Indiana players in the NFL

If you were watching the first episode of Hard Knocks, an HBO program that follows the training camp for the relocated Los Angeles Rams, you may or may not have noticed a familiar face among the crowd. One of the linemen pumping iron on muscle beach with some of the locals was former Indiana lineman Rodger Saffold, who is entering his sixth season with the team, and undoubtedly happy about his move to the City of Angels.

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Saffold has enjoyed a successful career in the NFL, proving to be a top Guard that earned him a five-year, $31.7 million contract, just a few years after being selected 33rd overall in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft. Saffold joins a small group of former Indiana players who made it to the NFL, and an even smaller one for those that will actually play. What is exciting is that more Indiana players are making it to the professional level, with Darrius Latham (OAK), Michael Cooper six freshman attempting to make a splash at the professional level is attention worthy in and of itself. It marks the start of an improving program that is showing that it has NFL-caliber talent.(WAS), and Jake Reed (ATL) all looking to earn spots on their teams – as well as Jordan Howard (CHI), Jason Spriggs (GB), and Nate Sudfeld (WAS), who will worry less about ending up in free agency.

Regardless, six freshman attempting to make a splash at the professional level is atworthy in and of itself. It marks the start of an improving program that is showing that it has NFL-caliber talent. To celebrate, let’s take a look at some of the ex-Hoosiers that will be contributing to their teams this fall.

Tracy Porter

The eight year veteran Tracy Porter has enjoyed a long career in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints, the Denver Broncos, briefly with the Oakland Raiders and Washington Redskins, and currently, the Chicago Bears. Porter is best remembered for his 2009-10 NFL season where in the NFC Championship game forced a fumble in the red zone, as well as intercepted Brett Favre to force overtime where the Saints would prevail. He continued his clutch postseason form to Super Bowl XLIV where he picked off Peyton Manning and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown to seal his team’s first-ever Super Bowl victory.

That play was perhaps the biggest impact a former Hoosier has made in the NFL, and will earn him a spot in Saints fan’s hearts forever. Porter is mostly a backup now, but stepped in last season when Bears CB Kyle Fuller and others went down with an injury and is a capable replacement when needed.

Tevin Coleman

Jul 29, 2016; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) makes a catch during training camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Tevin Coleman was one of a few Indiana players who had a shot at winning the Heisman Trophy – others being Anthony Thompson and Antwaan Randel El. For someone who had to deal with a revolving door of injured QBs and defenses that knew he was getting the ball almost every play, he racked up an outstanding 1,906 yards in his final season, averaging 7.9 yards per carry. Unfortunately for Coleman, he was drafted on the Atlanta Falcons who already have Devonta Freeman – a player that unexpectedly emerged as one of the NFL’s top running backs.

Coleman still made the most out of his situation, rushing for 392 yards on just 87 carries. With it only being his second season in the NFL, he still has plenty to time to establish himself as a competitive runner. Their starter Freeman is a small back that suffers injuries and will not be able to carry all of the Falcon’s rushing workload, so expect Coleman to make the most out of the snaps he does get. Coleman has also been listed as the Falcon’s starting kick returner, and while this comes as a bit of a surprise, could work out as he has the vision and breakaway speed for the job.

Jordan Howard

The back that followed Tevin Coleman, and performed almost as well, Jordan Howard was selected by the Bears 150th overall in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL draft. Howard was part of an explosive Indiana offense that led the conference and has all the makings of a bruising NFL running back. Chicago was a great landing place for Howard, as the competition for the starting spot is a bit light, with former Michigan State Spartan Jeremy Langford ahead of him, and Ka’Deem Carey behind him on the depth chart.

While Howard’s first preseason game was a bit underwhelming, only carrying the ball 5 times for 12 yards, many believe that by the end of the season, could be the Bear’s primary ball carrier. Howard is a much different style of runner than Langford, so the Bears could use him in different packages and plays which could increase his workload.

Jason Spriggs

Associated Press and Sports Illustrated All-American, Outland Trophy Semi-Finalist, Second Team All-Big Ten, and Team Captain Jason Spriggs was always going to be a pro. He fell a little further in the draft than most expected, being selected 48th overall by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. However, his size and speed make him a versatile tackle who is already starting to make a splash in camp. Packer’s analyst Larry McCarren won’t stop raving about the rookie.

Spriggs may not be the start when the next season comes up, but the Packers already stated that they are prepping him for the next season to be a long-time replacement. Protecting Aaron Rodger’s blind-side is an extremely important role, and they wouldn’t award it to just anyone. It speaks volumes of his abilities and potential. Look for Spriggs to be a top lineman in the next year or two.

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Cody Latimer

The Denver Broncos depth chart is weak at the WR spot, other than Pro-Bowler Demaryius Thomas. This is former Indiana WR Cody Latimer’s time to shine. He went on the record saying that Peyton Manning made him feel a bit uneasy, and with new QB Mark Sanchez stepping in, may see more throws his way. In his first preseason game this season, he almost matched his career yardage from the previous two years combined. Latimer caught 7 passes for 82 yards in the Broncos 22-0 victory over the Chicago Bears. He is listed as one of the Broncos four primary receivers, and should see a lot more snaps than in previous seasons.

Nate Sudfeld