Spring Practice Nine Sees Curt Cignetti Deliver Stern Message to Hoosiers

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

New Indiana Hoosier head football coach Curt Cignetti is still setting the tone for the 2024 version of IU football and his message was blunt on Tuesday. It’s not good enough.

“We can't have practices like that and get done what we want to get done.” He told the media after practice in Bloomington.

IU scrimmaged on Saturday and watched the film of that on Sunday before a day off to enjoy the eclipse on Monday (that was pretty cool). However, it seemed not everyone was ready to go back to work on Tuesday morning.

“Knew it would be a challenge this morning and it was. I still think there is probably a good core nucleus of guys that came out with the right mindset and got better, but too many didn't.” Cignetti explained.

Cignetti takes it upon himself to hold people accountable to the standards him and his staff for the team.

“That's part of my job, to have the team ready day in, day out (and) maintain high standards. They become us. We don't become them. (We) can't compromise our standards. When some doesn't meet the bar, players need to know that.” Cignetti said.

Despite the stern words on Tuesday, Cignetti acknowledged there has been progress for his Hoosiers this spring.

“It's hard for me to say where I wanted it to because I never put a limit on any self imposed limitation. But I've definitely seen progress. Players understand how we practice. The way we practice will make us better. I've seen improvement and we just want to make the most of every opportunity every day every rep every drill.” Cignetti said of the Hoosiers’ spring session.

The final line of Cignetti’s opening statement Tuesday says it all about the new head man.

“I had to send a pretty stern message afterwards and we'll keep plugging along. I thought we got a lot of good work done Saturday and, even today, a lot of valuable lessons.”

The Hoosiers wrap up spring practice with their annual spring football game on Thursday, April 18th.