Indiana University Athletics
Practice Report: April 5
4/5/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - With perfect 70-plus degree weather conditions the Indiana football team took to the practice fields Tuesday, April 5 for its eighth practice of the spring. Since Tuesday's practice was the team's first since their April 2 scrimmage, the Hoosiers looked to improve on the encouraging signs they saw this past Saturday.
After a series of team-specific drills, the Cream and Crimson went into nine-on-nine competition. The offensive line provided strong blocking for both the quarterbacks and the tailbacks as sophomores Kenni Burns and Josiah Sears broke several big runs up the middle of the field. While nine-on-nine's were going on, wide receivers and cornerbacks worked on routes and coverage. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Marcus Thigpen was able to make a string of impressive catches.
The Hoosiers then turned their focus to seven-on-seven drills. Sophomore quarterback Blake Powers and junior signal caller Graeme McFarland were both strong and accurate with each of their passes. Redshirt freshman wide receiver James Hardy made a tremendous leaping catch near the end of the drill for a touchdown.
Once the team got into 11-on-11 drills, the defensive units picked up their intensity. Powers and McFarland found themselves under constant pressure. However, the offensive line came up big on a series of plays, including an exciting catch by senior wide receiver Jahkeen Gilmore and a strong run up the right hand side by senior running back Chris Taylor. Yet, right after Taylor's long run, the defense proved to be too much as junior Troy Grosfield came up with an interception that was returned for a touchdown.
The program will hold Pancakes 'n' Pigskin on April 9. Starting at 8 a.m. on the west concourse of Memorial Stadium, Hoosier fans can enjoy pancakes and sausage breakfast ($5 for adults and $3 for kids 12-and-under), followed by a 10 a.m. intrasquad scrimmage that is free to the public.
Spring practice concludes with the annual Cream-Crimson intrasquad game on April 15 at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium. Admission is free to all Hoosier fans.
