Mike Hart Showing the Running Back Way
11/13/2018 6:54:00 PM | Football
BY PETE DIPRIMIO
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Mike Hart deflected.
Did you expect anything less from Indiana's running backs coach?
Yes, being nominated for the Broyles Award, which goes annually to the nation's best assistant coach is a big deal. Hart has made a big impression during his two seasons with the Hoosiers.
But he didn't do it in isolation, and he knows it.
"It starts with the players I have in the running back room," he said. "To get nominated for that award, we have some great young men who run hard and who do what they're coached to do."
Hart also acknowledged offensive line coach Darren Hiller, offensive coordinator Mike DeBord, quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan and receivers coach Grant Heard.
"It's just the staff we're surrounded with. Coach Hiller coaches the offensive line. They open up the holes. He and Coach DeBord come up with a great game plan, and then there's Coach Sheridan and Coach Heard. It's because of them. We work well together as a staff."
Mainly, though, Hart thanked head coach Tom Allen.
"It's a great honor," Hart said. "It means a lot because your head coach has to nominate you. My respect for Coach Allen is immense. I thanked him in nominating me. He said some good things for this to happen. I don't know if they're all true. I'll never forget that."
Hart coached running backs at Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan and Syracuse before joining the Hoosiers. He's coached three 1,000-yard rushers, and with freshman Stevie Scott approaching 900 yards with two games remaining, including Saturday's trip to No. 4 Michigan (9-1), it could soon reach four.
"The running backs under Mike's leadership has been huge," Allen said.
Hart coaches from experience. He was an NFL running back for three seasons for the Indianapolis Colts, rushing for 264 yards in 21 career games.
Before that he was a standout running back at Michigan. He set the school rushing record with 5,040 yards. He scored 41 touchdowns. As a freshman he rushed for a Big Ten-leading 1,455 yards and nine TDs.
Hart's nomination doesn't surprise DeBord, who coached at Michigan while Hart was there from 2004-07.
"He always had a great passion for football," DeBord said. "He's loved the game. That's where it started.
"Then, as a player, he was always demanding. He demanded that the people around him play at his level. He demanded excellence from them all the time. He was a great leader.
"I didn't know that he wanted to go into coaching. I knew he wanted to pursue the NFL, which he did. Once he got into coaching, I knew he'd be a great success."
As for IU (5-5) facing Michigan, Hart said he knows where his loyalty lies.
"To me it's another game. I care about the place, but there's no question our job is to go there and win."
JUSTUS EMBRACES THE COOL
Logan Justus felt the love.
He had no choice.
Indiana's walk-on kicker, after nailing the winning 42-yard field goal to beat Maryland, got the game ball from Allen during the post-game locker room celebration. Excited teammates hoisted him into the air and carried him around.
"It was an unreal feeling," Justus said. "It was amazing knowing that the team was there and all the energy and excitement."
Two days later, the Big Ten honored him with his first Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week award.
"It's amazing just knowing that everything is getting recognized," Justus said. "It's really cool."
On Saturday Justus was 2-for-2 on field goals and made all four of his extra point attempts. He is 13-for-15 on field goals this season. He also became the first Hoosier to make a game-winning field goal since Griffin Oakes beat Michigan State in 2016.
"He continues to kick at a high level," Allen said. "I'm really excited for him."
Justus' accuracy isn't a fluke.
"That was always my strength, staying consistent. I know to keep working on that and always improving."
As far as his range, he said, "If I had to, I could probably go (60 yards).
Logan arrived at IU after playing football, hockey and soccer at Mt. Vernon High School near Indianapolis. He redshirted his first season in 2015, then didn't play at all the next two seasons.
He won the job in fall camp, and has been solid enough to be one of 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award, given annually to the nation's best kicker.
As for why he kicks, he said, "I thought it was cool. I loved the pressure."
And then …
"I'm happy with being a play-maker."
HIGH-LEVEL RUNNER
Stevie Scott continues to play at a freshman level rarely seen at IU since Anthony Thompson wore the Cream 'n Crimson.
His 894 rushing yards rank third in program history for a true freshman. His eight rushing touchdowns are an IU true freshman record. His four 100-yard games share second.
Not bad for a guy who only played three games as a high school senior in New York because of injuries, and who was initially recruited to play linebacker. But Hart saw something special in this 6-2, 233-pounder and pushed to get him as a running back.
Mission accomplished.
"I know when I didn't play football last year," Scott said, "I had to come in and make a mark. To be doing things like this, it's always a blessing."
Hart said he isn't surprised.
"He's a big guy. He's a young buck. If you watch him run, he doesn't get hit hard. He delivers a lot of blows. You feel it when you hit him. He's more the hammer and not the nail.
"The offensive line is doing a great job. As long as he gets a crease, he'll fall forward for a couple of yards. I'd like to get him more than 20 carries a game. He can handle that.
"He was a guy I planned on playing four games this year. The biggest thing he has to do is get better every day."
