Tom Allen has already been one of the most successful coaches in Indiana football’s history. The 2020 American Football Coaches Association Coach of the Year has his Hoosiers rebounding after a tough 2021 campaign. Sitting at 3-0, Indiana has already surpassed their 2021 win total, even sporting a victory over Big Ten foe Illinois. Allen’s squad squares off against Cincinnati this week, in what should be a big game for both programs. The Hoosiers have been lead by their offense when they have been successful under Allen, and this season is no different. Indiana has an impressive passing game, and a run game that has been up and down this season. The Hoosiers would like to improve both moving forward, and Alcoa product Tyler Jeffries should help them do just that.
Jeffries is 6’5” and 300 pounds worth of stout, athletic offensive lineman. For the Tornadoes, Jeffries works primarily as the right tackle, however the plan is to at least initially move him inside to guard once he arrives in Bloomington. Watching Jeffries play, what stands out is his strength and the way he applies it. Despite being 6’5” with long arms, Jeffries plays with good pad level and hand placement. He has solid technique and good feet working at tackle. He is a sound pass protector when working on the edge, and uses his height and reach well to his advantage. Where Jeffries really shines, however, is in the run game.
Jeffries is a road grater that consistently creates nice holes for his backs to run through. Given his size and solid footwork, Jeffries could potentially develop into a right tackle for Hoosiers down the line. Starting inside at guard could be his permanent home or just a stepping stone, but working inside should allow Jeffries to lean on his strengths immediately. His pad level and drive allow him to create holes while washing defenders entirely out. He possesses the quickness to get out and effectively lead a screen, get to the second level to block, and pull across effectively. The fact is, Jeffries is a mauler, who in the close proximity of the interior line, will have a chance to thrive using his strength and physicality. Jeffries will be solid in pass protection, his time playing tackle should help him making that adjustment at the next level, but expect him to be an immediate asset in the Hoosier run game.
Tyler Jeffries is the kind of player you want in your huddle during a close game. In the nail biter against Alcoa, he said in his post game interview, “Lance and I were just trying to keep everyone calm in the huddle. We want everyone to be as calm as possible to focus on the play.” That kind of leader and cool customer is a massive asset to any team, but especially one that sees close games frequently. As Tom Allen’s Hoosiers try to continue their success, they are sure to find themselves in close contests, likely on big stages, trying to pull major upsets. Adding a player and personality like Jeffries, a player accustomed to winning that remains calm and intense, should help Indiana be better equipped to come out of those games on top.
