Spring Practice Report 4/7/15
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Written By: Nick Holmes (@HoosierHolmes)
The threat of thunderstorms did little to deter the Hoosiers from getting in valuable reps this morning during the team’s sixth spring practice. Big Ten Football Analysts Howard Griffith and Gerry DiNardo, former Indiana head football coach, were in town to get a closer look at the Cream and Crimson. Some the big plays of the day included a great touchdown grab by sophomore receiver J-Shun Harris II and a jarring blow landed by Antonio Allen on a running back that resulted in a fumble which was recovered by the defense. Both plays can be seen below in the Spring Highlights video.
Quotes from the Day
Last month I broke down what the Hoosiers offensive line will look like in 2015, including key departures, returnees, and additions. The final verdict should not have been much of a surprise to anyone, that once again the offensive line should be a strength for the Hoosiers. Offensive Coordinator Kevin Johns and sophomore running back Devine Redding reiterated that the guys working in the trenches have looked good so far.
“Personally, the line is looking better than they ever did. They’re not messing up on any kind of blocks, they are getting (a) push.” said Redding, who is the Hoosiers leading returning rusher.
Coach Johns agreed, also noting that two veteran members of the group were leading the way. "They’re doing well. The guys who we need to play well are playing well. Dan Feeney is having a phenomenal spring (and) had a great winter. Jason Spriggs has had a good of an offseason as he’s ever had. So the guys that we need to step up, starting with those two, are really doing a good job.”
While Spriggs and Feeney are penciled in as starters at left tackle and right guard respectively, the other three spots up for grabs, but it appears there are at least two players that are standing out to Johns, “The rest of spring ball we’re going to continue to fill in those holes with Timmy Gardner, Dimitric Camiel, guys who are just getting into the rotation a little bit."
Redding also pointed out how important having Senior Quarterback Nate Sudfeld back on the field, and how it not only helps the passing attack but opens things up for the running game, "Him passing gets the defense on their heels and when he gives us the ball we can cram that thing in."
Other Notes
As reported by ESPN's Brian Bennett, junior running back Jordan Howard hyper-extended his elbow during practice last week and is limited in practice. It remains to be seen whether he will be back to being full-go before spring practices close on April 23rd.