Indiana University Athletics
Spring Practice Report 10: Linebackers
4/14/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
 Coach Inge | Oliver | Scales |  Photo Gallery
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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana football team is closing in on the 2015 Cream & Crimson Spring Game, which takes place this coming Saturday. The Hoosiers have now completed 10 of their 15 practices, and the players and coaches are getting a better understanding of the team's progress thus far.
William Inge is entering his third season as IU's co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Inge has made a significant impact on the Hoosiers these last two years--Rivals.com named Inge as one of the Big Ten's top 10 recruiters in 2014, and four of his linebackers have earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors. Inge is encouraged by what he has seen from the players in IU's 10 spring practices, especially in his position group.
"It's been a pleasure working with the guys and seeing how they're growing, developing and learning during this particular process," Inge said in his opening remarks.
The Hoosiers are working with a young group of linebackers this season. Inge isn't concerned about this group, however, as the younger talents have progressed immensely in the offseason.
"It's been almost night and day," Inge said regarding younger returning players such as Tegray Scales and Greg Gooch. "A lot of it is due to the physical gains and growth they've had in the offseason with Coach Hill."
The Hoosiers' coaching staff has championed the players offseason weight room gains. According to Inge, that's not the only area of growth in his position group.
"Seeing how they can come in and have mental leadership is good," Inge said. "Now, they have a bit of `sweat equity' from a performance standpoint coming into the meeting room."
Inge's goal for the Hoosiers in the week leading to this weekend's spring game is to see continued growth and development.
"One of our program goals is constant, consistent improvement," Inge continued. "We have to make sure from a mental standpoint that we continue to enhance and strengthen our football team."
Watch Coach Inge's full interview following practice here:
Redshirt sophomore Marcus Oliver was one of Inge's All-Big Ten Freshman linebackers in 2013, and took a medical redshirt following his season-ending injury against Missouri last season. Oliver returns to the defense this season looking to bounce back from his injury, and he's pleased with the progress his position group has made in the offseason and in spring football.
"We're really young, but we're coming along. We're getting there," Oliver said. "Everybody is learning whey they're doing, and we're all learning how to work together."
As a third-year player for the Hoosiers, Oliver has assumed a leadership role, helping get the younger guys up to speed before IU's first game in September. Aside from learning how to play from the older players, Oliver believes that the most important thing the younger guys can learn is the essence of the position.
"They need to understand the `why' for what we're doing and what their job is," Oliver said.
Watch Oliver's interview after IU's 10th spring practice below:
Sophomore linebacker Tegray Scales returns from an outstanding freshman year, where he ranked seventh on the team with 46 tackles, recorded three sacks and two interceptions. Scales racked up several honors, including Freshman All-American honors from 247Sports.com and Scout.com, All-Big Ten Freshman honors from 247Sports.com and BTN.com, and IU's Defensive Newcomer of the Year.
Despite his numerous accolades after one season with the Hoosiers, Scales isn't resting on his laurels.
"I'm still learning, we've still got a lot to learn," Scales said of himself and his position group. "We're going to watch film tonight and see what we can perfect."
In his second season, Scales is learning to tailor his game relative to his size.
"Being a smaller linebacker, I'm trying to get downhill," Scales remarked on his work in the offseason. "I'm figuring out a way to use my size and create a threat in the backfield."
This is Scales first spring season, and already he feels more comfortable than last season.
"I know what to expect now," Scales continued. "I just have to come ready to play fast and increase my mental stability."
Watch Scales full post-practice interview below:
CREAM & CRIMSON SPRING GAME IN 4 DAYS
The Hoosiers kick off the 2015 Cream & Crimson Spring Game at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 18. They will also host a Little 500 pre-bash evening open scrimmage on Thursday, April 23.
