Indiana University Athletics
Hoosiers Go All Out in Fifth Spring Practice
4/2/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
 Coach Wilson | Coach Patton | Corsaro |  Photo Gallery
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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana football team held its fifth spring practice of 2015 on Thursday morning at the IU Practice Fields. This practice was the third full-padded practice of the spring season. Head coach Kevin Wilson believes that the players physicality is where it needs to be, but now they must improve their mental fortitude.
"We're trying to emphasize consistency," Wilson said. "Seeing mistakes, listening to coaching, and applying it to the field. We're really working hard to see if our guys can take steps in their preparation now, not waiting until next week."
Since the Hoosiers were in full pads for this practice, Wilson and the coaching staff put the players in a handful of in-game scenarios. The players ran 75 snaps at full-go, according to Wilson, and had their first set of snaps with a running play clock, simulated crowd noise and other conditions of a live-action game.
"There were some good elements," Wilson said regarding the partial scrimmage. "I think we need to play better defensively and tackle better, but there's a good vibe to the team and they're working hard."
The defensive struggles, according to Wilson, are mainly due to the relative lack of experience on the younger defensive side of the ball.
"I think our defense is good," Wilson said. "But your veterans are Chase Dutra, Antonio Allen and Darius Latham, and it's their second spring."
"You want these guys that are your best players to act like veterans. Even though they have game experience, they're still young. I think the offense has a greater presence and consistency because they're more mature mentally."
Watch coach Wilson's full interview with the media here:
POSITION PROFILE: TIGHT ENDS
IU tight ends and fullbacks coach James Patton is entering his third season with the Hoosiers. Patton shared his thoughts after IU's fifth practice, and he is pleased with the high work ethic from the outset.
"It's been physical, " Patton said. "The tempo of practice has been really good and the guys are working hard. I'm pretty happy with what they've done so far."
Patton looks forward to scrimmaging in practice because it gives the coaching staff a chance to see the fruits of their labor.
"It's a chance for coaches to get off the field and let the guys play," Patton said. "When they're out on the field and coaches aren't around, we need to see guys step up."
Patton also commented on his group of tight ends, specifically senior Anthony Corsaro.
"He's got great energy, and he's invested greatly in the program," Patton said. "He's made some nice catches and is doing great in the run blocking game. He's doing great, has great energy, and needs to keep bringing it."
Watch Coach Patton's full interview after IU's fifth practice here:
IU tight end Anthony Corsaro is entering his senior season with the Hoosiers after walking on to the program in 2012. Coming off of a season where he was a key component of IU's vaunted rushing attack, Corsaro is enthusiastic about the first few practices, especially the scrimmage on Thursday morning.
"It was a blast getting our first scrimmage in," Corsaro said. "It was really nice getting some hitting in, some full-go action. It was really fun."
Corsaro looks forward to practices with the offense pitted against the defense, because the competition helps everyone improve and increase the intensity. He was especially upbeat about the tight ends performance today.
"We're really proud of ourselves," Corsaro said. "Coach Patton brings the juice and the hype, and we feel that's our duty to the offense as the tight ends."
Watch the full interview with Corsaro here:
CREAM & CRIMSON SPRING GAME IN 16 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.
