Indiana University Athletics
Position Report - Tight Ends
3/24/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 24, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - During the first week of spring practice, Indiana head coach Terry Hoeppner has said that the team is "light years" ahead of where they were a year ago in terms of understanding offensive and defensive schemes, speed and conditioning. Considering that the tight end position plays a vital role in the Hoosiers' run and pass games, assistant head coach/offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Bill Lynch is pleased with his position group's development.
"I don't think there's any question (the tight ends) have bought into what Coach Hoeppner and this coaching staff wants to do," Lynch said. "In the few practices we have had, we are ahead of where we were a year ago because they understand what Coach Hoeppner's expectations are and what we are trying to get done."
Despite the progress, there is no time for complacency.
"We just have to get better as a group. The tight end is a unique position. We have to do a good job with blocking in the running game, and we have to be a threat in the passing game. In both areas we just need to work to get better." Lynch said. "These guys have worked really hard in the off-season. I think we're stronger and faster, but now we just need to go out and show that on the field."
Lynch is counting on senior tight end Matt O'Neal to set the example. O'Neal led the tight ends with 11 catches for 84 yards and two touchdowns a year ago. Junior Nick Sexton and redshirt freshmen Troy Wagner and Brian Zematis also showed potential during winter conditioning.
"I've been here the longest, I have to set the example and coach these guys up," O'Neal said. "We are going to make mistakes, but we can learn from each other to make better performances on the field."
O'Neal feels that Hoeppner has planted the roots of success in the Indiana program.
"Coach brings something to this program that no other coach I have been under has brought to a team. His enthusiasm and energy really rubs off on the entire team," O'Neal said. "The tempo is even more upbeat than last year, and we are faster and more athletic. He brings a lot to this team, and we are definitely going to benefit from it."
