Quoted: Fall Camp Edition - Tom Allen (Aug. 2)
8/2/2022 3:54:00 PM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – As fall practice opened for the Indiana football program, head coach Tom Allen met with the media to give an update on the program entering the 2022 season on Tuesday (August 2) inside Memorial Stadium.
Below is the full transcript of the press conference, while video of the full media session can be found on the right sidebar at IUHoosiers.com.
Tom Allen | Head Coach
Opening Statement
Good afternoon everybody. Good first day and thought we had really good effort. Obviously, you go out there for the first time in a long time and for us it's been a while. I thought our guys worked extremely hard. It was a really good first [day] to fall camp. We had our meetings to get things rolling yesterday. I thought execution was good, but that always gets better through time. A lot of young guys out there and a lot of new faces, we were able to go four groups each [on offense and defense], which is really good for us. It is an opportunity to get a lot of guys lots of reps. Looking forward to getting in [the film room] and evaluating it.
On the difference in his role this season...
TA: Yeah, it's a little bit of a balance between the way it would've been the last few years and the way it was before that. We script everything in these [practice] situations, so that makes it easier. When it comes to scrimmages I'll be calling it, so that'll be a little different. Right now, because we script everything for this part of the practice progression, it's easier. It's a little bit more like spring, so I'm able to know what the call is.
What I do though, just so I can watch everything, is a guy stands next to me and tells me what the call is going to be, and I can get my eyes where I want to be.
I would say, in the last couple years, I would've been more focused on the defense during those reps. But at the same time, it wouldn't be like I was just a DC [defensive coordinator] and just focused completely on them. Offense makes a big play, offense does something positive, offense does something I need to address, I just need to know where I need to get my eyes for the call.
The thing I really love about the way we have it structured is that everything is so well-planned ahead of time, even the walk-throughs are all scripted out, to where I'm able to still have a head coach feel to it. Whereas in the past I was more zeroed in on just the defense when I was the head coach the first couple years and just calling it.
I feel like we got a better flow from that. I like the way we do our walk-throughs where we do two separate groups and it's all scripted out. I was just more involved in that before, so as far as telling guys this there on the field, and so now I think it allows me to be more of a head coach. So feels a little different, but at the same time, I really love it. I really enjoy this opportunity.
This is really where my heart is in regard to the actual game itself as to the defensive side of the football in regard to scheming.
I think it's good. We got a great staff. Chad [Wilt] does a great job. He runs all the meetings. That's really important. Allows me to be on both sides, be in the quarterback meetings, be in full team meetings at times. I think that's really key. He'll address the guys as well afterwards, so it's kind of a combination of both.
On if anyone has stood out as a leader over the summer that he might not have expected...
TA: There are several guys. For me, I feel like Aaron Casey is a guy that's been kind of quiet in the past, just verbally, but has really stepped up. I think his confidence is at an all-time high, and excited to see his work ethic, which has always been strong. I think that's a guy that I see being elevated; he's elevated himself by his preparation. He sticks out to me quite a bit I think.
James Head Jr. is another one that sticks out to me. A guy that has been here, yes, but hasn't really been a verbal guy. But, with that defensive line and his experience, I am just excited about him.
I think DJ [Matthews Jr.], he's a guy that got here early and got injured early last year. It was great having him back. Just his confidence level, and his desire to be a verbal leader, especially within his group and for the offense.
Jack [Tuttle] is really challenging himself to do that. Connor [Bazelak], same thing; just trying to build and maximize those opportunities. I know Shaun Shivers hasn't been here before, in terms of the season, but through his preparation, his work ethic, I think he's really [been a good leader].
Those are some guys in the past that haven't been our team leaders, but I just think with their work, we had a really good summer and the guys worked extremely hard.
I could probably name some more guys, but I just think there is just a sense of urgency with this group that you have to have. You know, I think that obviously the season is a part of that. Guys got a lot of pride in what they're part of and want to create change.
On accountability between players and coaches to set the standard for work this season...
