Indiana University Athletics
Experience Key For Secondary Development
3/29/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 29, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - With a year under Indiana head coach Terry Hoeppner's system, the Hoosier secondary looks to build on the wealth of experience amassed in the defensive backfield. So far this spring season, Co-Defensive Coordinator Joe Palcic likes what he sees in IU's corps of athletic defensive backs.
"The word that comes to mind now is experience, especially at corner," Palcic said. "Two years ago, Tracy Porter and Leslie Majors were thrust in as true freshmen and did okay. Last year, they gained that experience. Now, they feel confident and we feel confident as their coaches that they know exactly what is going on. They see things developing. We have had a good number of interceptions in spring ball so far. Everything is upbeat. Also in the position, Will Meyers has played a lot of football. Last year, he played a lot of times almost as a linebacker. We have some young guys who are able to do that now, so he is going to be a safety this year. We will also get Troy Grosfield back after his injury. Overall, our secondary will be experienced."
Meanwhile, several Hoosiers have put together solid spring outings from the secondary. Sophomore Tracy Porter stood out most prominently in Palcic's mind as a highlight for the defensive backfield in spring ball thus far.
"Tracy Porter has probably stood out the most," Palcic said. "He is a guy who has all kinds of talent. With a little more work and consistency, he may be one of the best pro prospects on the team. He is that talented. He is an All-Big Ten caliber guy. If he keeps working hard and doing what he is supposed to do, he will be an exceptional player for us."
Additionally, an influx of skilled depth to the position could be a catalyst for impressive performances in the secondary. Palcic shined the spotlight on some role-players who have continued to grow with the program.
"There are some backups that we don't hear too much about having good springs," Palcic said. "Chris Phillips is having a good spring so far. Joe Kleinsmith is playing more and more. He may be a kicker, but he is also a football player. He is a guy we are playing at backup corner and getting some reps at safety. Austin Thomas is another guy who has stepped up. Also, Aaron Mitchell is filling that role that Will Meyers had last year at that hybrid linebacker slot. All of those guys really provide us with options this year."
With an intense string of spring practices added to their resume, the defensive backs should be ready to ramp up their play in the coming year.