He couldn't have a better example than Thompson, a former Hoosier All-American and Heisman Trophy runner-up. He said he's spoken to Thompson a few times this season.
"He gave me a few tips to help improve my game. Things like keep my feet high, pick up my knees, things like that. Other than that, he says I run perfectly fine."
Big Ten battles are hard on any running back, especially a freshman. Scott said he's holding up well.
"The body feels good. The cold takes a toll. I definitely make sure I take care of it."
PROFILE IN COURAGE
Football manager Matt Stauder's battle with cancer has left a big impression. He's a nominee for the Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award.
Stauder has remained part of the team despite grueling cancer treatments. He said he's only missed five or six practices.
Treatment is working. Stauder said he's in remission, and has regained more than 20 pounds.
"It's the greatest feeling in the world. With all the support and prayers I got from the Bloomington community, the IU Football family, and friends and family, I can't thank them enough."
A recent full body scan showed Stauder he was winning the cancer battle.
"It was a special moment that I'll never forget. You can beat cancer. Keep staying strong."
Stauder added that he "feels great," feels like "a completely new man."
Stauder has left a big impression on Mike Hart.
"Matt and I have gotten close. I had a chance to visit when he was getting his treatments. He'd have it every other Monday, come to practice on Tuesday.
"We love the kid for who he is. He shows up every day and doesn't complain. He's been to every practice, every game. The kid is so humble. When he found out he was in remission, he didn't interrupt a football meeting to let us know he was cancer free. He's a phenomenal kid and person. When you think things are bad and you see Matt and what he's been through, he brings up your day.
"When you get to know the kid, you're not surprised."
Coaches and players would have understood if Stauder had stayed away from the team while undergoing treatment, but Stauder said he wasn't about to do that.
"I enjoy coming to work, doing the work. That keeps my mind off of battling cancer. I'm around guys and coaches every day. I can joke around with them. It keeps me distracted from going through something like this.
"The team in general has been amazing and uplifting. They're driving me to beat this. They've been great."
As far as the courage award nomination, Stauder said, "I'm blown away, especially to have my name in that caliber of people who have won it in the past. It's surreal to me. It's a privilege and an honor. I'm humbled to be nominated."
His teammates are honored to have him around.
"He's definitely close with us," Scott said. "He's a go-to guy whenever I need something fixed or help with anything. He's with us every day. I look at him like a big brother."
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Mike Hart deflected.
Did you expect anything less from Indiana's running backs coach?
Yes, being nominated for the Broyles Award, which goes annually to the nation's best assistant coach is a big deal. Hart has made a big impression during his two seasons with the Hoosiers.
But he didn't do it in isolation, and he knows it.
"It starts with the players I have in the running back room," he said. "To get nominated for that award, we have some great young men who run hard and who do what they're coached to do."
Hart also acknowledged offensive line coach Darren Hiller, offensive coordinator Mike DeBord, quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan and receivers coach Grant Heard.
"It's just the staff we're surrounded with. Coach Hiller coaches the offensive line. They open up the holes. He and Coach DeBord come up with a great game plan, and then there's Coach Sheridan and Coach Heard. It's because of them. We work well together as a staff."
Mainly, though, Hart thanked head coach Tom Allen.
"It's a great honor," Hart said. "It means a lot because your head coach has to nominate you. My respect for Coach Allen is immense. I thanked him in nominating me. He said some good things for this to happen. I don't know if they're all true. I'll never forget that."
Hart coached running backs at Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan and Syracuse before joining the Hoosiers. He's coached three 1,000-yard rushers, and with freshman Stevie Scott approaching 900 yards with two games remaining, including Saturday's trip to No. 4 Michigan (9-1), it could soon reach four.
"The running backs under Mike's leadership has been huge," Allen said.
Hart coaches from experience. He was an NFL running back for three seasons for the Indianapolis Colts, rushing for 264 yards in 21 career games.
Before that he was a standout running back at Michigan. He set the school rushing record with 5,040 yards. He scored 41 touchdowns. As a freshman he rushed for a Big Ten-leading 1,455 yards and nine TDs.
Hart's nomination doesn't surprise DeBord, who coached at Michigan while Hart was there from 2004-07.
"He always had a great passion for football," DeBord said. "He's loved the game. That's where it started.
"Then, as a player, he was always demanding. He demanded that the people around him play at his level. He demanded excellence from them all the time. He was a great leader.
"I didn't know that he wanted to go into coaching. I knew he wanted to pursue the NFL, which he did. Once he got into coaching, I knew he'd be a great success."
As for IU (5-5) facing Michigan, Hart said he knows where his loyalty lies.
"To me it's another game. I care about the place, but there's no question our job is to go there and win."
JUSTUS EMBRACES THE COOL
Logan Justus felt the love.
He had no choice.
Indiana's walk-on kicker, after nailing the winning 42-yard field goal to beat Maryland, got the game ball from Allen during the post-game locker room celebration. Excited teammates hoisted him into the air and carried him around.
