Spring Practice Starts in Twelve Days, Here is What You Need to Know About IUFB as They Transition into 2019

The Hoosiers are back on the field March 2nd. Image: Sarah Miller Hoosier Huddle

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers will open their 2019 spring practice session on March 2nd and wrap up with their annual Cream and Crimson game on Friday April 12th. IU is coming off of frustrating back-to-back 5-7 seasons. Tom Allen is entering his third spring as Indiana’s head coach after taking over the helm prior to the Foster Farms Bowl in 2016. His record sits at 10-15 and 4-14 in conference.

The Hoosiers enter spring practice with some recruiting momentum as Allen and his staff inked one of the best classes, if not the best, in school history. However, the Hoosiers also come with plenty of uncertainty.

Over the next couple of weeks HoosierHuddle.com will preview positions, players who may fly under the radar and much more from spring practice, but for right now here are the items surrounding spring ball to watch.

New Offensive Coordinator

Kalen DeBoer takes over the offensive coordinator duties from Mike DeBord who retired in late December. DeBoer spent the last two seasons rebuilding a Fresno State offense that ranked 125th in scoring in 2016, the year before DeBoer got there, to 26th nationally last season. How DeBoer’s offense looks for the Hoosiers will be a major storyline to watch as practice marches on.

Kane Wommack Promoted to Defensive Coordinator

Indiana head coach Tom Allen has transferred defensive coordinator duties to Kane Wommack, who was brought on to coach linebackers prior to the 2018 season. Wommack spent two seasons at South Alabama as their defensive coordinator. He is one of Allen’s most trusted lieutenants. How much difference will there be on defense? Probably not too much since Wommack runs the same nickel base defense as Allen, but there could be some wrinkles that may be a little different.

Six “New” Faces in for Spring Practice

The Indiana Hoosiers will welcome five new (scholarship) faces this spring and the impact they may have on this program could instantaneous. The brightest spotlight will fall on Jack Tuttle, a former four-star quarterback who transferred in from Utah. His eligibility remains uncertain, but can partake in spring drills. With Michael Penix recovering from ACL surgery, coach Allen has said he is on or ahead of schedule, and Peyton Ramsey being g a known quantity, Tuttle has a chance to make a big first impression on Kalen DeBoer.

Freshmen early enrollees running back Sampson James and offensive lineman Matthew Bedford have a chance to make their case for early playing time. James was a four-star recruit coming out of Avon (Ind) who will try and push through a crowded running back room and fight for touches. Bedford in the meantime was a highly sought-after offensive lineman. While true freshman usually don’t start along the line, he certainly has his chance to improve his skills to maybe be a rotational player in 2019.

Offensive lineman Michael Katic and defensive back Larry Tracy are also in for spring practice. Both of whom can use the extra reps to increase their standing on the depth chart. Indiana is pretty deep in the defensive back field and if some of the younger lineman pan out, Katic could be redshirted.

Juan Harris technically isn’t a new face for Hoosier fans, but he is in for spring to start his second stint as a Hoosier. Harris could be the key that the defense was missing last year in the middle of the defensive line.

Practice and Other Important Dates

Spring Practice Begins- March 2nd

Practice 2- March 3rd

Practice 3- March 5th

Practice 4- March 7th

Practice 5- March 21st

Practice 6- March 23rd

Practice 7- March 26th

Practice 8- March 28th

Practice 9- March 30th

Practice 10- April 2nd

Practice 11- April 4th

Practice 12- April 6th

Practice 13- April 9th

Practice 14- April 11th

Practice 15- SPRING GAME- April 12th 7pm

NFL Combine- March 1st-4th

IU Pro Day- April 2nd