Scott III, Penix Jr., Crider and IU’s ‘Sky-Is-The-Limit’ Football Optimism
10/22/2020 8:46:00 AM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Stevie Scott III should be a 2,000-yard Hoosier rushing man.
He should be part of a 14-man Indiana group that includes Tevin Coleman (3,219 yards), Antwaan Randle El (3,895) and, of course, program-record-holder Anthony Thompson (5,299).
An injury cost Scott the final two games of last season, and a second-straight 1,000-yard season. His final total -- 845 yards.
"Missing those last two games was a bummer for me," he says via Zoom press conference opportunity, "but I am definitely blessed and happy to be able to get back on the field and get our season started."
Scott will get to 2,000, and a lot more. He only needs 14 yards, which almost certainly will come during Saturday's much-anticipated season opener against No. 8 Penn State.
Given the season almost was canceled, excitement is palpable.
"It feels amazing to get back out on the field with my teammates," Scott says. "I am just trying to help everyone get better so we can keep improving as a team."
First-year offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan, who previously coached quarterbacks and tight ends, figures to take full advantage of Scott's combination of power (he's 6-1 and 231 pounds), speed and tenacity.
But their relationship, Scott says, goes well beyond how much he's used on the field.
"I definitely love Coach Sheridan. He comes every day with energy. He looks up to (senior receiver) Whop Philyor and me to keep the offense flowing. He knows that we are the two vocal guys on the offense.
"Coach Sheridan and I have been building a bond together ever since he became the offensive coordinator. It has been getting stronger and stronger every practice. Every day we build up."
Sheridan will implement head coach Tom Allen's diverse-offense instructions. The goal is to have an offense that will punish defenses through the run, the pass and overall creativity.
"I am loving it," Scott says, "and I cannot wait for him to showcase his ability (as) an offensive coordinator. He is going to show the world that he is a great coach and he is coaching some great players. I am definitely excited for Coach Sheridan and what we have coming this week."
Excitement is everywhere around a veteran offense seeking to improve on last season's 31.8-point average.
"The sky is the limit," senior center Harry Crider says. "Each position group on offense is loaded with big names and guys that can produce at the highest level.
"Coach Sheridan challenged us to be the best offense in the Big Ten and I think that is a reachable goal. We set high goals, but they are attainable."
It helps to have a bigger and stronger Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback.
"With a leader like Penix back there," Crider says, "as long as we do our job up front as an offensive line, the sky is the limit."
Leadership is a top priority for Penix, as it is for any quarterback. Offenses usually go as far as the quarterback takes them.
"I look at (leadership) like a test," Penix says. "I feel like the communication on the field, telling the guys what to do and the simple things come naturally. That comes from knowing the plays.
"With us being away from each other (during the pandemic break), communicating and making sure that people are still doing what they need to do, whenever you do not have to, I showed myself that I can be a leader in that aspect. I always talked to the guys and always tried to get them to come out to you. Being away from each other was hard, but we made sure we found ways to get together and connect.
"That part of the leadership aspect really stood out. That was not just me, but a lot of guys on the team. A lot of guys show a lot of leadership."
The offensive line, targeted by Allen as a top development priority and implemented by offensive line coach Darren Hiller, is building toward the necessary production.
"It is never perfect," Crider says, "but it is close. We are feeling really confident about it.
"No matter who is in there, as a whole, this offensive line gels together really well. No matter where people are on the depth chart, everyone is hungry and wants to keep getting better."
Crider helps ensure the linemen do their part, which reflects his status as a team captain.
"I have worked on (being more vocal)," he says. "Coach Hiller has really challenged me with that. I am happy with how I have progressed through it.
"Obviously, there is still room for improvement. Being named a team captain was a huge honor, probably the highest honor I have received in my life. I think that speaks to how I have grown as a leader, vocally. You have to in that role. It motivates me even more to keep improving in that area."
He should be part of a 14-man Indiana group that includes Tevin Coleman (3,219 yards), Antwaan Randle El (3,895) and, of course, program-record-holder Anthony Thompson (5,299).
An injury cost Scott the final two games of last season, and a second-straight 1,000-yard season. His final total -- 845 yards.
"Missing those last two games was a bummer for me," he says via Zoom press conference opportunity, "but I am definitely blessed and happy to be able to get back on the field and get our season started."
Scott will get to 2,000, and a lot more. He only needs 14 yards, which almost certainly will come during Saturday's much-anticipated season opener against No. 8 Penn State.
Given the season almost was canceled, excitement is palpable.
"It feels amazing to get back out on the field with my teammates," Scott says. "I am just trying to help everyone get better so we can keep improving as a team."
First-year offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan, who previously coached quarterbacks and tight ends, figures to take full advantage of Scott's combination of power (he's 6-1 and 231 pounds), speed and tenacity.
But their relationship, Scott says, goes well beyond how much he's used on the field.
"I definitely love Coach Sheridan. He comes every day with energy. He looks up to (senior receiver) Whop Philyor and me to keep the offense flowing. He knows that we are the two vocal guys on the offense.
"Coach Sheridan and I have been building a bond together ever since he became the offensive coordinator. It has been getting stronger and stronger every practice. Every day we build up."
Sheridan will implement head coach Tom Allen's diverse-offense instructions. The goal is to have an offense that will punish defenses through the run, the pass and overall creativity.
"I am loving it," Scott says, "and I cannot wait for him to showcase his ability (as) an offensive coordinator. He is going to show the world that he is a great coach and he is coaching some great players. I am definitely excited for Coach Sheridan and what we have coming this week."
Excitement is everywhere around a veteran offense seeking to improve on last season's 31.8-point average.
"The sky is the limit," senior center Harry Crider says. "Each position group on offense is loaded with big names and guys that can produce at the highest level.
"Coach Sheridan challenged us to be the best offense in the Big Ten and I think that is a reachable goal. We set high goals, but they are attainable."
It helps to have a bigger and stronger Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback.
"With a leader like Penix back there," Crider says, "as long as we do our job up front as an offensive line, the sky is the limit."
Leadership is a top priority for Penix, as it is for any quarterback. Offenses usually go as far as the quarterback takes them.
"I look at (leadership) like a test," Penix says. "I feel like the communication on the field, telling the guys what to do and the simple things come naturally. That comes from knowing the plays.
"With us being away from each other (during the pandemic break), communicating and making sure that people are still doing what they need to do, whenever you do not have to, I showed myself that I can be a leader in that aspect. I always talked to the guys and always tried to get them to come out to you. Being away from each other was hard, but we made sure we found ways to get together and connect.
"That part of the leadership aspect really stood out. That was not just me, but a lot of guys on the team. A lot of guys show a lot of leadership."
The offensive line, targeted by Allen as a top development priority and implemented by offensive line coach Darren Hiller, is building toward the necessary production.
"It is never perfect," Crider says, "but it is close. We are feeling really confident about it.
"No matter who is in there, as a whole, this offensive line gels together really well. No matter where people are on the depth chart, everyone is hungry and wants to keep getting better."
Crider helps ensure the linemen do their part, which reflects his status as a team captain.
"I have worked on (being more vocal)," he says. "Coach Hiller has really challenged me with that. I am happy with how I have progressed through it.
"Obviously, there is still room for improvement. Being named a team captain was a huge honor, probably the highest honor I have received in my life. I think that speaks to how I have grown as a leader, vocally. You have to in that role. It motivates me even more to keep improving in that area."
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