Indiana University Athletics
Position Report - Wide Receivers
3/24/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 24, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The wide receiver position is instrumental to Indiana's spread offense. During the first week of the Hoosiers' spring practice, the receivers are honing their fundamentals and their playbooks. Wide receiver may be IU's deepest position, and wide receivers coach Billy Lynch has already issued a challenge to the Hoosiers' pass catching corps.
"The biggest thing that we need to improve on is our consistency as a group of receivers," Lynch said. "Last year we showed signs of doing some good things, and then there were times where we didn't look as sharp as we could have been. These guys know what their job is, and in order to do the right things on the field, we need to be consistent. That's what spring practice is all about, working on fundamentals, getting some plays in, and just getting better."
There is a wealth of talent among Hoosier wide receivers. Sophomore James Hardy was among the nation's top pass catchers in 2005, hauling in 61 receptions for 893 yards and 10 touchdowns. Senior Jahkeen Gilmore added 30 receptions for 383 yards in 2005, as the Hoosiers return six players who each caught at least 10 passes last season. In addition, a trio of talented redshirt freshmen (Chris Banks, Andrew Means and Nick Polk) will contend for playing time.
According to Lynch, the coaching staff is setting the tone this spring.
"As coaches, our intensity rubs off on these players. In football you have to be intense, so we do our best to show our guys that we are here everyday to work hard," Lynch said. "We can't just show up on game day with intensity, it has to be there every time we step on the field, especially practice."
Gilmore is Indiana's most experienced wide receiver, and he relishes an opportunity to take charge.
"I'm ready to be a leader for my teammates. We all work together everyday to get better, and if that means they look to me, I'm there for them," Gilmore said. "Consistency in our position is what we need for this team to be successful. Working on plays in spring practice is exactly what we have to do to execute when summer and fall rolls around. We have adjusted to what Coach Hoeppner has brought to this program, and we are ready to go out and be the best team we can be."
