After One Practice Bostad Says 'We're Running Around in Our Underwear, But I Like Where We Are At'

Image: Bob Bostad coaches up the offensive line (Indiana University athletics)

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers began their fall practices in preparation for the 2023 season in Bloomington on Wednesday morning. With it being the first day, players were just in helmets and getting acclimated to being back on the field. Despite the lack of pads IU offensive line coach Bob Bostad was ready to work.

“We're running around in our underwear. You know, so but I like what to see so far.” Bostad said half jokingly.

The Hoosiers offensive line will need to improve for the 2023 season if the offense is going to take steps in the right direction. Bostad knows that is why he was brought in by head coach Tom Allen.

“I think we had a good spring, and I do think that guys did a good job of retaining some information just based on today’s practice. These guys have been here and have been doing a lot all summer with the new rules. There’s a lot of player-led things that they’re able to keep it alive. So, we were able to install a lot today and I saw some good retention.” Bostad said of what he saw on day one.

One of the highlights for Bostad was getting tackle Matthew Bedford back on the field full-go.

“ It’s good to have him back. I never worked with him in the past, but it’s just really good to have him out there. I think he’s getting into it.” Bostad said of Bedford.

Bedford, who was lost for the year during the 2022 season opener, was also pleased with the first day of fall camp as well.

“It was amazing [to be back on the field]. Bedford told reporters after practice. “I've been itching to get back out there and trying to get back home on the field. Being next to Kahlil [Benson] again, seeing my guys and being comfortable and understanding the mission. I just tried to have a high attention to drill work, high attention to detail, making it look crisp and putting the fine note details on those things. It felt so great to be back out there. I feel like I am actually moving again.”

With the first practice in the books, albeit not in pads, the offensive line group like where they are coming out of a player led summer. The Hoosiers return to the practice field on Friday.