Indiana University Athletics
Indiana Conducts Thud Practice
4/12/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
Indiana Conducts Thud Practice
Bloomington, Ind. -- The Indiana University football team practiced for almost three hours today on the football practice fields adjacent to the Mellencamp Pavilion. While no one was hurt at today's "thud" practice (wrapping up the ball carrier on tackles but not taking him to the ground), redshirt freshman defensive end/tackle Sean Nelson is expected to miss the next two weeks with a hairline fracture of his left fibula.
Running backs coach Anthony Thompson:
"Right now I think we are a ways away from getting done what we need to get accomplished. We need a back that can be able to carry the ball at least 25 or 30 times a game and right now I don't think we have that. We have some guys who should be able to grow into that. Frankie Franklin got quite a few reps last year. Levron (Williams) is a new addition to our tailback family and we have Marcus Floyd and Glynn Johnson. We have to get those guys, more than anything, mentally tough so that they are able to run the ball 20 to 30 times a game and right now they haven't shown that they are able to do that."
"I'll talk to the back about being in the zone in terms of recognizing that you are going to be tired every snap. You've got to find something deep down inside of you to get ready for the next rep. You've got to want the ball every single time you're out there."
On Frankie Franklin: "Frankie's come a long way. When he first came in he couldn't run the mile-and-a-half or anything. Now he's in pretty decent shape. He's a ways a way from where we need him to be but he's getting there. Frankie loves the game of football. He cares about football and that's why I think he'll get better because he cares about the game."
Indiana will practice again on Wednesday, April 14. Practice is scheduled to begin at 3:15 p.m. On Saturday, April 17, the IU Red-White Spring Game will be held at Bill Armstrong Stadium. The game is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Todd Starowitz, Football Media Relations Director
