Indiana University Athletics
Pushing for More – Bedford Back and Loving It
5/2/2023 10:00:00 AM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Matthew Bedford squints into bright sunshine. A spring football practice has just finished at Indiana’s practice fields, and the redshirt senior offensive lineman wears his uniform with first-car-ever-owned pride. It is a reminder of what was lost and, now, regained.
“Putting it on was huge,” he says. “I missed it. Football is my lady. It’s been a long time since I’ve been with her. It felt good to be back.”
A season-ending knee injury in last year’s season opener against Illinois is eight months in Bedford’s rearview mirror. He’s had surgery, endured rehab, and worked to improve his strength and fitness because he can’t just return to where he was, he has to return better.
“I’m trying to get that confidence back in the knee,” he says. “I feel I’m on my way. I test it every day. I’m pushing the bounds and making it hurt. I’m recovering well. I’m trying to get it back.”
When healthy, the 6-6, 314-pounder rates among the Big Ten’s best offensive linemen. He’s started every offensive line position but center, played in 29 games and started 28. If he regains that form, the Hoosiers might develop the kind of upfront consistency needed to return to bowl-making form.
Bedford is driven to do just that, and it starts with his faith.
“That’s helped tremendously. I trust in God. People call it blind faith, that understanding that things happen for a reason, that there will be a better outcome at the end of it.”
There’s no guarantee, of course, which is why injuries rock even the mentally toughest of athletes.
Then they move forward.
“Early on, when I first got hurt, Bedford says, “I couldn’t walk. I had trust in God that I’d be able to walk again, run again.”
He pauses. Smiles.
“That I’d be able to knock people over like I used to. Throwing my faith in God, I know I will be OK.”
In other words, defensive linemen beware.
So Bedford pushes the rehab and does what he can in practice, driven to be ready for September’s season opener against Ohio State.
“You train yourself to strain through the hard times in practice and workouts,” he says. “I take (rehab) as another workout. It’s something that tests my mind and puts me in game situations.”
Bedford’s rehab approach inspires receiver Cam Camper, who is recovering from his own season-ending knee injury.
“I pay attention to his mindset and the way he goes about things,” Camper says. “He has a great attitude. He comes in every day and works. I try to follow his lead.”
Bedford seeks to take full advantage of new offensive line coach Bob Bostad’s decades of college and NFL experience.
“He knows what he’s talking about,” Bedford says. “I trust him. I want to help him every way I can. I try to help the young guys come along. Also, address my mental understanding.”
Bedford is not cleared for full-contact practice, but refuses to let that hinder him. He benefits by watching action from the sideline.
“You get to see things from a different perspective,” he says. “When you’re on the field, you have tunnel vision. You’re seeing things from the first person.
“When you’re on the sideline next to Coach Bostad, he sees things as soon as they happen. You get to coach them right on the spot.”
In such moments, Bedford assumes the role of an unofficial assistant offensive line coach.
“I get to help my teammates. I’ll let them know, Coach Bostad said this, or Coach Bostad said that. I saw this. I saw that. It’s a great help.”
Bedford says his leadership role among players hasn’t changed.
“I’m still encouraging guys and helping them see things from different perspectives. I’m trying to expand everyone’s knowledge of football, including my own.”
One twist is assisting Bostad.
“I help with this new road he has, that he’s familiar with, but it’s a new setting, a new environment. I help anyway I can.”
Last season, Bedford watched linemen such as Kahlil Benson and Joshua Sales Jr. improve. That improvement continues.
“When you’re on the field,” Bedford says, “you look at things in your world and knowledge. When you’re on the sidelines, you get to see guys who came after you and how they’re progressing. Watching Kahlil Benson grow into that leadership role as I did is amazing. The same with Josh Sales.”
A final pause. He flashes the smile of one who has much to look forward to.
“There are a lot of things that remind me of early in my career."
