Indiana University Athletics
DIPRIMIO NOTEBOOK: Preseason Practice
9/29/2020 8:47:00 AM | Football
By Pete DiPrimio
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – It was all there for Marcelino Ball, a chance for a huge fifth season as Indiana's difference-making husky, a hybrid linebacker/safety who could rock a running back, shut down a receiver or punish a quarterback.
And then it was gone.
A torn ACL has ended Ball's season before it began.
Head coach Tom Allen confirmed the news in a Monday Zoom conference that also showcased the Hoosiers' hard-earned depth.
"I hate that for him," Allen said of Ball. "He has been such a great player for us and has really matured so much as a young man.
"He will handle it the right way, but he will not be able to play this season. We wish him nothing but the very best as he will be having his surgery in the near future and begin the process of recovery for his future."
While the 6-foot, 220-pound Ball, who graduated last May, is out along with his 201 career tackles (15.5 for loss), 16 pass deflections and three interceptions, Bryant Fitzgerald is in for a next-man-up opportunity.
The 6-foot, 209-pound redshirt junior had 27 tackles and three pass breakups last season after grabbing a team-leading three interceptions in his first year.
"He will be the starter," Allen said.
Beyond that, IU has D.K. Bonhomme, Jamar Johnson and Noah Pierre to handle the position. Johnson was Ball's backup last season.
"Jamar is an extremely talented player," Allen said. "Noah Pierre has the skill set to play there. We have the depth to rotate a couple of different guys."
*****
Building depth on the offensive and defensive lines are top priorities.
The offensive line is anchored by veterans Harry Crider (6-4, 311 pounds), Caleb Jones (6-8, 362) and Matthew Bedford (6-6, 314). The goal is to have 10 quality linemen.
"The entire offensive line is definitely an area that I would say is a concern," Allen said, "but I feel better than I did a month ago because we have had so many reps. I do like the way it has been progressing."
Junior college transfer Luke Haggard has made a big impression at offensive tackle beyond the fact he is 6-7 and 275 pounds. He was an all-conference player at Santa Rosa Junior College in California, and was athletic enough in high school to play rugby and lacrosse as well as football.
Allen said, "I am really encouraged by his development."
Then there's another California junior college transfer in 6-6, 300-pound Chris Bradberry, who played on a 13-0 team last season that won the California Community College Athletic Association state title.
"Those guys have given us a lot more depth at the tackle position than we have had since I've been here. I'm encouraged by that."
Encouragement also comes from Stanford transfer Dylan Powell (6-3, 311 pounds) and Pennsylvania redshirt freshman Mike Katic (6-4, 311).
"Dylan is a great addition," Allen said. "Mike Katic is another guy who is stepping up."
The defensive line is led by Michael Ziemba, James Head Jr., Demarcus Elliott and Jerome Johnson.
"The mass of those guys that we use to continue to keep those guys healthy and fresh will be a priority," Allen said. "We have seen growth there, as well.
"Those two positions are the ones we went into fall camp with the most concern about, but I feel a little better about both. I do not think I ever feel great at this point because there are so many things we just do not know. We want to keep everyone as healthy as we possibly can going into the season."
*****
IU's formidable season opener against No. 10 Penn State has Allen thinking back to his college head coaching debut in 2017, when the Hoosiers hosted Ohio State.
They briefly held a third-quarter lead before the Buckeyes pulled away for the victory.
But these Hoosiers are better positioned from the talent and experience of their starters to the quality of their depth.
The urgency, Allen said, has already started.
"I already sense it from our guys. We still have to go through the entire process of getting ourselves prepared and ready. Everyone in the conference is dealing with the same situation, that it is going to be a Big Ten game.
"For us, it happens to be one of the Top-10 teams in the country. We have to realize what we are up against and how well we have to play to defeat a team of that caliber. I do think that is a positive."
*****
Teaching points are everywhere you look on college football Saturdays, and you'd better believe IU coaches are taking advantage.
They might be weeks away from playing, but not from learning what teams from the SEC, ACC and Big 12 are doing during their games.
"Special teams get plenty of attention, as does clock management and more. Coaches encourage players to watch as much football as they can," Allen said.
"We have to capitalize and learn from watching the game being played because we are going to be in that position really soon. We are going to have tackle, block and execute extremely well."
Tackling will be a major point of emphasis on Wednesday, the first day the Big Ten will allow teams to practice in pads.
