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5 ‘supporting cast’ players who could help make Indiana a serious B1G East contender
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For Indiana to make a run in the Big Ten East and potentially challenge Ohio State, it’ll need big seasons from stars like Michael Penix Jr., Ty Fryfogle and Tiawan Mullen.
But for the Hoosiers to entertain dreams of toppling the Buckeyes, they’ll need others to step into starring roles as well. Who are some of the options? Let’s take a look.
Miles Marshall, WR
Miles Marshall was stuck in a numbers game last season. Behind veterans Whop Philyor and Fryfogle, Marshall didn’t get a wealth of opportunities.
But man, when he got a chance, it was frequently for a big play. The big, physical downfield threat had 19 receptions, averaging 15.3 yards per catch, second only to Fryfogle’s 19.5. The performance included a huge play against Ohio State, when Marshall hauled in a 68-yarder.
With Philyor having graduated, Marshall anticipates seeing a bunch more targets. With defenses likely to focus on Fryfogle — and even slot man D.J. Matthews Jr., a transfer from Florida State — Marshall could see a bunch of one-on-one coverage. And if so, look for the 4th-year junior to turn in a gigantic season.
Peyton Hendershot, TE
Indiana tight end Peyton Hendershot never really got into a rhythm last season.
Hendershot averaged only 6.6 yards on his 23 receptions as a junior, as he lacked the explosiveness that had made him one of the better tight ends in the Big Ten as an underclassman. The year before, he set single-season Indiana tight end records with 52 receptions for 622 yards and 4 touchdowns.
A number of factors affected Hendershot in 2020: He was twice injured during the preseason, having surgery on his foot and then his shoulder. At nearly the same time, he was suspended following an arrest after an incident at an ex-girlfriend’s apartment.
Hendershot took the necessary steps, according to coach Tom Allen, to get back into good standing with the football program, but he couldn’t reclaim his previous magic.
As long as he’s healthy, he’s likely to do so now as a senior.
Ryder Anderson, DL
Indiana spent the offseason feeling as though it could improve its pass rush, even after a season in which it led the Big Ten with 25 sacks.
How?
Develop an edge rusher. Although Indiana sent plenty of heat to opposing quarterbacks last season, it did so frequently with a mix of blitzes that brought pressure from a bit of everywhere. Defensive tackle Jerome Johnson led the Hoosiers’ line with 4.5 sacks, but he’s now with the Miami Dolphins. IU needs to replace that production and add more.
Enter Ryder Anderson, a transfer from Ole Miss. The 6-6, 266-pounder brings versatility to IU’s front; mostly a defensive end, Anderson can slide inside as well. At Ole Miss, he had 17 QB hurries in 3 seasons, plus 6.5 sacks.
Zach Carpenter, OL
At Michigan last season, Zach Carpenter made a couple starts for the Wolverines before deciding to skip out of Ann Arbor. He landed at Indiana, where he’ll now have another chance to anchor an offensive line.
The 6-5, 320-pounder fills a big need for Indiana, which saw All-Big Ten center Harry Crider graduate after last season. A multiyear starter for the Hoosiers, Crider was great during his tenure: A steady, heady player and great leader. Now, Carpenter gets that chance, as a newcomer on what is largely a veteran offensive line that goes as many as eight deep.
Reese Taylor, CB
Few Big Ten teams have a cornerback as good as Indiana’s Reese Taylor.
At IU, he’s the Hoosiers’ No. 3, but a player versatile enough to play a lockdown spot on the outside or to play physical inside as a nickel. But then again, versatility has always been Taylor’s strength; the former Indiana Mr. Football at Ben Davis, Taylor has played a little quarterback, wide receiver and running back at Indiana, before finally settling in as a DB.
And he was outstanding as the third CB for the Hoosiers last season, with 29 tackles, an interception and 7 pass breakups. He adds to veterans Mullen and Jaylin Williams to create arguably the best trio of corners in the Big Ten.
Kyle Charters, a familiar face at Gold & Black, covers Purdue, Indiana and college basketball for Saturday Tradition.