Indiana University Athletics
Practice Report #10
4/15/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 15, 2003
Bloomington, Ind. - One of the main focuses for the Hoosiers during Spring Football this season has been to improve on the running game. The improvement took a step in the right direction during the 10th practice of the spring.
Sophomore running back Chris Taylor returned to the practice field after missing part of the spring due to injury. Taylor had a couple of nice runs in the nine on seven drill, including one break away run. Taylor's action was limited though as he did not take many snaps in the head-to-head at the end of practice.
Indiana's offense continued to look creative with a reverse on the opening drive. Sophomore Courtney Roby took off for 20-yards around the left side on the run. Roby was leveled for his efforts though by senior safety Joe Gonzalez. The biggest block on the run came from junior quarterback Matt LoVecchio in the backfield as he took out a defender on Roby's tail.
The Hoosier offense scored three touchdowns during the head-to-head portion of practice, all of which coming on the ground. Senior Brian Lewis picked up the first one on a seven-yard scamper into the left corner of the end zone. Lewis out ran a group of defenders into the corner.
The most impressive running of the day came from sophomore Yamar Washington. The Hoosiers' leading rusher last season broke two touchdowns on the day, one of 12-yards and one for 24-yards. The touchdowns showed off Washington versatility as he ran between the tackles and shedded off some would be tacklers for the 12-yard touchdown. On the 24-yard run, Washington went to the outside and showed off his speed.
Redshirt freshman Marlin Lynch look good for the second-team as he plowed through for a pair of 15-yard gains. On one drive, Lynch carried the ball on five straight possessions and gained at least 5 yards on each carry.
Despite the scores, the defense look good on occasion coming up with two interceptions. Redshirt freshman Andy Halterman picked off a LoVecchio pass early in a drive. Sophomore linebacker Kyle Killion continued his strong spring with an interception off a tip from Washington. Redshirt Kenny Kendal, like Killion, continued to look good. He continued to get pressure on the defensive line, including knocking down a LoVecchio pass.
During seven on seven drills with the receivers and secondary, Gonzalez picked off a pass. Senior receiver Glenn Johnson made some nice catches over the middle during the drill, including a catch and run of over 40-yards.
The Hoosiers will once again take to the practice field on Thursday for the team's 11th spring practice. The Indiana Spring Game will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 25 at Memorial Stadium. Admission to the Spring Game is free, with the gates opening at 5:30 p.m.
