Allen Holding Defense to Higher Standard

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By: Charlie Duffy
IUHoosiers.com

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Defensive coordinator Tom Allen brings a high level of expectations and contagious energy. Head coach Kevin Wilson has raved about Coach Allen and how he is holding the defense to a higher standard. He believes the key to the defense lies within the three cornerstones he has established.

"I love the energy, I love the way they are raking at the ball to try to create takeaways, and that is obviously something that we emphasize," Allen said. "Takeaways, tackling and effort are the cornerstones of our defense. I feel like we are making progress in those areas. I also love the kids' attitudes. That is one thing that they completely control, along with the effort. I am really pleased with that."

Although he sees progress in all three areas he is not satisfied with the tackling. He does not want to see any missed tackles.

"We are going to work on that [tackling] at every single opportunity we have with pads on or with pads off to get better," Allen said. "We will leverage the football and keep our head out of the tackle. I think that makes you a better tackler as well as it is safer for our guys. It is all about what is best for them. Fortunately, in this situation I think it helps us as well because we are better in space, which is where the game is played a lot now."

Everyone knows the pace in which Indiana runs its offense. Coach Allen has been there and done that. He does not get flustered by the no huddle, he thrives in it. Allen has built his defensive mastery behind operating relaxed despite the speed of the opposing offenses.

"I am used to preparing for that, I install that way, we practice that way, our whole communication system is built for that and our check system is built for that," Allen said. "I love going against it. It does not make me stressed or uncomfortable. Obviously we have got to get the kids ready. To me, you get your feet set, your eyes ready and you play football."

With the new scheme, the Hoosiers will only trot out two linebackers in their base defense. Part of the reason Coach Allen is so confident lining up against the tempo offense is the play of those two linebackers on the field.

"I just want them to play fast," Allen said. "The linebacker's role increases with the tempo offenses. The game has been put in the hands of players. They have to be able to make split-second decisions. Getting those guys to play fast and to be comfortable in their checks, keys and reads is critical. I think that Tegray [Scales], Marcus [Oliver], Dameon [Willis], Chris [Covington] and Reakwon [Jones] have all stepped up."

Removing the third linebacker frees up the space to play a Husky, the newest position to the Hoosiers playbook. Coach Allen will look for one thing when he and the rest of the defensive staff lock in their starting Husky: production. From this position, production is defined by getting their hands on the ball, raking for the ball and making plays against the run.

"I think Zeke [Walker] has done a great job," said Allen. "I feel that he is making progress as he gets more comfortable with his reads and with his drops. Marcelino Ball is the new guy that has come in here as a true freshman and done a lot of great things. Jamye [Thompson] is a guy that we are counting on to be in the mix there as well."

Players Mentioned

Marcelino McCrary-Ball

Indiana University Athletics