Indiana University Athletics
Confidence Builds for Receivers as Camp Moves Forward
8/18/2016 4:45:00 PM | Football
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Fall Camp on Social Quotes Video: Jones | Paige |
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The wide receiver corps should have no issue with confidence heading into the 2016 season. The starting trio last season recorded over 150 receptions, 2,500 yards and 15 touchdowns. Confidence in their play is not the issue, it is the confidence to continue leading the team.
"We have a lot of dudes returning this year, so we have to be the leaders of the offense this year," fifth-year senior Ricky Jones said. "Usually that comes from the quarterbacks, but we know what it takes to win and the determination we need. So our focus is keeping the swag up."
Jones was second on the team with 906 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season. He hauled in 54 receptions, good for third on the team.
Depth has been a key to the Hoosiers recent offensive success. The wide receiver position is one of the deeper positions on the roster. The coaching staff has said they figure to have as many as nine or 10 wideouts see snaps in 2016. Preparation, especially for the younger players, is essential for the depth to work.
"We are bringing some younger guys along and learning the plays," fifth-year senior Mitchell Paige said. "We will need some guys to step up. I think, for the most part, we have been doing that."
Paige grabbed 57 catches, good for second on the team, in 2015. He led the team in touchdowns with six and added 684 yards.
"We are trying to get together with the quarterbacks, trying to get on the same level and complete balls," Jones added. "We are trying to build the chemistry between the quarterbacks and wide receivers."
Fall camp is a vital time for installing the special teams. Paige figures to be a key aspect of the unit once again. Last year, Paige had 18 punt returns for 199 yards and two touchdowns.
"We have done a lot of return work," Paige said. "We have put a lot of guys back there. On punts, it is just about who is going to catch it. That is the most important thing, getting the ball back on punts. I am excited to see how the young guys are going to embrace those important roles. Those are really important roles."
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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