Indiana University Athletics
Special Teams Headlines Practice
8/14/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
August 14, 2002
Bloomington, Ind. - With the Indiana football team in full pads for the first time in fall camp, there was certainly an air of increased intensity on the practice field on Wednesday.
Hits were harder, emotions ran deeper and attitudes were more focused.
Among the players that were getting looks in new spots during Wednesday's practice was freshman wide receiver Tyke Spencer, who found himself deep in punt return situations during individual position drills. Spencer, who has been impressive throughout fall camp at the receiver position, was solid in his new spot as well.
Special teams proved to be a key part of Wednesday's practice, with several big plays being recorded by special teams players. Kick returners A.C. Carter and Courtney Roby both broke long runs on kickoffs, with Carter also making a big play on the defensive side, getting through the middle of the line to block a punt late in practice.
Speaking of big plays, the Hoosier offense looked sharper on Wednesday than it had earlier in the week. Running back Courtney Clency had some solid runs with the second-team offense, with quarterback Gibran Hamdan hooking up with David Lewis for a long touchdown pass in 11-on-11 drills. Quarterback Tommy Jones also provided some fireworks, finding both tight end Stephen Anthony and wide receiver Rhett Kleinschmidt for touchdown strikes while the Hoosiers were working on short yardage situations.
In what proved to be one of the most intense drills of the day, the offensive line and defensive line went head up in one-on-one drills. Looking particularly sharp in this drill were senior offensive lineman Enoch DeMar and junior defensive tackle Colin Christopher. DeMar's blocking and intensity on Wednesday demonstrated why he is looked at as one of the better offensive linemen not only in the Big Ten, but also in the nation this year. As for Christopher, he could do no wrong during the drill, routinely getting through and wreaking havoc with a combination of power and moves.
The Hoosiers return to the practice field on Thursday and will open the season against William & Mary at 4 p.m. on August 31 at Memorial Stadium.
