Quoted: Preseason Camp Week Three

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana football team concluded its final week of preseason camp on Saturday with a scrimmage. There are just 11 days left before the season opener against Ohio State on Thursday, Aug. 31.

Here are five quotes that sum up the week.

"Marcelino is able to do what he does at a much higher level this year, not as many mistakes," said head coach Tom Allen. "He is also able to mentor other, younger players. He is helping to motivate them. He has taken the next step in terms in leadership."

It is hard to believe that Marcelino Ball has the ability to play at a much higher level. Last season, Ball was named a true freshman All-American by 247Sports and an All-Freshman team selection by both BTN.com and ESPN.com. He finished third on the team in tackles (75), pass breakups (8) and interceptions (2). This season, his second season manning the Husky position, he will look to be more consistent in his play.

"We are at a pretty good point offensively," running back Mike Majette said. "Of course, every day we want to get better. We are not where we want to be right now, but we are definitely on the right path."

The running back position has been one of the most discussed groups in the offseason. With last year's starter Devine Redding now toting the ball for the Kansas City Chiefs, the position is up for grabs. Majette hopes to join an illustrious group of Hoosier running backs to put up career years in their junior campaigns. In the last three years, IU has seen Tevin Coleman, Jordan Howard and Devine Redding all rush for over 1,000 yards.

"Our communication has continued to improve," said senior linebacker Tegray Scales. "The more we have gone through practice, the more confidence we play with. Our communication allows us to take control of the defense."

When Coach Allen took over as the defensive coordinator a season ago, he made one thing very clear. His linebackers would not only be the best playmakers on the field, but would have complete control of the defense. They would be tasked with most of the communication, and in his second year in the system, Scales feels that the unit is doing just that. Scales is the undisputed leader of the defense, but the emergence of Chris Covington has made the group dynamic. Scales, and the rest of the defense, hope to make the jump from a top 50 defense to one that ranks inside the top 25.

"When you go against a team that blitzes this much, it not only tests your players, but it also tests your scheme," said offensive coordinator Mike DeBord. "We have had to adjust some schemes because of what they were doing defensively."

It is no secret that any defense coached by Tom Allen is a blitzing defense. Allen thrives on aggression and creating chaos for opposing offenses. Practicing against the chaos has helped Coach DeBord and the rest of the offensive coaching staff perfect their schemes. The blocking techniques have been tweaked, the pass protections have been fine-tuned and the offensive line has been prepped for the blitz.

"I am at a different place right now," said fifth-year senior quarterback Richard Lagow. "I think if you ask any last-year guy, they would probably say the same thing. It puts everything in perspective, how long you have been doing this, all the work you have been putting in, really coming down to this final season."

The senior moment has hit Lagow. The Plano, Texas native has embraced the extra on-field work following practice and the added hours in the film room. He has worked on his craft all offseason, going to Peyton Manning's Passing Academy, spending time with ESPN analyst and former college football quarterback Kirk Herbstreit.

Players Mentioned

Chris Covington

Richard Lagow

Mike Majette

Marcelino McCrary-Ball

Devine Redding

Tegray Scales

Indiana University Athletics