Indiana University Athletics
Aug. 13 Practice Report
8/13/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 13, 2005
The Indiana Hoosiers enjoyed a productive sixth practice of fall camp on Saturday morning. Friday, Aug. 12 marked IU's first practice in full pads, and Saturday marked the first of six two-a-day sessions.
IU continues with two-a-day sessions next Monday, Wednesday and Friday, sandwiched by single workouts on Tuesday and Thursday leading up to Fan Appreciation Day on Aug. 20 at 11 a.m. Fan will have the opportunity to meet and greet the Indiana players and coaching staff, purchase lunch at the Memorial Stadium concession stands and then watch the Hoosiers' only public scrimmage of fall camp.
Terry Hoeppner and his staff are pleased with the progress that the Hoosiers have made, as Hoeppner and defensive line coach/co-defensive coordinator Brian George spoke to iuhoosiers.com after the morning session.
Brian George
General assessment of the defensive line and defensive unit in the first six practices: "We needed to pick up where we left off in the spring, and I think we have done that. We're very far along in getting things in, and at this point, we need to concentrate on doing those things perfectly. There is still a thing here or a thing there on certain defensive calls, but that is why we're practicing, to perfect those things. I think that the players are working hard to get that done."
Explain a freshman's adjustment to college football: "It's a completely different game, and you have to realize that the freshmen are hearing different terminology for the first time. We spend a lot of time in drill work trying to get those guys up to speed as much as possible. The other thing we have to rely on is that the older guys try and teach them, and the older guys have done a great job with that."
Senior leadership among the defensive line: "They've been working with the young guys in the dorm, and the younger guys are also walking through things on their own to speed up the learning process. Russ, Victor and Ben Ishola have done a fantastic job taking the freshmen under their wing and helping them learn."
Terry Hoeppner
General assessment of the quarterbacks in the first six practices: "First of all, the older quarterbacks had a great summer. They get an A in football summer school because they have improved so much from the spring - not only the obvious physical things, but their understanding of the offense, chemistry with receivers. But now we have to work hard to maintain that chemistry developed over the summer."
Freshman quarterback Kellen Lewis: "The addition of Kellen Lewis was a `good get.' People that did not recruit him as a quarterback really missed out. He is not a technically great thrower, but there have been plenty of those over the years. That ball is a hot ball, it's accurate, and it's amazing with the poise that he has shown and his grasp of the offense in just six days. He's got a bright future, and he gives us some depth."
