Indiana University Athletics
Pannozzo Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week
9/5/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 5, 2005
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana University middle linebacker John Pannozzo has been named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for the period ending Sept. 4, the league office announced Monday morning.
Pannozzo was the Hoosiers' starting fullback each of his first three seasons, but IU coach Terry Hoeppner and his staff moved the 5-11, 235-pound senior captain to middle linebacker in the spring. This allowed 2004 all-league pick Kyle Killion to move to his more natural outside linebacker slot.
Just as Killion is more comfortable at outside linebacker, Pannozzo made himself at home in the middle. Pannozzo made his defensive debut with six tackles (team-high three for loss) with one forced fumble and one sack against Central Michigan. Pannozzo led an aggressive Hoosier defense that helped Indiana post a 21:40-8:20 advantage in the second half in time of possession en route to a season-opening victory. This marks the first time that a Hoosier has received the league's top weekly defensive honor since Herana-Daze Jones (Sept. 13, 2004).
Hoeppner said Pannozzo's performance at Central Michigan is indicative of the Hoosiers' big-play potential on defense.
"What a tremendous honor for John as well as for our program" Hoeppner said. "When we asked John to move to linebacker in the off-season, it was a calculated risk for both of us. Once we started practice in the spring, it appeared to be the right move for John and the team. Obviously, being named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week in his first game puts the stamp of approval on the move for everyone. I couldn't be more proud of John."
Pannozzo and his Hoosier teammates return to action on Sept. 10 when IU hosts Nicholls State at 4 p.m. The Nicholls State game will feature the "Ride To The Rock," where IU fans who are also motorcycle enthusiasts can accompany the team from the pregame hotel to Memorial Stadium.
The Nicholls State game also features the debut of "The Walk." Two hours prior to kickoff of each home game this year, Coach Hoeppner, his staff and the Hoosier players will depart the team busses, cross 17th Street and walk through the tailgating sections en route to the stadium.
Finally, Hoosier fans will have the opportunity to take their families to the IU-Nicholls State game. The Hoosier Family Four Pack features four end zone tickets, four hot dogs, four popcorns and four soft drinks for just $60.
For more information, please call the IU ticket office at 1-866-IU-SPORTS.