"We will make sure we are working on tackling as much as we possibly can without getting too many guys dinged up," Allen said.
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – It was all there for Marcelino Ball, a chance for a huge fifth season as Indiana's difference-making husky, a hybrid linebacker/safety who could rock a running back, shut down a receiver or punish a quarterback.
And then it was gone.
A torn ACL has ended Ball's season before it began.
Head coach Tom Allen confirmed the news in a Monday Zoom conference that also showcased the Hoosiers' hard-earned depth.
"I hate that for him," Allen said of Ball. "He has been such a great player for us and has really matured so much as a young man.
"He will handle it the right way, but he will not be able to play this season. We wish him nothing but the very best as he will be having his surgery in the near future and begin the process of recovery for his future."
While the 6-foot, 220-pound Ball, who graduated last May, is out along with his 201 career tackles (15.5 for loss), 16 pass deflections and three interceptions, Bryant Fitzgerald is in for a next-man-up opportunity.
The 6-foot, 209-pound redshirt junior had 27 tackles and three pass breakups last season after grabbing a team-leading three interceptions in his first year.
"He will be the starter," Allen said.
Beyond that, IU has D.K. Bonhomme, Jamar Johnson and Noah Pierre to handle the position. Johnson was Ball's backup last season.
"Jamar is an extremely talented player," Allen said. "Noah Pierre has the skill set to play there. We have the depth to rotate a couple of different guys."
*****
Building depth on the offensive and defensive lines are top priorities.
The offensive line is anchored by veterans Harry Crider (6-4, 311 pounds), Caleb Jones (6-8, 362) and Matthew Bedford (6-6, 314). The goal is to have 10 quality linemen.
"The entire offensive line is definitely an area that I would say is a concern," Allen said, "but I feel better than I did a month ago because we have had so many reps. I do like the way it has been progressing."
Junior college transfer Luke Haggard has made a big impression at offensive tackle beyond the fact he is 6-7 and 275 pounds. He was an all-conference player at Santa Rosa Junior College in California, and was athletic enough in high school to play rugby and lacrosse as well as football.
Allen said, "I am really encouraged by his development."
Then there's another California junior college transfer in 6-6, 300-pound Chris Bradberry, who played on a 13-0 team last season that won the California Community College Athletic Association state title.
"Those guys have given us a lot more depth at the tackle position than we have had since I've been here. I'm encouraged by that."
Encouragement also comes from Stanford transfer Dylan Powell (6-3, 311 pounds) and Pennsylvania redshirt freshman Mike Katic (6-4, 311).
"Dylan is a great addition," Allen said. "Mike Katic is another guy who is stepping up."
The defensive line is led by Michael Ziemba, James Head Jr., Demarcus Elliott and Jerome Johnson.
"The mass of those guys that we use to continue to keep those guys healthy and fresh will be a priority," Allen said. "We have seen growth there, as well.
"Those two positions are the ones we went into fall camp with the most concern about, but I feel a little better about both. I do not think I ever feel great at this point because there are so many things we just do not know. We want to keep everyone as healthy as we possibly can going into the season."
*****
IU's formidable season opener against No. 10 Penn State has Allen thinking back to his college head coaching debut in 2017, when the Hoosiers hosted Ohio State.
They briefly held a third-quarter lead before the Buckeyes pulled away for the victory.
But these Hoosiers are better positioned from the talent and experience of their starters to the quality of their depth.
The urgency, Allen said, has already started.
"I already sense it from our guys. We still have to go through the entire process of getting ourselves prepared and ready. Everyone in the conference is dealing with the same situation, that it is going to be a Big Ten game.
"For us, it happens to be one of the Top-10 teams in the country. We have to realize what we are up against and how well we have to play to defeat a team of that caliber. I do think that is a positive."
*****
Teaching points are everywhere you look on college football Saturdays, and you'd better believe IU coaches are taking advantage.
They might be weeks away from playing, but not from learning what teams from the SEC, ACC and Big 12 are doing during their games.
"Special teams get plenty of attention, as does clock management and more. Coaches encourage players to watch as much football as they can," Allen said.
"We have to capitalize and learn from watching the game being played because we are going to be in that position really soon. We are going to have tackle, block and execute extremely well."
Tackling will be a major point of emphasis on Wednesday, the first day the Big Ten will allow teams to practice in pads.
"We will make sure we are working on tackling as much as we possibly can without getting too many guys dinged up," Allen said.
Players Mentioned
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