Devine Redding ready to carry offense

After watching Tevin Coleman and Jordan Howard tear through defenses across the nation and then get drafted to the NFL, Devine Redding must be eagerly awaiting his chance to keep the trend going.

Redding, who now enters his junior year and becomes eligible for the NFL draft, was originally in line to start last season before Jordan Howard transferred from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Howard immediately made an impact and became the nation’s leading rusher for a good part of the season. However, Redding made the most out of his situation, rushing for 1,012 yards on just 226 attempts.

When Howard missed the end of the season, Redding was more than capable of taking over. He rushed for 274 yards in the final two games of the regular season and when Indiana made the Pinstripe Bowl, shredded Duke’s defense for 227 yards.

Redding was a highly-praised recruit out of Youngstown, Ohio, leading Glenville High School to a 13-2 record a birth to the Ohio Division II championship game. Despite his somewhat small stature, Redding is still a yards-after-contact kind of player who possesses big-play abilities. His longest career rush was only 64 yards, but expect that to change as his carries increase drastically.

With the absence of Washington Redskin and former Big Ten leading passer, Nate Sudfeld, Redding will have to shoulder a lot of the load while newcomer Richard Lagow finds his rhythm. With all three starting receivers returning, including Simmie Cobbs Jr. who tallied over 1,000 yards, he should be in pretty good hands.

Indiana’s offensive line should continue to provide superb protection for Redding and the new offense. Nate Sudfeld was the least sacked among starting quarterbacks in the Big Ten and everyone knows what kind of lanes they opened up for rushers. Although, they will have to figure out a way to replace offensive tackle Jason Spriggs, who was drafted 48th overall by the Green Bay Packers.

One area where Redding could use some improvement is catching out of the backfield. Neither Tevin Coleman nor Jordan Howard were great receivers and if Redding can capitalize on screen passes, could really add a new element to the offense. Considering Lagow’s inexperience at this level, he may need to check down to Redding in pressure situations.

More from Indiana Football

• Indiana football lands Tennessee transfer QB Tayven Jackson
• Indiana football roster update: Transfer portal & more departures
• Indiana football vs. Purdue: How to watch, betting tips, & more
• Indiana football shocks Hoosier Nation with win over Michigan State
• Indiana football vs. Michigan State: Three bold predictions for Hoosiers

It is way too early to be talking about Redding’s NFL chances, but as a 1,000 yard rusher off the bench, it is hard to deny the potential. If he wants to prove that he is ready, he will need to be more consistent against the nation’s top defenses. In last season’s game against Ohio State, he was only able to contribute 45 yards on 30 carries. Then when they played Penn State at Happy Valley, Redding only rushed for 32 yards on 13 attempts.

Regardless, the way he finished last season shows promise. 501 yards in 3 games is impressive no matter who you are. His first few games against the likes of Florida International and Ball State should allow him plenty of opportunity to set the pace for his year. And unlike Howard last season, he should not have to share many carries.

It is shaping up to be a big year for Indiana’s new premier back.