Indiana University Athletics
Q&A: George Ricumstrict
4/7/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Linebackers Coach George Ricumstrict
On the difference between assignments last year and this year:
GR: "In our defensive scheme, we want our linebackers to really be aggressive. We want them to attack the line of scrimmage and get downhill. In our base packages, the safeties will be responsible for cutbacks, which will allow our guys to flow, run and attack."
On the players' reaction to the new defensive scheme:
GR: "I think they are excited about it. I think they see this system as a chance to play and let their athleticism show. They are still trying to figure it out a bit. In the long run, I believe they will shine in this system."
On the hardest part of teaching a new system:
GR: "Initially, it's teaching the new system. You can always pull somebody aside and work on his technique and ability, but just getting everybody on the same page is always the challenge. When you are changing the style that these kids are use to, and the terminology that goes with it, you have to make sure that everybody is communicating with each other. I think getting the older players to understand the system quickly is a big part of it. Then, you have the younger kids who can learn from the coaches and the older kids, which makes everything easier."
On the addition of speed to the position:
GR: "Our package is really geared to smaller, more-athletic, faster linebackers, as opposed to big bulky guys. Speed is a big part of our game. They have to be able to run."
On the linebackers unit:
GR: "We have a lot of kids who I think fit our scheme well. We need to get more of them, but I am excited about the future. A lot of these kids have adjusted well and shown a lot in practice. I didn't think we would be this far with these kids like we are right now."
On John Pannozzo moving from fullback to linebacker:
GR: "For him to come over and pick it up as quick and effective as he has, it's a great sign. He is way ahead of expectations for the position right now. He still has improvements to make, but right now, he is ahead of schedule and I am excited to see him on the field once the season starts. His football intelligence alone really says all that needs to be said about the type of player he is."
On Kyle Killion's play this spring:
GR: "He has had a great spring. I graded him, in terms of execution, in the 90-percent range in our scrimmage, which is great. He was very productive as well. In our grading system at the scrimmage, we do production points with tackles, sacks, things like that, and he was one of our leading point-getters on defense. He is an All-Big Ten performer and he has shown no less this spring."
On the goal of the last week of spring practice:
GR: "Just a better understanding of our defense. They have been great so far, but there is still a lot of work to do. They are still in the process of feeling out certain situations and knowing what to do. The more reps they get, they will understand some shortcuts and their technique will improve. Communication is a big part as we head into the season. Just being able to see the whole picture and helping each other out, which comes from having a better understanding of the defense as a whole unit."