TA: Yeah, I just think it has been to be [a collective effort]. If you can go through and count the new faces. There is quite a few. Some of these guys were not here in the springtime, so this is their first time practicing with us today.
You know, you could do some things over the summer that gave us a little more freedom this year than ever before, but still not the same as a practice.
And so, a big emphasis obviously starts with the coaches. We talk about you never walk by anything that you don't address. You never let any little thing slide. I don't want that to just be the coaches. [No one should] just walk by a mistake.
To me, that's what we challenged our guys with last night in the team meeting, and we want the players to do that, coaches to do that. To me, I think it's just the higher sense of urgency on those things; even how we warm-up, everything meeting, everything we do we're trying to heighten the sense urgency in every little minute detail in everything that we [do]. Everybody can have their opinions about what it means by little things, because those little things are everything that you do.
So, I tell guys we're really trying as coaches, and players to respond to that. I would say it's a higher sense of urgency in that area. We're not going to leave no stone unturned. You always want to be that way, but to me you just intensify, and you get what you emphasize and that's what we're going to focus on.
On the offense and what type of rotation he sees using on that side of the ball...
TA: Yeah, I just think you got to play a lot of guys. For me, tempo has always been a part of us here, you just use it at different times and different things with all that.
I would just say that the key is, I believe, you got to get a lot of guys involved. That's going to be just a philosophy of playing lots of players on both sides of the football for multiple reasons. So, you can be able to keep guys fresher for end of the game, keep guys fresh for the end of the season. I also think there is just an ability to alter how you do things as an offense in regard to all those things.
So, to me it's about us as an offense figuring out what we can do really well and maximizing that and allowing our strengths maximize [what we can do] and then minimize the things that can hurt us.
On an early look at the 2023 recruiting class...
TA: I will say this: It's not going to be a big class. I think right where we are is kind of where we thought we would be. We've got several positions where we're taking one, and you want to be really, really selective with that process.
Yeah, it's not going to be a big class. Because of that, the charge has been let's be very deliberate, let's be very slow with this, and let's make sure we get the ones that we want for sure.
Like I said, you're taking three or four it's one thing. You're taking one, that becomes really critical. I know the way it's evaluated and the way it's graded is based on numbers. Numbers rewards that group, so it's not going to be -- just being very blunt with you, it's probably not going to be what it's been this last year numerically because of that variable right there.
But that's okay. We got a lot of positions where we got a lot of guys coming back. I think that the ones where you have the higher numbers, you can just do the math with the guys that will be graduating and those areas that have to be replaced.
It is going to be a small class. I'm thinking 12 to 15 at the most. That's definitely small.
On if there a tone that needed to be set today for the rest of the season...
TA: Yes, absolutely. That's why my voice was pretty affected within about 15 minutes being out there. The urgency, the attention to detail, how we walk-through ... Player practices over the summer are good, but they're also -- we're not there, you know.
I promise you, it's not the same. Especially in regard to urgency between the reps, transition from one thing to the next, and how you walk-through. To me, I just want to set that tone for everything we do. The tempo, the hustle, the execution, the attention to detail. Yes, it's heightened for sure.
It's going to be the same way tomorrow until we get it just totally ingrained in them. We got a lot of guys back, yes, but we got enough new guys. It's amazing, especially ones coming from high school. I mean, it's really different, especially if they just got here in June, then anything they ever been a part of before.
It's a little bit after culture shock today. I can see it in some of their eyes, but that's okay. That's part of it and they'll figure it out.
Part of that is also the players leading those guys, pulling them aside in between practices and talking to them, 'hey, this is how we do this,' or 'hey, this is what you got to make sure you do.'
So yeah, I thought the meetings yesterday set that tone and the meetings this morning, and that will continue. Yes, absolutely.
On if any of the newcomers are further along than other...
TA: I would say I thought Kamryn Perry really didn't look as new as he might have, as some of the another guys did. And I am talking about the guys that got here this summer that have never been a part of a practice with us other than player practice over the summer, and the OTAs, which were coaches involved in some parts but not completely.
I think he jumped out to me. He made some plays today, made some catches today. Has really good burst to him and really has great acceleration.
