Indiana will be leaning on youth at tight end this year.
AJ Barner was Indiana’s only experienced tight end last year, and he was limited by injuries for a lot of the season. He played in 10 games, and he did finish third on the team with 28 receptions and second with three touchdowns. He also posted 199 yards, and was a solid run-blocker.
But Barner entered the transfer portal after the season and landed at Big Ten rival Michigan.
So as Kevin Wright goes into his fourth season working with Indiana’s tight ends, he’ll have no scholarship returnees in his position room.
Most likely, the Hoosiers will turn to redshirt sophomores James Bomba and Aaron Steinfieldt to lead the way. Steinfeldt appeared in all 12 games last year with two starts, Bomba played in nine games and started three.
Bomba caught five passes for 22 yards, while Steinfeldt made six catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. Both players are Bloomington natives and showed some potential on the field last year.
Brody Foley, a three-star recruit in 2022, could potentially have a shot at earning playing time. He redshirted last season but participated in practice. It would seem a longer shot for Ryan Miller, another three-star 2022 recruit who redshirted last year, as he missed the season with an injury.
Greensburg, Ind. freshman Sam West is on campus for spring football, but Duluth, Ga. first-year Anthony Miller is not yet.
If the Hoosiers were to look to the transfer portal coming out of spring practice, this could be a position of focus.
TIGHT ENDS
Leaving: AJ Barner (transfer — Michigan), Ryan Barnes (out of eligibility)
Key Returning: James Bomba (redshirt sophomore), Aaron Steinfeldt (redshirt sophomore), Brody Foley (redshirt freshman), Ryan Miller (redshirt freshman)
Incoming: Sam West (3-star, Greensburg, Ind.), Anthony Miller Jr. (3-star, Duluth, Ga.)
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