, the great thing is some of these young guys get to paint the picture they want to have of themselves. We'll start five, then have a (back-up) center, guard and a swing tackle. From there we keep building."

It helps to have three of the Big Ten's better offensive linemen to build around.

Senior left tackle Coy Cronk is on the Outland Trophy Watch List, an award that goes to the nation's top interior lineman. Fifth-year senior center Hunter Littlejohn is on the Rimington Trophy Watch list. That goes to the nation's best center. Fifth-year senior right guard Simon Stepaniak is poised for a breakthrough season.

Add left guard Harry Crider and right tackle Caleb Jones and you have the starting five.

Depth will come from redshirt junior Mackenzie Nworah (who started 6 games as a freshman), fifth-year senior DaVondre Love (who has played in 18 games in his career), redshirt sophomore Britt Beery (4 career games), redshirt freshman Charlie O'Connor and true freshman Matthew Bedford.

Love is the only lineman who weighs less than 307 pounds, and he's at 292.

There's enough youth for Hiller to get in plenty of teaching.

"Now is the opportunity for these young guys to shine," he says. "Having those guys up front -- Coy, Harry, Hunter, Simon and Caleb is great, but we have to find the next guys. We have to do a great job of getting them ready to play."

After 25 years of offensive line coaching, Hiller knows how it will play out.

"The natural progression of offensive linemen is they redshirt their freshman year, their second year they still don't have it much figured out, and in their third year all of a sudden things come into play."

Case in point is the 6-8, 358-pound Jones. He redshirted his first season, then played in 11 games as a reserve last year. He's finally developed the strength, conditioning and confidence to play at an elite level.

"A lot of his good and bad is his ability to get in shape," Hiller says. "He's a really big person, and before he would hit a wall because he was not in really good shape. Now he's gotten himself into shape. It's exciting to see him put that to the test."

Hiller's veterans will share in the excitement because they've shared in the development.

"Our biggest role is showing the younger guys what it takes to be a player at this level," Littlejohn says. "Our job is to show the way so when someone does something right, we acknowledge it. When someone does something wrong, address it and make sure they have the mentality and ability to do it right."

Littlejohn personifies Hiller's progression model. He redshirted his first year, played in just one game in his second season, then started 16 games in the next two seasons, and played in 24, all at center.

"I was never a center until I got to college," he says, "and now being a center, I like being at the center of everything, being able to point out everything I see and being in command of the offensive line. That's my favorite part."

As far as what he likes about being an offensive line, Littlejohn says, "I like the dirty, grunt work. I don't need fame or praise.

"You don't get a lot of attention. Just do your work. If you do it well, the team will do well. If you don't, the team probably won't do well."

A couple of years under the direction of director of athletic performance David Ballou have made a huge difference, Littlejohn adds.

"The gains and growth I've made with Coach Ballou have been astronomical. I'm anxious to see how that translates onto the field."

IU has a new offense under new offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer, and Littlejohn is a big believer.

"I'd say the biggest difference is when we're doing what we're doing. There's a lot more going on around us. I've seen things I'd never seen here before. It's exciting."

Excitement also comes on defense.

Take safety Bryant Fitzgerald, who has changing the program very much on his mind.

"I don't feel there's a game we shouldn't win."

While an undefeated season isn't likely, a winning record certainly is, and the 6-foot, 213-pound redshirt sophomore aims to do his part, something he wasn't sure he was ready for last season after redshirting the previous year.

"I was unsure of my play after sitting out a year. I didn't know whether I was ready for the college scene. It took a toll on me. With prayer and family support and that of the coaches and friends, I got through it. I know I can play in this league. I know I belong here."

Last season Fitzgerald led IU with three interceptions and forced two fumbles. He started four games and totaled 31 tackles.

He expects more this season.

"It's about maturing. One year of experience goes a long way. I want to make plays. I also want to try to bring someone else along who doesn't have that experience and confidence. Try to uplift that guy."

Fitzgerald, an all-state high school player at Avon near Indianapolis, figures to have a key role in the defensive plan to stop Ball State and quarterback Drew Plitt, who threw for 1,008 yards while starting the final three games last season. That includes a 355-yard effort against Toledo.

Playing at Lucas Oil Stadium adds to the season-opening intrigue.

"It's very special," Fitzgerald says. "Growing up a couple of blocks over, getting back in (Lucas Oil) Stadium, with the great atmosphere that's going to be there. Both teams are in-state, so it's going to be a sea of red out there.

"It will be a great atmosphere. I know couple of players who play at Ball State. It's like a personal rivalry for me. My family will be there. All my friends will be there.

"We can't wait."

Indiana University Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Matthew Bedford

Britt Beery

Harry Crider

Coy Cronk

Bryant Fitzgerald

Caleb Jones

Hunter Littlejohn

DaVondre Love

Mackenzie Nworah

Charlie O'Connor

Simon Stepaniak

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