I would say defensively -- I'm trying to think of a guy. I thought some guys on defense looked like deer in the headlights. Going to be good players, but definitely not used to this, which is okay. I would say probably -- I'm not going to mention anybody on defense. I don't think anybody of them really were just like [wow] today.
Because I get it. Not sitting here criticizing them. I think that those things take time. That's okay. As long as they respond, which I believe they will, then they'll figure it out.
On if there are any similarities between Trevell and Tiawan Mullen...
TA: I would say he's taller. He's got the twitchiness that Tiawan has. I just think he has a little slighter build, so that to me is -- even though Tiawan wasn't big when he got here by any means, but he was a little thicker, a little broader shouldered.
I think you have a little bit of -- quite a bit of swagger to him that it's really hard to teach and coach. It's funny because that kind of came up when we had the players over to the house and they were playing basketball against each other. That's when I first noticed it. Even though he can't shoot. I'm not saying he's a good basketball player, I'm just talking about the competitiveness, the fire inside, just to be able to just play defense and fight ... But you can see they got something to them when we do stuff like that. He definitely got that little Mullen mindset to him, which is pretty cool.
On if there are any freshmen that he feels like he needs to keep an eye on...
TA: Yeah, I do think there are several players. A lot of the guys, it's amazing how much of a difference that spring makes for a young man.
I get it. It's the second time doing something. But Venson Sneed and Nick James, those two guys to me as true freshmen, defensive linemen, that they don't look like freshmen the way they move and the way they do things. Yeah, they still got to figure stuff out. I think Dasan [McCullough] is another one that has a chance to be able to continue to grow with that.
That is really exciting to me. I know I didn't mention Jordan Grier. I know he's not a freshman, but just kind of he comes to mind. He's really flash to me from a year ago to now. I think guys like that who have been here.
There is really -- Jamari Sharpe is another one. He definitely has a little bit of [what you are asking about]. He's new, but physically he doesn't look like a freshman.
I think guys like that that have length and athleticism, it's important. Then Jaylin Lucas. He's another one. His confidence continues to grow through the summer and even today. Just really excited about what he brings and what he's going to be able to bring.
Carter Smith is another one. Those guys have been here. They're true freshman guys. Bray Lynch, I didn't mention Bray, but he's going to be a really good football player. He did just get here this summer but came from a program that played at such a high-level high school wise that I don't think any of this stuff a fazing him in regards to the environment and the way we do things.
He's probably been prepared the closest collegiately than any of the other guys out of high school with where he's coming from.
I think it's a really good group of guys. Got all different positions, both sides of football, and I'm excited to see them grow and develop.
It's going to be important. These next several weeks are big for them. That's why we went fours today. We want ones, twos, threes and fours today in our rotation. I think it's very important to get those guys reps, even though they'll make a lot mistakes, that's how you develop them. Give us a great chance to evaluate them and a chance to see who's going to be ready to play and contribute as a freshman and who's not, and who will be used in those four games and who may just have the redshirt pulled based on their ability to compete and play.
As we said last night, freshman or not, I don't care what grade you're in, it's your responsibility to prove to your coach you deserve to play. That's in practice, in meetings, in walk-through, and everything we do. I want those freshmen to figure that out and respond.
I'm sure I forgot some guys, but we got a lot of guys here that need to step up and contribute and help this team be special in 2022.
On the punter competition...
TA: Yeah, we shared that with Alejandro [Quintero] when he got here, [he is here] to push [James Evans]. Obviously the best punter is going to punt, so if he beats him out, he beats him out. Everything is up for competition. Nobody's job is secured. I don't care who you are.
James knows that. I think James has worked really hard, and I think we all need to have somebody behind us pushing us. I think that's healthy, I think that's human nature, and I think it will make him better.
We intentionally went out and found somebody that we thought had leg talent and somebody that could be a kicker and a punter because of the numbers that you have when you travel and everything.
Alex fit the bill on that. Excited to have him here. He's got a strong leg and a chance to help us as well. Excited to have him here. Thought those guys had a good first day.
