Indiana University Athletics
Two-A-Days Begin
8/16/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Bloomington, Ind. - The Indiana football team began two-a-day practices on Monday morning. IU opened its preseason camp on Tuesday, Aug. 10, and had its first practice on Wednesday, Aug. 11. The Hoosiers had one-a-day practices through Sunday, Aug. 15, and will alternate between one-a-day and two-a-day practices starting today.
The Hoosiers, who return 18 starters (nine on each side of the ball), will open their 2004 season at home against Central Michigan on Sept. 4 at 6 pm. Indiana has won 16 of its last 18 home openers, including last year's 33-3 victory over Indiana State. This is the second time in three seasons that the Hoosiers face the Chippewas.
Head football coach Gerry DiNardo and freshman cornerback Chris Phillips commented on the first week of practice and the start of two-a-day's.
On practice to this point:
GD: "I think we are making progress on both sides of the ball. There is a certain amount of time that is needed to teach and that is the point we are at now. I thought today it looked like we had practiced for four or five days. We are certainly not a finished product, but I do believe that on both sides we are making progress."
On the offense and defense, one being ahead of the other:
GD: "I don't think either one is ahead. We have only had two practices in pads, and we will scrimmage a little this afternoon and then we will go at it long on Saturday and have some situations in between. I couldn't tell you who is ahead, the offense or the defense; it's too early yet."
On comparing this point of the preseason to the same time last year:
GD: "No question, we are further along than last year."
On coordinators Joe Cullen's and Steve Addazio's vocal coaching styles:
GD: "I don't think your coaching ability is based on your volume, I do think that your ability is based on coaching within your own personality. You can't be somebody else. If those two guys got quite all of a sudden I think I would be concerned. If some of my quieter guys got louder I would also be concerned because they are probably not acting like themselves. It's not whether they are loud or not, it's about passion, and all our coaches are very passionate."
Philosophy on red shirting:
GD: "If you have a need at a position and there is a guy who can play this year, we are going to play him. If you have a guy at corner, and you need him, but he is not ready, you are probably not going to play him. Why play a guy if he is totally not ready?"
Chris Phillips:
On why he decided to attend IU:
CP: "I knew that I would have a chance to play right away. I liked the program, and I know that Indiana football has a chance to win and be successful."
On getting adjusted to college football and the advice of coach DiNardo:
CP: "He say's to stay focused and hustle. If you make a mistake, it's alright as long as you play at 100 percent. When you get the play right, you will be set because you have been practicing at 100 percent."
On the importance of fall camp a as freshman student:
CP: "The early camp help's you get acclimated to the environment. You are able to get familiar with the campus before it gets crazy with all of the other students here. This will help me be better prepared when classes start."
On competing for a position at cornerback:
CP: "I am excited about a chance to compete for a cornerback position. If I continue to work hard anything is possible."
On adjustments from high school to college football:
CP: "The pace of the game is faster. As soon as the offense comes off the field, you have to know where your alignment is and what technique you need to play. In high school you can just go on the field and look and see where you need to be."
The Hoosiers, who return 18 starters (nine on each side of the ball), will open their 2004 season at home against Central Michigan on Sept. 4 at 6 pm. Indiana has won 16 of its last 18 home openers, including last year's 33-3 victory over Indiana State. This is the second time in three seasons that the Hoosiers face the Chippewas.
Head football coach Gerry DiNardo and freshman cornerback Chris Phillips commented on the first week of practice and the start of two-a-day's.
On practice to this point:
GD: "I think we are making progress on both sides of the ball. There is a certain amount of time that is needed to teach and that is the point we are at now. I thought today it looked like we had practiced for four or five days. We are certainly not a finished product, but I do believe that on both sides we are making progress."
On the offense and defense, one being ahead of the other:
GD: "I don't think either one is ahead. We have only had two practices in pads, and we will scrimmage a little this afternoon and then we will go at it long on Saturday and have some situations in between. I couldn't tell you who is ahead, the offense or the defense; it's too early yet."
On comparing this point of the preseason to the same time last year:
GD: "No question, we are further along than last year."
On coordinators Joe Cullen's and Steve Addazio's vocal coaching styles:
GD: "I don't think your coaching ability is based on your volume, I do think that your ability is based on coaching within your own personality. You can't be somebody else. If those two guys got quite all of a sudden I think I would be concerned. If some of my quieter guys got louder I would also be concerned because they are probably not acting like themselves. It's not whether they are loud or not, it's about passion, and all our coaches are very passionate."
Philosophy on red shirting:
GD: "If you have a need at a position and there is a guy who can play this year, we are going to play him. If you have a guy at corner, and you need him, but he is not ready, you are probably not going to play him. Why play a guy if he is totally not ready?"
Chris Phillips:
On why he decided to attend IU:
CP: "I knew that I would have a chance to play right away. I liked the program, and I know that Indiana football has a chance to win and be successful."
On getting adjusted to college football and the advice of coach DiNardo:
CP: "He say's to stay focused and hustle. If you make a mistake, it's alright as long as you play at 100 percent. When you get the play right, you will be set because you have been practicing at 100 percent."
On the importance of fall camp a as freshman student:
CP: "The early camp help's you get acclimated to the environment. You are able to get familiar with the campus before it gets crazy with all of the other students here. This will help me be better prepared when classes start."
On competing for a position at cornerback:
CP: "I am excited about a chance to compete for a cornerback position. If I continue to work hard anything is possible."
On adjustments from high school to college football:
CP: "The pace of the game is faster. As soon as the offense comes off the field, you have to know where your alignment is and what technique you need to play. In high school you can just go on the field and look and see where you need to be."
Thursday, June 11
Thursday, June 11
Wednesday, June 10
Wednesday, June 03