Indiana University Athletics
Monday Practice Report – Coach Wilson
8/15/2016 4:22:00 PM | Football
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Fall Camp on Social Photo Gallery Video: Wilson |
The Hoosiers took part in their first scrimmage this past weekend. And although the team hasn't had any problems getting off to a strong start in the past, it's the continuation of high-speed work ethic that has Wilson in high spirits.
"The effort and hitting was really good, especially after coming off of a hard week," Wilson said regarding the scrimmage. "We ran about 145 snaps in total, so it was a long go. The defense tackled well and had some takeaways, but they let a couple get away so they could have had more. The offense didn't control the line of scrimmage and they missed some big plays that they needed to make. The young players played really well and there's a lot to build on, but it was a very good first scrimmage."
The Indiana football coaching staff returns from last weekend's scrimmage with answers to some questions that faced the Hoosiers at the start of fall camp. Specifically, they needed solid evidence of their depth in certain position groups.
One of the emerging strengths has been the defensive line. Tasked with replacing the likes of Adarius Rayner and Darius Latham from last season, the group has shown outstanding effort throughout the depth chart.
"We're getting more out of Mike Barwick, Jr., and Brandon Wilson is growing up," Wilson said. "Nile Sykes is playing the hardest he's played and was very disruptive on Saturday. We're going to need a lot of those guys, because that's a group where we need bodies."
Under new leadership of defensive coordinator Tom Allen and defensive line coach Mark Hagen, who returned to the Hoosiers in February, the defensive line has answered the call. It's a welcome sight for Wilson, who knows that a strong defensive line is crucial to Indiana's success.
"They've got to be hard and be felt, and Coach Hagan and Coach Allen are doing a really good job of creating a culture of being disruptive up front," Wilson noted. "We're playing a lot of guys, including walk-on Josh Brown, who has been playing hard. And we'll need those bodies early in the year, because we're going to play 10 or 11 defensive linemen in our first few games."
Wilson believes that this group is ready to disrupt and lead the defense from the front, and that's evident from the effect their having on the players across the line of scrimmage.
"That group is playing hard, and they're actually having the best of the offensive line right now, which is good to see," Wilson said.
Another position group showing their strength during camp has been the receiving corps, which has flexed their depth.
This doesn't come as shocking news to the Indiana coaches. The Hoosiers return their top three targets from last season—Simmie Cobbs, Jr., Mitchell Paige, and Ricky Jones—but offensive coordinator Kevin Johns has succeeded in bringing young players into the fold.
"Nick Westbrook isn't pushing Simmie, but we're going to need him," Wilson said. "Luke Timian has done really well, Taysir Mack is in the mix with the freshmen, and we have Donavan Hale doing well. We're going to play eight or nine guys, and we're at 10 right now."
Indiana opens the 2016 campaign at Florida International on Thursday, Sept. 1 (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU), and kicks off its seven-game home schedule against Ball State. IU also hosts Wake Forest (Sept. 24), Michigan State (Oct. 1, 8 p.m., BTN), Nebraska (Oct. 15, 3:30 p.m.), Maryland (Oct. 29), Penn State (Nov. 12) and Purdue (Nov. 26).
Season tickets are available by clicking here, by phone at 1-866-IUSPORTS or in person at the Assembly Hall Ticket Office. The Hoosiers full schedule is available by clicking here.
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