Indiana University Athletics
Little Changes for Scales In New Defense
3/11/2016 10:56:00 AM | Football
By: Sam Beishuizen | Twitter
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Tegray Scales' role won't change much in new defensive coordinator Tom Allen's system.
And that's just how the junior linebacker wants it.
"It's the same job, just different alignments," Scales said. "I like it because I can keep building on what I've been doing."
Scales returns as the fourth-leading tackler from last season with 40 stops and two interceptions to his credit over 11 games. He did the majority of his work out of the "Will" linebacker spot a year ago.
The majority of what Scales does out of the weak-side linebacker position will be the same he's been accustomed to in Bloomington. He'll be standing up, switching between blitzing to get into the backfield and dropping back in coverage depending on his reads.
"With this defense, it's a lot about reading, reading and then you go," Scales said. "I think that will help me out because I'll be able to use my speed and aggressiveness to my advantage."
Scales said the biggest key will be how quickly he's able to pick up whether the opposing offense is running or throwing. He'll have a fair share of flexibility to switch between a pass-first defender and a run-first defender based on his split second decision to attack the box or drop back in coverage.
In that regard, Scales said the thing he needs to work on the most is being patient.
"It's really important for me to read my keys," he said. "The quarterback tells you everything. If he hands the ball off, I've got to go. If he's reading, I've got to be reading. Whatever he does, I've got to know it."
To keep up with his reads, Scales said he's been spending as much time as he can in the film room with fellow linebackers Marcus Oliver and Clyde Newton in particular. The three expect to be on the field playing alongside each other often this season.
The upcoming week off will allow Scales and the rest of his teammates to reflect on the first four practices before closing out the spring when they return from spring break.
Though the film study will be helpful, Scales admits he's more eager to get back on the field and learn in trial by fire.
"Film is a huge part, but I'm more of a get out there and see it with my eyes type of person," Scales said. "We're always in the room with coach trying to get the extra scoop. We're recording everything, so if I mess up I can look at it and correct it the next day."
The upcoming season will be an important one for Scales as an individual. It'll be his first as an upperclassman on an otherwise young defensive unit.
It all builds into the unknown surrounding a defense looking to build under Allen that Scales said he's excited to see in person.
"It's a great time for us," he said. "If I just work on something every day and work on becoming a better player, the results will come. This whole defense, we're ready to make a jump."
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Tegray Scales' role won't change much in new defensive coordinator Tom Allen's system.
And that's just how the junior linebacker wants it.
"It's the same job, just different alignments," Scales said. "I like it because I can keep building on what I've been doing."
Scales returns as the fourth-leading tackler from last season with 40 stops and two interceptions to his credit over 11 games. He did the majority of his work out of the "Will" linebacker spot a year ago.
The majority of what Scales does out of the weak-side linebacker position will be the same he's been accustomed to in Bloomington. He'll be standing up, switching between blitzing to get into the backfield and dropping back in coverage depending on his reads.
"With this defense, it's a lot about reading, reading and then you go," Scales said. "I think that will help me out because I'll be able to use my speed and aggressiveness to my advantage."
Scales said the biggest key will be how quickly he's able to pick up whether the opposing offense is running or throwing. He'll have a fair share of flexibility to switch between a pass-first defender and a run-first defender based on his split second decision to attack the box or drop back in coverage.
In that regard, Scales said the thing he needs to work on the most is being patient.
"It's really important for me to read my keys," he said. "The quarterback tells you everything. If he hands the ball off, I've got to go. If he's reading, I've got to be reading. Whatever he does, I've got to know it."
To keep up with his reads, Scales said he's been spending as much time as he can in the film room with fellow linebackers Marcus Oliver and Clyde Newton in particular. The three expect to be on the field playing alongside each other often this season.
The upcoming week off will allow Scales and the rest of his teammates to reflect on the first four practices before closing out the spring when they return from spring break.
Though the film study will be helpful, Scales admits he's more eager to get back on the field and learn in trial by fire.
"Film is a huge part, but I'm more of a get out there and see it with my eyes type of person," Scales said. "We're always in the room with coach trying to get the extra scoop. We're recording everything, so if I mess up I can look at it and correct it the next day."
The upcoming season will be an important one for Scales as an individual. It'll be his first as an upperclassman on an otherwise young defensive unit.
It all builds into the unknown surrounding a defense looking to build under Allen that Scales said he's excited to see in person.
"It's a great time for us," he said. "If I just work on something every day and work on becoming a better player, the results will come. This whole defense, we're ready to make a jump."
Players Mentioned
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