Indiana University Athletics
DiNardo Press Conference (8/31)
8/31/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
GD: "We've had a good camp and are making a good transition into game plan week. We are on schedule for the first game of the year."
On facing Central Michigan with new head coach Brian Kelly, formerly of Grand Valley State:
GD: "We looked at both Central Michigan and Grand Valley State films. Our evaluation of personnel is based on Central Michigan film. We looked for things that they did well last season with the thought that they may carry it into this year. Sometimes you are tempted to keep some things that the previous staff used. Scheme-wise, you have to look at Grand Valley State footage. The formations that he runs are similar to Northwestern."
On the quarterback situation at Central Michigan:
GD: "They haven't announced a starter either, so you have to get ready for both quarterbacks. They each have a different style. They are pretty systematic in their approach, so I don't know if their system is going to change based on their quarterback personnel."
On Central Michigan:
GD: "The offensive line is outstanding, the running back (Jerry Seymour) is good and they have some JC wide receivers that we won't have a feel for until game day. Their linebacker, James King, is a special player. They're a good team. This a team that beat Michigan State two years ago, they have a veteran offensive line, a great running back, a wide open offense and a new staff."
On the IU running back situation:
GD: "They all are competing. It's been good competition. They're all good players. We probably won't announce a starter until later. It's been really close."
On health of the team:
GD: "We are the healthiest we have been in the three camps. We are going to be at full speed with the exception of about three guys. All of our starters are healthy."
On progress of true freshmen:
GD:"The freshmen have played good this week. They are making the adjustment during a hectic first week. We have a handful that may play. I always think it's about 20 percent or less around the country of true freshmen who play and that's what I would think here, too."
On Special Teams:
GD: "Kicker Bryan Robertson has been good recently, while punter Tyson Beattie needs to improve on his hang time, which he has made an effort to do that. We will continue to emphasize that. Adam Braucher is also in the mix as well, primary in field goals, extra points and kickoffs. Our strength in special teams is our depth. It really helps us. My expectations are that we will be better in special teams."
On the feel of the team:
GD: "We are a much better team and a much better program than we were two years ago and better than we were a year ago. How it will translate into the game, we will have to find out."
On areas where team is Better than from a year ago:
GD: "Depth, team speed, strength and experience. I can't think of anywhere we are not better."
On wide receivers:
GD: "The situation at wide receiver has settled down. We have either older guys or younger guys. It's not a problem, it's just unusual. We you look at our depth you have Courtney Roby, Travis Haney, Pat Thompson, David Lewis and then you have Jahkeen Gilmore in the middle followed by a bunch of freshmen."
On the linebacker situation:
GD: "We are back healthy, which is the best thing I can say. I wish some of those guys had gotten more reps in camp. We are at full strength with our starters and almost at full strength with our entire linebacker unit."
On Importance of first game:
GD: "When you are rebuilding a program, an important issue is momentum. We have to get it early in the season, and it starts with the first game.
On facing Central Michigan with new head coach Brian Kelly, formerly of Grand Valley State:
GD: "We looked at both Central Michigan and Grand Valley State films. Our evaluation of personnel is based on Central Michigan film. We looked for things that they did well last season with the thought that they may carry it into this year. Sometimes you are tempted to keep some things that the previous staff used. Scheme-wise, you have to look at Grand Valley State footage. The formations that he runs are similar to Northwestern."
On the quarterback situation at Central Michigan:
GD: "They haven't announced a starter either, so you have to get ready for both quarterbacks. They each have a different style. They are pretty systematic in their approach, so I don't know if their system is going to change based on their quarterback personnel."
On Central Michigan:
GD: "The offensive line is outstanding, the running back (Jerry Seymour) is good and they have some JC wide receivers that we won't have a feel for until game day. Their linebacker, James King, is a special player. They're a good team. This a team that beat Michigan State two years ago, they have a veteran offensive line, a great running back, a wide open offense and a new staff."
On the IU running back situation:
GD: "They all are competing. It's been good competition. They're all good players. We probably won't announce a starter until later. It's been really close."
On health of the team:
GD: "We are the healthiest we have been in the three camps. We are going to be at full speed with the exception of about three guys. All of our starters are healthy."
On progress of true freshmen:
GD:"The freshmen have played good this week. They are making the adjustment during a hectic first week. We have a handful that may play. I always think it's about 20 percent or less around the country of true freshmen who play and that's what I would think here, too."
On Special Teams:
GD: "Kicker Bryan Robertson has been good recently, while punter Tyson Beattie needs to improve on his hang time, which he has made an effort to do that. We will continue to emphasize that. Adam Braucher is also in the mix as well, primary in field goals, extra points and kickoffs. Our strength in special teams is our depth. It really helps us. My expectations are that we will be better in special teams."
On the feel of the team:
GD: "We are a much better team and a much better program than we were two years ago and better than we were a year ago. How it will translate into the game, we will have to find out."
On areas where team is Better than from a year ago:
GD: "Depth, team speed, strength and experience. I can't think of anywhere we are not better."
On wide receivers:
GD: "The situation at wide receiver has settled down. We have either older guys or younger guys. It's not a problem, it's just unusual. We you look at our depth you have Courtney Roby, Travis Haney, Pat Thompson, David Lewis and then you have Jahkeen Gilmore in the middle followed by a bunch of freshmen."
On the linebacker situation:
GD: "We are back healthy, which is the best thing I can say. I wish some of those guys had gotten more reps in camp. We are at full strength with our starters and almost at full strength with our entire linebacker unit."
On Importance of first game:
GD: "When you are rebuilding a program, an important issue is momentum. We have to get it early in the season, and it starts with the first game.
Thursday, August 13
Thursday, August 13
Tuesday, August 11
Tuesday, August 11