Building Toughness on the Offensive Line a Goal for the Hoosiers in Spring Ball
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Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)
The Indiana Hoosiers wrapped up their third spring practice, and first one in full pads, on Thursday. Much of the focus this spring is on building toughness within the program, especially along the offensive line. There is a reason that ‘Toughness’ is Tom Allen’s one word for the program in 2023.
“The toughness piece is big. So we really emphasize in that we're talking about building our toughness is one of our goals for the spring with our guys in charge that toughness in our one word for the whole year.” Allen explained after practice on Tuesday.
The Hoosiers have a new offensive line coach in Bob Bostad, who knows a thing or two about tough offensive lines, coming from Wisconsin.
IU’s staff has added a “competitive period” to practice to emphasize getting tougher.
“ A competitive individual period here we have added that component to our practice every single day for all 15 days to be able to develop that toughness with our guys and the one on one matchups that the combinations working together. Working to second level blocks to me is going to be a big emphasis, but just it's just finishing those blocks.” Allen explained.
The Hoosiers are hoping that this emphasis pays off in the fall in the terms of more wins, but for right now it’s “just drill work, drill work. And drill work build that toughness build that technique and just get better every single day.” Allen said.
The Hoosiers have paused spring practice for IU’s spring break and will resume when students return to campus. The Hoosiers conclude spring practice on April 15th with their Spring Football Event.
Other Notes
On the Injury Front
Dexter Williams- “ he's not cleared to do anything in that regard on the field yet so definitely because it sits on late injury in the season and the severity of it. So was what we expected is he's really pretty much where he's supposed to be. Just, he he's doing everything he can be doing right now and which is awesome. And but yeah, it's it's a long road for him for sure. But the good news is he's on schedule”
Cam Camper- “ is another one that's going through the process. He's not quite as far along as Matt Bedford”
Matthew Bedford- “Matt's actually able to be out there and do some things a little bit.”
James Bomba- “James Bomba as well and surgery this offseason, so he's not out there yet.”
Matt Holt- “ Matt Holt wearing a blue jersey, so he'll never go live this spring. He had a postseason surgery, but he's able to do all the reps and everything physically”
All players except Williams are expected to be ready by the season opener against Ohio State on September 2nd.