Cornerbacks Holding Each Other to a High Standard

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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Redshirt junior cornerback Rashard Fant will have a slightly different role this season. As an upperclassmen and returning starter, he will be called upon to take on a larger leadership role. Cornerbacks coach Brandon Shelby is leaning on him to bring the young players along.

"He is starting to figure it out," said Shelby. "The young guys will look to you when you are tired and trying to push yourself through. He has to, physically and mentally, keep going. He is fitting in that role, but I need more from him. I expect a lot from him and I am excited to see what he can do this year."

Fant led the Big Ten and was second nationally with 22 pass breakups a season ago. He was also second on the team in solo tackles with 48. He recorded his first career interception in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl against Duke.

The team will scrimmage one last time to signify the true end of fall camp. Coach Shelby is excited to see the progress of the team thus far. The main objective is to make sure his defense, especially the corners, start to find their swagger before the season opener down in Miami.

"At this point, we are looking to have great communication," said Shelby. "We want to get precise. The main thing is to keep the ball in front of us, tackle well, be confident and get some swag."

One thing that the defense has really emphasized this offseason is playing with a chip on its shoulder. The entire defensive coaching staff is holding the players to a higher standard than ever before this season, and the players are taking note.

"They present a challenge every day to me," Fant said. "Every day they say I am held to a higher standard. I have to learn to deal with that and go out and play the best that I can, not only for them, but to make my teammates and myself proud."

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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Cornerbacks Holding Each Other to a High Standard

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