Indiana University Athletics
Catching up with John Pannozzo
4/1/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 31, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - When Indiana head coach Terry Hoeppner took over the Indiana program following the 2004 season, one of his first moves was to switch three-year starting fullback John Pannozzo to middle linebacker. Hoeppner's spread offense scheme does not utilize the fullback, but the Hoosier coach immediately realized the need to have Pannozzo on the field.
Initially reluctant to move to linebacker, Pannozzo quickly became the quarterback of the Hoosier defense. The 5-11, 235-pounder's presence in the middle allowed all-league selection Kyle Killion to move to his more natural outside linebacker spot, and he earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors in his defensive debut with six tackles (team-high three for loss) with one forced fumble and a sack against Central Michigan. Against Ohio State on Oct. 22, Pannozzo stripped Buckeye All-American wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. of the football and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown.
When Pannozzo suffered a season-ending hand injury on Oct. 29 at Michigan State, it was more than a lineup change to the Indiana defense.
"One of the great stories I have been involved with as a coach," Hoeppner said. "John Pannozzo has been an inspiration to me and to the team. He is a guy that I went from not knowing and not having a very good relationship with during the first few days of my tenure, to a guy that I have the utmost confidence in and trust implicitly to where I named him a captain. That was significant for me. The move we made and the way he played. Now, the challenge is for us and for John is that it is part of the deal and part of the game. Life moves on and he is a tough guy."
Pro football scouts are well aware of Pannozzo's resilience, which is why the Brooklyn, N.Y., native is working hard preparing for his next opportunity on the gridiron. Pannozzo and classmate Ben Ishola are training together in Bloomington this spring, and each had impressive showings at IU's March 7 Pro Scout Day.
"I think we both helped ourselves that day," Pannozzo said. "I worked out at both fullback and linebacker. I know that my agent was pleased with how things went."
During Pro Scout Day, prospects peform a series of strength, speed and agility drills for NFL teams. According to Pannozzo, who recorded a 4.58 40-yard dash time this past winter, his workouts now focus more on conditioning.
"I need to go to a (training) camp in shape," Pannozzo said. "It's important to go every rep at maximum effort."
Pannozzo is well aware that NFL players often find their niche on special teams.
"It does not matter what position I play or what team," Pannozzo said. "I'll go wherever I have the best chance to make a team."
