Indiana University Athletics
Big Ten Media Days Wrap Up
7/26/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 26, 2008
Gallery | Video | Hoosier Huddle
CHICAGO - On the final morning of the Big Ten Media Days, IUHoosiers.com was able to sit down and talk with defensive tackle Greg Brown and running back Marcus Thigpen about this upcoming season. Below is a recap of our conversations:
Marcus, Greg was correct, today's suit is even more explosive than yesterday's. Where did you get a peach colored suit with pearl white dress shoes?
MT: "I have six suits like this one. I shop at Adonis X in Detroit. I came to Media Day last year and I saw what everyone was wearing. I knew what it would take to stand out".
Obviously everyone has a different sense of style, but what guy on your team could really use a trip to Adonis X?
MT: "Bryan Payton (junior running back) doesn't have much fashion sense. He could use a little wardrobe update".
Greg, I know you had some injuries in the offseason, how are those coming along?
GB: "I'm healthier than ever. My strength is back up. I still need to work on my endurance. Camp should really help with that starting next week. I'm a couple months ahead of schedule and I am ready to go".
How did the defense look in the spring?
GB: "The linebackers are a solid unit and we have good depth there. A lot of the young guys are ready to step in and play. Safety will be a good position for us too, which is much different than a few years ago. Three years ago a ball went up and you were praying. Now you know our guys can knock it down or pick it off. And our D-line is going to be real tough. I think the defense will be really good".
Who hits hard and intimidates people?
GB: "(Safety) Austin Thomas works hard and brings it everyday. He likes to lay the wood. Will Patt (linebacker Will Patterson) really likes to stick people".
MT: "I can tell you that after practicing against those guys that there are three people who you really want to avoid out there. Austin Thomas, Will Patterson, and (linebacker) Geno Johnson. Those guys make me glad that I run track during spring practice".
Let's flip it around. Who's really good at taking a hit?
GB: "Without question Kellen Lewis. People talk about his speed and his arm. Nobody talks about how he gets hammered all the time and bounces right back up. He's small and he plays like he wants to prove everybody wrong who said he's too small to play at this level. He even lowers his shoulder into you. Now granted, it doesn't do anything to you when he does (laughter), but he refuses to go down easily".
Marcus, is it intimidating returning kicks? I mean, all eleven guys are running full speed trying to tackle you.
MT: "I love returning kicks. I don't even think about it. You just find a seam and go. I love it".
As a sophomore you returned several kicks for touchdowns. Last year opponents avoided kicking to you all year. Was that frustrating?
MT: "No. I took it as a sign of respect. It's like an intentional walk in baseball. I felt like Barry Bonds."
What are your expectations for 2008?
GB: "Take it to the next level. It's that simple".
MT: "Win the Big Ten".
Media Day Observations: Part Deux
Landslide: Several media outlets will be doling out awards after the media day festivities. Many will be choosing a "best dressed" player. Not since Johnson-Goldwater has there been such an electoral landslide. Like "Titanic" at the Oscars, Indiana's Marcus Thigpen should win this award in a walk. His flamboyant dress has paid off. Several media outlets with no natural inclination to cover Indiana, have taken the time to interview the Indiana running back about his attire.
Buckeye Love: There was an autograph session in the lobby of the Hyatt and all players and coaches will take time to meet with fans. This session was scheduled to begin just before lunch and dozens of Ohio State fans were ready with gear in hand when I hit the fitness room treadmill at 7 am.
Eyes On Tom Crean: Media outlets from Michigan and Wisconsin have asked Bill Lynch about his new colleague. Lynch enthusiastically talks about the new basketball coach and routinely praises Crean as being a "perfect fit" at Indiana.
Hoosiers Well Represented: Hoosier fans should know that the players that represented the university at Media Day comported themselves extremely well during these marathon interview sessions. Marcus Thigpen was a huge hit with the media. His affable personality and distinct attire drew a lot of attention. Finance major Greg Brown handled himself extremely well and routinely heaped praise on his teammates. Kicker Austin Starr was equally impressive with the media. Candid and polished, Marcus Thigpen joked, "I think Austin should run for President".
Grueling Gauntlet: Get a load of the duties Bill Lynch had to perform over the past 26 hours. Beginning on Thursday he addressed print reporters for 30 minutes. He held six press conferences with TV reporters. Lynch then recorded a commercial for the Big Ten Network. He recorded a pre-season preview for the Big Ten Network. He attended coaches meetings. He ate a quick dinner and went across town and spoke at an alumni function. He woke up early on Friday for two hours of one-on-one interviews. Signed autographs for an hour. Finally, Lynch wrapped up his duties by delivering a speech at the Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon.
