Former Trojan anchors Greyhounds’ line

To an offensive lineman, switching from left tackle to right guard is much more complicated than taking a few steps to the right.

University of Indianapolis junior Jordan Bedan is an authority on the subject.

As a redshirt freshman in 2013, the former Center Grove High School lineman started for the Greyhounds at left tackle, a position frequently reserved for the team’s most trusted pass blocker.

Bedan got moved to the interior prior to last season and has been there ever since. This, the 6-foot-2, 275-pounder said, is fine with him.

“When you’re at left tackle you usually block guys who can do more moves. They take care of the run and rush the passer,” said Bedan, who played in the 2012 IFCA North-South All-Star Game with current UIndy teammates Lee Campbell (Greenwood) and O’rion Elder (Center Grove).

“I used to deal with more speed guys, but now I’m up against players who are a lot bigger.”

What’s remained consistent is Bedan’s importance to the ’Hounds’ traditionally prolific offense.

While lining up at left tackle two seasons ago, the Greyhounds rolled to a 10-2 record and were 7-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Last season U of I finished a step back at 9-2 and 7-1.

The Greyhounds are 7-1 entering Saturday’s game at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, for a total mark of 26-5 (.839) with Bedan throwing his weight around.

Bedan weighed 20 pounds less than his current weight when coming out of high school, but likely could have contributed to the 2012 University of Indianapolis team in some capacity if needed.

It wasn’t. The Greyhounds rode the talents of four senior offensive linemen to a 10-3 finish, enabling Bedan to use the redshirt season to gain strength while learning more about life in Division-II football.

His first season starting, UIndy allowed the 12th-fewest number of tackles for loss among Division II programs; the Greyounds were first in this same category Bedan’s sophomore campaign.

Not surprisingly, Bedan was voted Second Team All-GLVC at the conclusion of both seasons.

“I think my strength as a lineman would probably have to be technique because I’m one of the smaller linemen on my team. I try not to stray from that technique because the coaches put us in the right position to win the battles,” Bedan said.

This is the second consecutive season Bedan has been flanked by the same four starting linemen — left tackle Hayden Janney, left guard Austin Vogt, center Chris Massaro and right tackle Ruben Holcomb.

Janney, Holcomb and, yes, Bedan all have eligibility when it comes to the 2016 season.

Bedan plans to use his.

“I’m loving every second of playing here,” he said. “It’s pretty cliché, but I get to go out there with my brothers and play a game people love to watch.”

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THE BEDAN FILE

Name: Jordan Bedan

Age: 22

Born: Greenwood

Family: Parents, Jack and Bettie; brother, John, 29; sister, Hannah, 24

Favorite TV show: “Game of Thrones”

Favorite food: Mexican

Favorite movie: “Blues Brothers”

Favorite team: Notre Dame football

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Mike Beas
Mike Beas is the Daily Journal's veteran sports reporter. He has been to more than 200 Indiana high schools, including 1990s visits to Zionsville to profile current Boston Celtics GM Brad Stevens, Gary Roosevelt to play eventual Purdue All-American Glenn Robinson in HORSE (didn’t end well) and Seeger to visit the old gym in which Stephanie White, later the coach of the Indiana Fever, honed her skills in pickup games involving her dad and his friends. He can be reached at [email protected].