It’s no secret that most of the physical development in college football happens in the first year.
That’s why when we take a look each year at the biggest weight gainers on the IU football roster, many of the players we mention are redshirt freshmen or sophomores. But there’s always some exceptions.
Let’s take a look.
Jah Jah Boyd has added 15 pounds over the last year. Now at 5-foot-11 and 188 pounds, he should be ready for the rigors of the Big Ten. Boyd has positional versatility and should be able to help provide depth in the defensive backfield for Indiana.
Quentin Clark has also added 15 pounds over the last year. Now 6-foot-1 and 227 pounds, Clark has been working with the defensive line going back to the spring after joining the program a year ago as a linebacker. Indiana’s defense has some hybrid defensive line/outside linebacker roles that he now has the size to function within.
The second year offensive linemen have all made notable jumps.
- Evan Lawrence has gained 25 pounds and is now listed at 6-foot-6 and 306 pounds.
- Mitch Verstegen has gained 18 pounds and is now listed at 6-foot-4 and 308 pounds.
- Austin Leibfried has also gained 18 pounds and is now listed at 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds.
- Adedamola Ajani already had good size as a freshman but he’s added to it. He’s gained seven pounds and is now listed at 6-foot-4 and 308 pounds.
It’s also worth mentioning that despite going through rehab, Drew Evans is up three pounds over his roster weight of a year ago. The challenge for the 6-foot-4 and 309-pound Evans will be more about fully regaining his strength and stamina.
Starters from last year Carter Smith and Bray Lynch each also added five pounds, and are now 6-foot-5 and 313, and 6-foot-5 and 312, respectively. Kahlil Benson is listed 14 pounds heavier than last season at Colorado. At 319, he’s the heaviest offensive lineman.
Multiple true freshman offensive linemen benefitted from early enrollment and are not built like true freshman. They include:
- Evan Parker: 6-foot-4 and 308.
- Matt Marek: 6-foot-3 and 308.
(Note: Indiana now has 13 offensive linemen over 300 pounds. It’s unclear how many of them would be ready to contribute, but they have plenty who look the part.)
Kent State transfer defensive lineman Stephen Daley added 13 pounds from his listing a year ago and now stands and 6-foot-1 and 273.
A few defensive linemen made notable jumps from their freshman to second seasons:
- Daniel Ndukwe is up to 244 pounds, five more than last year and well above his arrival at IU.
- Mario Landino is up to 284 pounds, nine more than his playing weight last season.
- William DePaepe is up 16 pounds vs. a year ago to 260.
True freshman Jhrevious Hall is the heaviest defensive lineman in the building, already at 306 pounds.
Veteran Tyrique Tucker also gained weight and is now up to 6-foot and 302 pounds.
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