Indiana University Athletics
Into the Spotlight - Chauncey Incarnato
7/28/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 27, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The wait is over for Chauncey Incarnato. A year ago, the 6-5, 296-pound offensive tackle decided to transfer from Notre Dame to Indiana. NCAA rules require transfers to sit out one year before resuming their eligibility, so Incarnato focused his efforts in the classroom, weight room and practice field. When the Hoosiers report for fall camp on Aug. 6, Incarnato and the IU coaches are looking for this work to pay dividends.
"It really helped me as a player and as a person," Incarnato said of his year on the IU practice squad. "It can be hard going through practice and know that you cannot play on Saturdays. It was a real mental block, but it definitely helped me."
Throughout their career, Indiana head coach Terry Hoeppner and his staff have had considerable success with tall, athletic offensive linemen like Incarnato. Likewise, Incarnato is excited to be on the ground floor of Hoeppner's program in Bloomington.
"The coaches are great, and this program is making leaps and bounds," Incarnato said. "I could not have picked a better school to transfer to. We are on the verge of doing some very big things."
If the Hoosiers' effort and approach this summer is any indication, Incarnato's assessment could come to fruition.
"This summer has been great. I have been here for both summer sessions (of classes), and I love it here," Incarnato said. "Lifting and training with (IU strength and conditioning) Coach (Mark) Wateska, the summer program here is top notch. Everyone's attitude is great, because we have some big goals to accomplish. We know that if we want success, we have to work for it."
The Indiana coaching staff have encouraged the players to concentrate on the big picture, and Incarnato is one of many heeding that advice.
"Not one aspect makes a football player," Incarnato said. "You have to have good feet, conditioning, strength, technique, mental toughness," Incarnato said. "I'm going all out in every aspect to be the best player that I can be."
