Indiana University Athletics
March 26 Spring Football Practice Report
3/26/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 26, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - One day after its first full pads workout of the spring, Indiana returned to work at Mellencamp Pavilion on March 26. The Hoosier coaching staff utilized the two-hour session in shorts and helmets to "fine tune" some of the first week details.
While the offensive and defensive lines focused on fundamental footwork and agility, quarterbacks and receivers worked on timing patterns against the defensive secondary.
The NCAA mandates that programs can conduct 15 workouts each spring, so coaches make sure to maximize every minute of every practice. These workouts are particularly valuable for a group of talented, young Indiana wide receivers.
Terrence Turner signed a national letter of intent with Indiana in the spring of 2005, but he did not enroll at IU until last January. An all-state wide receiver at West Bloomfield High School in Southfield, Mich., Turner is glad to be back on the gridiron.
"With it being winter, I really did a lot of work inside at home in Michigan," Turner said. "I came in during the winter program and did some weight lifting, running and some agility work."
Despite the fact that he did not enroll at IU until second semester, Turner quickly regained his competitive edge.
"I enjoy spring practice. I think it's a chance for me to show what I can do, and for everyone else to show what they can do," Turner said. "There's a lot of competition at each spot, and for all of us to work hard and show how we can perform on the field, it is really worthwhile."
Turner figuratively and literally looks up to 6-7 sophomore All-American candidate James Hardy. Hardy posted one of the most prolific receiving seasons in school history last fall with 61 receptions for 893 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He spent his true freshman season playing both football and basketball for the Hoosiers, but his decision to focus on football this season could create even more headaches for opposing seasons.
"With the time off, the only thing I was focused on was getting healthy and staying in football shape all year round," Hardy said. "Now I'm just ready to go out here and perform. I hope to become a better overall player and make my teammates better. I hope I can just set a good example for my teammates. We have to work hard, and if they see me doing it, my teammates will hopefully follow my lead."
