Mid-Winter Mailbag Update...Yes, We Deliver in the Snow

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Welcome to the first Hoosier Huddle Mailbag of 2018. We have gathered questions from IU fans from all over Hoosier Nation. Today, we try and answer them the best we can. Enjoy!

1. Any chance north of 0-percent that Brandon Knight gets moved back to tight end to help with the running game?--@TokyoSteve via Twitter

The short and simple answer here is no. It’s not a bad idea, but due to depth issues at tackle he will likely stay there. However, if Knight is moved, it would be to guard, which would mean Caleb Jones has developed well and can start outside.

2. I know it’s way too early before Spring Practice, but how would you see the QB competition shaking out? Also this offense is gonna rely HEAVY on the run, right?--@tripledipled via Twitter

Answering the first part first, this is a battle I am extremely excited to follow. To me, Peyton Ramsey is the “starter” heading into spring ball, followed by Nick Tronti and Mike Penix. I have not seen much of Tronti or Penix, but having a decent sample size of Ramsey this thing is wide open.

If Nick Tronti can play well this spring and show he has both the durability and the arm strength to be an effective dual-threat he could end the spring at QB1. The kicker here is that Penix, a four-star recruit, is in for spring practice which will help him catch up with Ramsey and Tronti. He may be more physically gifted than them, but is at least a year behind in the system.

3. Do you see any way that Cam Jones and Aaron Casey aren’t at least rotation backers next year? Does anyone know anything about Mo Burnam? I think our defense has a chance to be good again If we can figure something out at that position.—TheHoosierPhoenix via Twitter

The only way Aaron Casey and Cam Jones aren’t in the rotation is injuries and if there is major improvement from Raekwon Jones and Mike McGinnis. Those guys will be young, but they are extremely talented and could raise through the ranks quickly.

As far as Mo Burnam goes, the kid is physically ready to jump into action. Even last year when he was out for warmups he looked the part of a big-time backer. IU understandably redshirted him as to not just waste a year getting minimal reps behind Scales and Covington. However, I can see Burnam earning a starting role with a good spring practice. This is another great position battle to watch as well.

4. Which redshirted players (RS FR) does IU need to step up in 2018?—NYHoosierFan via Facebook

This is a great question. We have talked about a couple of RS freshman that need to step up for this upcoming season in Mo Burnam, Caleb Jones and Nick Tronti. If all three of these players can be, at the very least, part of the rotation it’ll be huge for IU. I will not include medical redshirts Juan Harris and others because we have seen them play. Others I’d keep an eye on, are Craig Nelson at running back. He can find a spot in the rotation and play a big role returning kicks. Alfred Bryant should be able to give the Hoosiers a presence off the edge. IU will also get Juwan Burgess and Bryant Fitzgerald back in the mix in the secondary as well.

5. David Ballou looks and acts the part...realistically, what can a fan expect to actually see that’s different from what we saw on the field previously? – MBWHatesBagels via Email

Coach Ballou is really impressive and he brought Dr. Matt Rhea with him to help implement a more scientific-based approach to football strength and conditioning. He has improved the overall team speed where ever he has worked. His work at IMG Academy in Florida is impressive. I think you’ll see a better conditioned team who will hopefully not wilt in the fourth quarter and who has fewer injuries at year’s end.

6. IU lost a couple receivers to transfer, lost Harris, lost Cobbs, is depth and talent now a concern there? – FirstDownMarch via Email

As long as Nick Westbrook and Donavan Hale can come back healthy, IU should be fine. They may have lower numbers in the spring if Westbrook and Hale are limited, but the talent is there. Jacolby Hewitt is in for the spring and IU returns Luke Timian, Whop Phylor, Ty Fryfogle and Jonah Morris. Don’t sleep on Justin Berry either. He will have a shot to turn some heads this spring. Also, walk-on David Felton was a speedster in high school and could be a factor.

We will have another mailbag during spring practice. Thank you for all the questions

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