Indiana University Athletics
Indiana Spring Football Report - April 6
4/6/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 6, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Due to heavy rains, Indiana held its ninth workout of the spring at Mellencamp Pavilion on April 6. Hoosier head coach Terry Hoeppner is pleased with the team's development on both sides of the ball.
"I'm greedy, because I wish that we had more time," Hoeppner said. NCAA rules allow for just 15 workouts each spring. "We're at a point in the spring where we can orchestrate looks from both sides of the ball. Today was a good, orchestrated, teaching and learning day. Hopefully, we can take where we have been and make that next step. The defense has been showing up and doing a good job, but I thought the offense stepped up and made plays today. We were sharper."
The 15 spring practices are particularly valuable to the Indiana offensive line, looking to replace guards Brandon Hatcher and Adam Hines and tackle Isaac Sowells.
"Kyle Thomas, for example, is a newcomer to the offensive line, while Justin Frye has the ability to play center, guard or tackle," Hoeppner said. "It's important to move people around, so Kyle played guard today. Maybe he is better at guard, and we need to find that out while we have some time (this spring). That's why a guy like Justin is valuable with his versatility. Our goal is to develop guys, and have 10 guys who can each play a couple of positions."
Spring practice is also a transition for redshirt freshmen, as they move from the scout team to competing for a spot on the two-deep. Safety Austin Thomas has certainly caught the coaching staff's eye with his performance this spring.
"Even though we only get to work with our offense, we are still out there with talented guys it helps a lot," Thomas said. "It gets us used to the game and getting into the flow after winter workouts. After not being in pads for a while it is good to be out here in pads hitting people."
A trio of redshirt freshmen running backs - Demetrius McCray, Bryan Payton and Justin Carrington - have also shown great potential.
"We're excited about them. We thought that we recruited talented guys with character, and they did not disappoint us on scout team last fall," Hoeppner said. "It was easy to keep them on scout team because of the seniors (Chris Taylor and Yamar Washington), but we were looking forward to this spring."
While Hoeppner is pleased with the trio's play this spring, he is also cautiously optimistic.
"We're a long way from turning them loose for 35 plays, but the competition is good, and they're making fewer mistakes," Hoeppner said. "Pass protection is the hardest thing, physically and mentally, for a running back. It's hard for the offensive line, but that is their job. Running backs have to figure who to block, and then go take on someone as big or bigger than them running with a full head of steam. However, we're not unhappy with any of them, because they have each shown flashes, and some more flashes. Demetrius McCray does some things that you can't teach. Marcus Thigpen has been away from the position for two years, so he is getting used to the backfield again. Bryan Payton, there is no one more determined or tougher. Justin Carrington plays bigger than he looks. And Josiah Sears, I have always liked big backs."
Veterans like cornerback Tracy Porter can help the redshirt freshmen in their adjustment.
"It makes it a lot easier learning new things because I have a feel for everything that is going on," Porter said. "It makes it easier for me to teach younger players. Having a lot of experience from my freshman year makes the whole experience a lot easier."
Indiana welcomes 50-75 high school coaches from around the state for its annual coaches clinic on April 7. Hoeppner said that the clinic is mutually beneficial.
"As far as we're concerned, every day is a clinic because our doors are open," Hoeppner said. "We have high school coaches visit us every day. Especially for high school coaches in this state, we are the Indiana University, and we want to make ourselves available, reach out and be a resource. A lot of them take advantage. I know that when I was a high school coach, I would have loved the opportunity to sit down with coaches, watch tape and pick their brains."
Indiana continues its preparation for the April 8 Pancakes 'n' Pigskins scrimmage. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m., as adults can purchase pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee for $5, and kids 12 and under can buy breakfast for $3.
The Kids Zone is back for its second straight Pancakes 'n' Pigskin and features various interactive inflatables and other activities.
Admission to the 10 a.m. intrasquad scrimmage is free and includes a halftime talk with Coach Hoeppner and player and coach autograph session on the field after the scrimmage.
IU's 2006 spring season concludes with the annual Cream and Crimson intrasquad game on April 15 at 4 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.
IU season ticket holders will also have the opportunity to renew their season tickets before the April 17 priority deadline to save 10 percent off the price of an adult ticket. Please call 855-4006 or 866-IUSPORTS for more information.
