IU football head coach Tom Allen broke some news at his regular Monday media availability regarding two of his team’s veterans.
Starting fifth year senior center Hunter Littlejohn left the Rutgers game with an apparent leg injury in the first half and did not return. Littlejohn could be seen on the sidelines in the second half testing his injury in an apparent attempt to return to the game.
While Littlejohn did not return against the Scarlet Knights, Allen stated that the injury is not serious.
“Just a lower leg injury, don’t think it’s serious,” Allen said.
“I expect him to play, he’s a tough kid,” Allen said in reference to this weekend’s game at Maryland.
This is welcomed news for a group that is good up front but lacks depth. With fellow senior starter Coy Cronk already out for the season, the Hoosiers could ill-afford further attrition on the offensive line.
Littlejohn is a three time Academic All-Big Ten selection. He has started 22 games during his IU career.
Not returning this year will be cornerback A-Shon Riggins.
The Ohio product had been dealing injuries this season, and Allen indicated that Riggins has decided to wrap-up his Hoosier career.
Riggins started five times in 2018 and finished tied for second on the team with three pass breakups.
His career got off to a promising start in 2016 when Riggins started eight times and was named as a honorable-mention on the BTN.com All-Freshman team.
Allen indicated that Riggins will remain with the team in a supporting role.
“Just had a lot of injuries that mounted for him,” Allen said. “He’s an awesome young man. He and I sat down and had a heart to heart about it and he’s going to continue to help the program and be with us but he won’t be playing.”
“He’ll graduate, and a guy that I really have a lot of respect for,” Allen said.
Riggins had been in the headlines in recent weeks as he became a father and attempted to balance football with his parental duties.
The news on Riggins’ departure comes on the heels of Allen’s Saturday announcement that defensive tackle Juan Harris is no longer with the program.
You can follow us on Twitter: @daily_hoosier
Find us on Facebook: thedailyhoosier
The Daily Hoosier –“Where Indiana fans assemble when they’re not at Assembly”
Seven ways to support completely free IU coverage at no additional cost to you.