"It was an unreal feeling," Justus said. "It was amazing knowing that the team was there and all the energy and excitement."
Two days later, the Big Ten honored him with his first Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week award.
"It's amazing just knowing that everything is getting recognized," Justus said. "It's really cool."
On Saturday Justus was 2-for-2 on field goals and made all four of his extra point attempts. He is 13-for-15 on field goals this season. He also became the first Hoosier to make a game-winning field goal since Griffin Oakes beat Michigan State in 2016.
"He continues to kick at a high level," Allen said. "I'm really excited for him."
Justus' accuracy isn't a fluke.
"That was always my strength, staying consistent. I know to keep working on that and always improving."
As far as his range, he said, "If I had to, I could probably go (60 yards).
Logan arrived at IU after playing football, hockey and soccer at Mt. Vernon High School near Indianapolis. He redshirted his first season in 2015, then didn't play at all the next two seasons.
He won the job in fall camp, and has been solid enough to be one of 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award, given annually to the nation's best kicker.
As for why he kicks, he said, "I thought it was cool. I loved the pressure."
And then …
"I'm happy with being a play-maker."
HIGH-LEVEL RUNNER
Stevie Scott continues to play at a freshman level rarely seen at IU since Anthony Thompson wore the Cream 'n Crimson.
His 894 rushing yards rank third in program history for a true freshman. His eight rushing touchdowns are an IU true freshman record. His four 100-yard games share second.
Not bad for a guy who only played three games as a high school senior in New York because of injuries, and who was initially recruited to play linebacker. But Hart saw something special in this 6-2, 233-pounder and pushed to get him as a running back.
Mission accomplished.
"I know when I didn't play football last year," Scott said, "I had to come in and make a mark. To be doing things like this, it's always a blessing."
Hart said he isn't surprised.
"He's a big guy. He's a young buck. If you watch him run, he doesn't get hit hard. He delivers a lot of blows. You feel it when you hit him. He's more the hammer and not the nail.
"The offensive line is doing a great job. As long as he gets a crease, he'll fall forward for a couple of yards. I'd like to get him more than 20 carries a game. He can handle that.
"He was a guy I planned on playing four games this year. The biggest thing he has to do is get better every day."
He couldn't have a better example than Thompson, a former Hoosier All-American and Heisman Trophy runner-up. He said he's spoken to Thompson a few times this season.
"He gave me a few tips to help improve my game. Things like keep my feet high, pick up my knees, things like that. Other than that, he says I run perfectly fine."
Big Ten battles are hard on any running back, especially a freshman. Scott said he's holding up well.
"The body feels good. The cold takes a toll. I definitely make sure I take care of it."
PROFILE IN COURAGE
Football manager Matt Stauder's battle with cancer has left a big impression. He's a nominee for the Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award.
Stauder has remained part of the team despite grueling cancer treatments. He said he's only missed five or six practices.
Treatment is working. Stauder said he's in remission, and has regained more than 20 pounds.
"It's the greatest feeling in the world. With all the support and prayers I got from the Bloomington community, the IU Football family, and friends and family, I can't thank them enough."
A recent full body scan showed Stauder he was winning the cancer battle.
"It was a special moment that I'll never forget. You can beat cancer. Keep staying strong."
Stauder added that he "feels great," feels like "a completely new man."
Stauder has left a big impression on Mike Hart.
"Matt and I have gotten close. I had a chance to visit when he was getting his treatments. He'd have it every other Monday, come to practice on Tuesday.
"We love the kid for who he is. He shows up every day and doesn't complain. He's been to every practice, every game. The kid is so humble. When he found out he was in remission, he didn't interrupt a football meeting to let us know he was cancer free. He's a phenomenal kid and person. When you think things are bad and you see Matt and what he's been through, he brings up your day.
"When you get to know the kid, you're not surprised."
Coaches and players would have understood if Stauder had stayed away from the team while undergoing treatment, but Stauder said he wasn't about to do that.
"I enjoy coming to work, doing the work. That keeps my mind off of battling cancer. I'm around guys and coaches every day. I can joke around with them. It keeps me distracted from going through something like this.
"The team in general has been amazing and uplifting. They're driving me to beat this. They've been great."
As far as the courage award nomination, Stauder said, "I'm blown away, especially to have my name in that caliber of people who have won it in the past. It's surreal to me. It's a privilege and an honor. I'm humbled to be nominated."
His teammates are honored to have him around.
"He's definitely close with us," Scott said. "He's a go-to guy whenever I need something fixed or help with anything. He's with us every day. I look at him like a big brother."
Players Mentioned
FB: Mikail Kamara Media Availability (9/16/25)
Tuesday, September 16
FB: Kellan Wyatt Media Availability (9/16/25)
Tuesday, September 16
FB: Curt Cignetti Media Availability (9/15/25)
Monday, September 15
FB: Omar Cooper - ISU Postgame Press Conference (09/12/25))
Friday, September 12