Indiana University Athletics
Freshmen Johnson and McCray Get Head Start
8/3/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 3, 2005
Indiana football freshmen Geno Johnson and Demetrius McCray recently sat down with IUHOOSIERS.com to talk about their first few days as Hoosiers and their expectations for the 2005 season.
Johnson, a 6-2, 200-pound linebacker, and fellow Florida native, McCray, a 5-11, 185-pound running back, arrived on campus earlier than required to take part in pre-camp workouts and to adjust to life in Bloomington.
"I made the decision to come to campus early to get comfortable with the players and coaches and to get to know the town," Johnson said. I also wanted to get used to some of the plays and the way workouts and conditioning are run. I wanted to see what it's like here before the last minute."
Leaving home and adjusting to a new city is not the only thing the two need to get used to, the transition from high school to college football is an adjustment as well.
"The transition has been crazy," McCray said. "In high school, everyone was all-state and everyone was an all-star. In college, you have to find something that will make you stand out because the game is just much faster. Everyone is so quick."
So far the transition has gone smoothly for Johnson and McCray. The two participate in team conditioning and 7-on-7 drills with teammates.
"So far everyone has been really great and welcoming, and I like the town," said Johnson. "All of that is important because you just can't go somewhere and feel bad about everything. I know this is a place where I can succeed."
By getting to Bloomington early, the duo hopes to get a head start on their goals.
"My main goal is to start as a true freshman," said Johnson. "To do that I know I have to play as hard as I can and give the coaches everything I've got."
"I want to get stronger and faster," McCray added. "I also know that I need to stay focused in school once classes start."
Like many who follow Indiana football, Johnson and McCray have a good feeling about head coach Terry Hoeppner and this season.
"I've seen a lot of enthusiasm since I've been here so far," Johnson said. "I know everyone, from the coaches, to the players, to the fans are excited about this season."