Have a great day. LEO.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
123376-1-1041 2022-08-02 17:08:00 GMT
Below is the full transcript of the press conference, while video of the full media session can be found on the right sidebar at IUHoosiers.com.
Tom Allen | Head Coach
Opening Statement
Good afternoon everybody. Good first day and thought we had really good effort. Obviously, you go out there for the first time in a long time and for us it's been a while. I thought our guys worked extremely hard. It was a really good first [day] to fall camp. We had our meetings to get things rolling yesterday. I thought execution was good, but that always gets better through time. A lot of young guys out there and a lot of new faces, we were able to go four groups each [on offense and defense], which is really good for us. It is an opportunity to get a lot of guys lots of reps. Looking forward to getting in [the film room] and evaluating it.
On the difference in his role this season...
TA: Yeah, it's a little bit of a balance between the way it would've been the last few years and the way it was before that. We script everything in these [practice] situations, so that makes it easier. When it comes to scrimmages I'll be calling it, so that'll be a little different. Right now, because we script everything for this part of the practice progression, it's easier. It's a little bit more like spring, so I'm able to know what the call is.
What I do though, just so I can watch everything, is a guy stands next to me and tells me what the call is going to be, and I can get my eyes where I want to be.
I would say, in the last couple years, I would've been more focused on the defense during those reps. But at the same time, it wouldn't be like I was just a DC [defensive coordinator] and just focused completely on them. Offense makes a big play, offense does something positive, offense does something I need to address, I just need to know where I need to get my eyes for the call.
The thing I really love about the way we have it structured is that everything is so well-planned ahead of time, even the walk-throughs are all scripted out, to where I'm able to still have a head coach feel to it. Whereas in the past I was more zeroed in on just the defense when I was the head coach the first couple years and just calling it.
I feel like we got a better flow from that. I like the way we do our walk-throughs where we do two separate groups and it's all scripted out. I was just more involved in that before, so as far as telling guys this there on the field, and so now I think it allows me to be more of a head coach. So feels a little different, but at the same time, I really love it. I really enjoy this opportunity.
This is really where my heart is in regard to the actual game itself as to the defensive side of the football in regard to scheming.
I think it's good. We got a great staff. Chad [Wilt] does a great job. He runs all the meetings. That's really important. Allows me to be on both sides, be in the quarterback meetings, be in full team meetings at times. I think that's really key. He'll address the guys as well afterwards, so it's kind of a combination of both.
On if anyone has stood out as a leader over the summer that he might not have expected...
TA: There are several guys. For me, I feel like Aaron Casey is a guy that's been kind of quiet in the past, just verbally, but has really stepped up. I think his confidence is at an all-time high, and excited to see his work ethic, which has always been strong. I think that's a guy that I see being elevated; he's elevated himself by his preparation. He sticks out to me quite a bit I think.
James Head Jr. is another one that sticks out to me. A guy that has been here, yes, but hasn't really been a verbal guy. But, with that defensive line and his experience, I am just excited about him.
I think DJ [Matthews Jr.], he's a guy that got here early and got injured early last year. It was great having him back. Just his confidence level, and his desire to be a verbal leader, especially within his group and for the offense.
Jack [Tuttle] is really challenging himself to do that. Connor [Bazelak], same thing; just trying to build and maximize those opportunities. I know Shaun Shivers hasn't been here before, in terms of the season, but through his preparation, his work ethic, I think he's really [been a good leader].
Those are some guys in the past that haven't been our team leaders, but I just think with their work, we had a really good summer and the guys worked extremely hard.
I could probably name some more guys, but I just think there is just a sense of urgency with this group that you have to have. You know, I think that obviously the season is a part of that. Guys got a lot of pride in what they're part of and want to create change.
On accountability between players and coaches to set the standard for work this season...
TA: Yeah, I just think it has been to be [a collective effort]. If you can go through and count the new faces. There is quite a few. Some of these guys were not here in the springtime, so this is their first time practicing with us today.
You know, you could do some things over the summer that gave us a little more freedom this year than ever before, but still not the same as a practice.
