Indiana University Athletics
Spring Sessions: Jaylin Lucas
1/14/2023 1:15:00 PM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – After a breakout freshman season that included multiple All-America honors, running back/return specialist Jaylin Lucas spoke with the media on Saturday (January 14) inside Assembly Hall.
Below is a partial transcript of the press conference, while video of the full media session can be in the links above this story or at IUHoosiers.com/watch.
Jaylin Lucas | Running Back | Fr.
On earning All-America honors as a true freshman…
JL: It means a lot. I always dreamed of playing in front of a crowd like [we have at Memorial Stadium]. I can say, I am starting to realize my work is starting to pay off. But it's just going to continue.
On expectations and goals heading into the offseason...
JL: My goal heading into this off season is just being consistent. This morning, I woke up and went to put extra work in. Just putting work in with my brothers every day and making sure we don't have another losing season like last year. Mainly being consistent is the big thing.
On how he feels he can handle being more of a featured back in 2023...
JL: To feed off of being consistent, I'm going to maintain and stay focused mainly. You just block out all the noise and just keep moving forward.
On why it was important for you to come back to Indiana...
JL: Here at Indiana man, it's just all love. I'm not really [thinking] about the portal right now. I just feel like this is the best fit for me, and I could see myself building a legacy here at Indiana.
On how he reflects on his first season at Indiana...
JL: A big thing I need to work on is pass protection. I need to work on the little things. Everything matters and I just want to be perfect at all times. My main focus though is just to win and having a winning program here at Indiana.
On his approach to kickoff return...
JL: The [key for me on] kickoff returns is to visualize the blocking schemes. I always mentally prepare myself before the game by catching punts or kickoffs, and just visualizing myself running it back. I always practice my running fades, attacking the blocking frame ups. But I try to just use my speed to my advantage.
On being used in the passing game, as well, next season...
JL: My interest in that role is very big, you are going to see me spread out in the slot a little bit and you are going to see me in the backfield. I am just going to be all over the field, just being that main key factor for the Hoosiers.
On what he expects out of the team moving into next season...
JL: Man, I got a lot of people looking up to me to step up, but this morning 75 percent of the football team got that extra work in. I'm proud because we are taking this upcoming season differently. Everybody is ready to roll this season. Everybody is locked in.
On if anyone took him under their wing last year...
JL: Shawn Shivers and Josh Henderson. [Shivers], man, he taught me everything. Learning how to read fronts and those types of things. Shawn taught me everything and just seeing him go through his run frame. Teaching me how to jump cut through certain fronts. I give thanks to [Shivers] and Josh Henderson. Josh [encouraged] me how to use my speed. He said, 'You've got speed as your advantage, use it.' and I thank them a lot.
Below is a partial transcript of the press conference, while video of the full media session can be in the links above this story or at IUHoosiers.com/watch.
Jaylin Lucas | Running Back | Fr.
On earning All-America honors as a true freshman…
JL: It means a lot. I always dreamed of playing in front of a crowd like [we have at Memorial Stadium]. I can say, I am starting to realize my work is starting to pay off. But it's just going to continue.
On expectations and goals heading into the offseason...
JL: My goal heading into this off season is just being consistent. This morning, I woke up and went to put extra work in. Just putting work in with my brothers every day and making sure we don't have another losing season like last year. Mainly being consistent is the big thing.
On how he feels he can handle being more of a featured back in 2023...
JL: To feed off of being consistent, I'm going to maintain and stay focused mainly. You just block out all the noise and just keep moving forward.
On why it was important for you to come back to Indiana...
JL: Here at Indiana man, it's just all love. I'm not really [thinking] about the portal right now. I just feel like this is the best fit for me, and I could see myself building a legacy here at Indiana.
On how he reflects on his first season at Indiana...
JL: A big thing I need to work on is pass protection. I need to work on the little things. Everything matters and I just want to be perfect at all times. My main focus though is just to win and having a winning program here at Indiana.
On his approach to kickoff return...
JL: The [key for me on] kickoff returns is to visualize the blocking schemes. I always mentally prepare myself before the game by catching punts or kickoffs, and just visualizing myself running it back. I always practice my running fades, attacking the blocking frame ups. But I try to just use my speed to my advantage.
On being used in the passing game, as well, next season...
JL: My interest in that role is very big, you are going to see me spread out in the slot a little bit and you are going to see me in the backfield. I am just going to be all over the field, just being that main key factor for the Hoosiers.
On what he expects out of the team moving into next season...
JL: Man, I got a lot of people looking up to me to step up, but this morning 75 percent of the football team got that extra work in. I'm proud because we are taking this upcoming season differently. Everybody is ready to roll this season. Everybody is locked in.
On if anyone took him under their wing last year...
JL: Shawn Shivers and Josh Henderson. [Shivers], man, he taught me everything. Learning how to read fronts and those types of things. Shawn taught me everything and just seeing him go through his run frame. Teaching me how to jump cut through certain fronts. I give thanks to [Shivers] and Josh Henderson. Josh [encouraged] me how to use my speed. He said, 'You've got speed as your advantage, use it.' and I thank them a lot.
Players Mentioned
RB
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