Indiana University Athletics
Quoted: Fall Camp Edition - Curt Cignetti
8/17/2026 1:30:00 PM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The third week of Indiana football's fall camp schedule arrived on Monday (August 17) inside Mellencamp Pavilion. Head coach Curt Cignetti spoke with the media following inside the Don Croftcheck Football Team Room at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium.
Below is a partial transcript of the press conference, while video of the full media session can be found in the links above this story or at IUHoosiers.com/watch.
Curt Cignetti | Head Coach
On the depth of the roster...
CC: More depth this year for sure. But still, there's areas where we have to develop players. Might be counting on some younger guys at certain spots to fill in depth.
On the offensive line's work in the spring and the depth that is there now…
CC: Those young guys like (Adedamola) Ajani who has started a game or two and probably played in five to seven games in competitive situations. (Austin) Leibfried, (Matt) Marek, (Baylor) Wilkin, (Sam) Simpson, a true freshman has done a nice job, probably forgetting somebody but those are the guys next in right now.
On the first scrimmage…
CC: Like most first scrimmages some good, bad and ugly. Not quite as many penalties as there normally are or turnovers, but still lot to clean up in terms of assignments and getting guys to do what they're supposed to do.
On Joe Hjelle what brings to the team…
CC: Really a tough guy. Had explosive power and good movement. Kind of a blue collar guy and he'll be in the mix inside for sure.
Below is a partial transcript of the press conference, while video of the full media session can be found in the links above this story or at IUHoosiers.com/watch.
Curt Cignetti | Head Coach
On the depth of the roster...
CC: More depth this year for sure. But still, there's areas where we have to develop players. Might be counting on some younger guys at certain spots to fill in depth.
On the offensive line's work in the spring and the depth that is there now…
CC: Those young guys like (Adedamola) Ajani who has started a game or two and probably played in five to seven games in competitive situations. (Austin) Leibfried, (Matt) Marek, (Baylor) Wilkin, (Sam) Simpson, a true freshman has done a nice job, probably forgetting somebody but those are the guys next in right now.
On the first scrimmage…
CC: Like most first scrimmages some good, bad and ugly. Not quite as many penalties as there normally are or turnovers, but still lot to clean up in terms of assignments and getting guys to do what they're supposed to do.
On Joe Hjelle what brings to the team…
CC: Really a tough guy. Had explosive power and good movement. Kind of a blue collar guy and he'll be in the mix inside for sure.
Players Mentioned
DL
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