And so, a big emphasis obviously starts with the coaches. We talk about you never walk by anything that you don't address. You never let any little thing slide. I don't want that to just be the coaches. [No one should] just walk by a mistake.
To me, that's what we challenged our guys with last night in the team meeting, and we want the players to do that, coaches to do that. To me, I think it's just the higher sense of urgency on those things; even how we warm-up, everything meeting, everything we do we're trying to heighten the sense urgency in every little minute detail in everything that we [do]. Everybody can have their opinions about what it means by little things, because those little things are everything that you do.
So, I tell guys we're really trying as coaches, and players to respond to that. I would say it's a higher sense of urgency in that area. We're not going to leave no stone unturned. You always want to be that way, but to me you just intensify, and you get what you emphasize and that's what we're going to focus on.
On the offense and what type of rotation he sees using on that side of the ball...
TA: Yeah, I just think you got to play a lot of guys. For me, tempo has always been a part of us here, you just use it at different times and different things with all that.
I would just say that the key is, I believe, you got to get a lot of guys involved. That's going to be just a philosophy of playing lots of players on both sides of the football for multiple reasons. So, you can be able to keep guys fresher for end of the game, keep guys fresh for the end of the season. I also think there is just an ability to alter how you do things as an offense in regard to all those things.
So, to me it's about us as an offense figuring out what we can do really well and maximizing that and allowing our strengths maximize [what we can do] and then minimize the things that can hurt us.
On an early look at the 2023 recruiting class...
TA: I will say this: It's not going to be a big class. I think right where we are is kind of where we thought we would be. We've got several positions where we're taking one, and you want to be really, really selective with that process.
Yeah, it's not going to be a big class. Because of that, the charge has been let's be very deliberate, let's be very slow with this, and let's make sure we get the ones that we want for sure.
Like I said, you're taking three or four it's one thing. You're taking one, that becomes really critical. I know the way it's evaluated and the way it's graded is based on numbers. Numbers rewards that group, so it's not going to be -- just being very blunt with you, it's probably not going to be what it's been this last year numerically because of that variable right there.
But that's okay. We got a lot of positions where we got a lot of guys coming back. I think that the ones where you have the higher numbers, you can just do the math with the guys that will be graduating and those areas that have to be replaced.
It is going to be a small class. I'm thinking 12 to 15 at the most. That's definitely small.
On if there a tone that needed to be set today for the rest of the season...
TA: Yes, absolutely. That's why my voice was pretty affected within about 15 minutes being out there. The urgency, the attention to detail, how we walk-through ... Player practices over the summer are good, but they're also -- we're not there, you know.
I promise you, it's not the same. Especially in regard to urgency between the reps, transition from one thing to the next, and how you walk-through. To me, I just want to set that tone for everything we do. The tempo, the hustle, the execution, the attention to detail. Yes, it's heightened for sure.
It's going to be the same way tomorrow until we get it just totally ingrained in them. We got a lot of guys back, yes, but we got enough new guys. It's amazing, especially ones coming from high school. I mean, it's really different, especially if they just got here in June, then anything they ever been a part of before.
It's a little bit after culture shock today. I can see it in some of their eyes, but that's okay. That's part of it and they'll figure it out.
Part of that is also the players leading those guys, pulling them aside in between practices and talking to them, 'hey, this is how we do this,' or 'hey, this is what you got to make sure you do.'
So yeah, I thought the meetings yesterday set that tone and the meetings this morning, and that will continue. Yes, absolutely.
On if any of the newcomers are further along than other...
TA: I would say I thought Kamryn Perry really didn't look as new as he might have, as some of the another guys did. And I am talking about the guys that got here this summer that have never been a part of a practice with us other than player practice over the summer, and the OTAs, which were coaches involved in some parts but not completely.
I think he jumped out to me. He made some plays today, made some catches today. Has really good burst to him and really has great acceleration.
I would say defensively -- I'm trying to think of a guy. I thought some guys on defense looked like deer in the headlights. Going to be good players, but definitely not used to this, which is okay. I would say probably -- I'm not going to mention anybody on defense. I don't think anybody of them really were just like [wow] today.
