Hoosiers 'Bang' in First Padded Practice of the Spring
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Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK
Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)
On a windy, overcast morning it was all business for the Hoosiers on the field of Memorial Stadium as they put on full pads for the first time this spring. It almost felt like the fall as all you could hear were whistles and coaches getting their position groups up to speed for the 2024 season.
“We are going to bang [pads]. It's a contact sport, right?” Cignetti said. “But we do everything we can to monitor the rep count and keep guys healthy and try to emphasis practicing the correct way.”
One of the main goals for Cignetti this spring is to get out as healthy as possible and while IU is ready to bang, there is a method on how to do it correctly.
“There is a lot of times that a guy gets injured, if it is a non-contact injury - like to a knee or something - it is because somebody didn't quite do something right.” Cignetti added.
IU’s depth will be tested and built this spring as roster attrition and injuries have whittled away at the team’s numbers. However, it is also a time for opportunity.
“I commend everybody on their effort up to this point. I think the whole team is trying really hard and a lot of guys, like you said, are getting opportunities right now, whether it is because of roster numbers or injuries, or we want to work three groups so that there are a lot of reps out there for guys.” Cignetti explained when asked about who is embracing their chance to play.
“I have watched the first two practices on tape, haven't watched [todays], and I am not disappointed in anybody, let's put it that way. Probably be unfair for me to single out one guy that has really jumped out. “
Other Practice Notes
Cignetti opened up his availability discussing IU Women’s Basketball win on Monday evening:
First off, I want to congratulate the Hoosiers women's basketball team on a big win last night. Coach [Teri] Moren making it to the Sweet 16 and wish them the best of luck Friday against South Carolina. You know, to be the best, you have to beat the best. I thought it was a great game to watch. I went and glad I did. Indiana is down seven in the second half, didn't flinch, just played their game, whittled away, took control and, when the game was on the line, they played with a lot of poise and the other team kind of made the mistakes that cost you a game. It's a real credit to coach and what she has built and their team attitude and resiliency. They're a gritty team and they were fun to watch.
General Practice Update
Today was out first padded practice and once we went to the team periods, I thought there was good energy and competition. I think we probably took a little step forward, but when we put the tape on, we will see enough mistakes to cost you every game you are going to play. That is where we are in our first spring, day three, and we are throwing a lot at these guys.