Because I get it. Not sitting here criticizing them. I think that those things take time. That's okay. As long as they respond, which I believe they will, then they'll figure it out.
On if there are any similarities between Trevell and Tiawan Mullen...
TA: I would say he's taller. He's got the twitchiness that Tiawan has. I just think he has a little slighter build, so that to me is -- even though Tiawan wasn't big when he got here by any means, but he was a little thicker, a little broader shouldered.
I think you have a little bit of -- quite a bit of swagger to him that it's really hard to teach and coach. It's funny because that kind of came up when we had the players over to the house and they were playing basketball against each other. That's when I first noticed it. Even though he can't shoot. I'm not saying he's a good basketball player, I'm just talking about the competitiveness, the fire inside, just to be able to just play defense and fight ... But you can see they got something to them when we do stuff like that. He definitely got that little Mullen mindset to him, which is pretty cool.
On if there are any freshmen that he feels like he needs to keep an eye on...
TA: Yeah, I do think there are several players. A lot of the guys, it's amazing how much of a difference that spring makes for a young man.
I get it. It's the second time doing something. But Venson Sneed and Nick James, those two guys to me as true freshmen, defensive linemen, that they don't look like freshmen the way they move and the way they do things. Yeah, they still got to figure stuff out. I think Dasan [McCullough] is another one that has a chance to be able to continue to grow with that.
That is really exciting to me. I know I didn't mention Jordan Grier. I know he's not a freshman, but just kind of he comes to mind. He's really flash to me from a year ago to now. I think guys like that who have been here.
There is really -- Jamari Sharpe is another one. He definitely has a little bit of [what you are asking about]. He's new, but physically he doesn't look like a freshman.
I think guys like that that have length and athleticism, it's important. Then Jaylin Lucas. He's another one. His confidence continues to grow through the summer and even today. Just really excited about what he brings and what he's going to be able to bring.
Carter Smith is another one. Those guys have been here. They're true freshman guys. Bray Lynch, I didn't mention Bray, but he's going to be a really good football player. He did just get here this summer but came from a program that played at such a high-level high school wise that I don't think any of this stuff a fazing him in regards to the environment and the way we do things.
He's probably been prepared the closest collegiately than any of the other guys out of high school with where he's coming from.
I think it's a really good group of guys. Got all different positions, both sides of football, and I'm excited to see them grow and develop.
It's going to be important. These next several weeks are big for them. That's why we went fours today. We want ones, twos, threes and fours today in our rotation. I think it's very important to get those guys reps, even though they'll make a lot mistakes, that's how you develop them. Give us a great chance to evaluate them and a chance to see who's going to be ready to play and contribute as a freshman and who's not, and who will be used in those four games and who may just have the redshirt pulled based on their ability to compete and play.
As we said last night, freshman or not, I don't care what grade you're in, it's your responsibility to prove to your coach you deserve to play. That's in practice, in meetings, in walk-through, and everything we do. I want those freshmen to figure that out and respond.
I'm sure I forgot some guys, but we got a lot of guys here that need to step up and contribute and help this team be special in 2022.
On the punter competition...
TA: Yeah, we shared that with Alejandro [Quintero] when he got here, [he is here] to push [James Evans]. Obviously the best punter is going to punt, so if he beats him out, he beats him out. Everything is up for competition. Nobody's job is secured. I don't care who you are.
James knows that. I think James has worked really hard, and I think we all need to have somebody behind us pushing us. I think that's healthy, I think that's human nature, and I think it will make him better.
We intentionally went out and found somebody that we thought had leg talent and somebody that could be a kicker and a punter because of the numbers that you have when you travel and everything.
Alex fit the bill on that. Excited to have him here. He's got a strong leg and a chance to help us as well. Excited to have him here. Thought those guys had a good first day.
Have a great day. LEO.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
123376-1-1041 2022-08-02 17:08:00 GMT
Players Mentioned
LB
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P
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DB
/ Football
DL
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DL
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RB
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OL
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DB
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WR
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DB
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RB
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OL
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DL
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