As the Weather Heads Back to Winter, Hoosiers Hold First Spring Scrimmage
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The Hoosiers break it down after warmups in Mellencamp Pavillon Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle
Written By Nathan Comp
While qualifications for Little 500 went on at Armstrong Stadium, the Hoosier football team was having their own qualifications in the form of their first practice scrimmage just across Fee Lane, in Mellencamp Pavilion. With the spring game now less than three weeks away (April 14th), today’s practice gave the first glimpse of how the team’s offense and defense will fare against each other. Ultimately, Coach Allen was happy with the performance and described it as “physical, with guys doing good things on both sides of the ball.” Here’s what stood out in all three facets of the game today.
On offense, the biggest question mark coming into the spring was who would be behind center leading the offense at quarterback. While the position battle is far from settled, true freshman Mike Penix has certainly impressed early on. When asked about Penix running with the offense’s second team, Coach Allen said, “his decision making and his accuracy in his throws… he’s been worthy of that promotion. I was encouraged by the way he played today.”
It is impressive how quickly he has progressed through the ranks and his arm strength stands out among the rest. No matter who ends up the starter, Allen believes the competition between one another can only make them better. “It’s a critical position and you need multiple guys. I’ve never been through a season where one guy takes every snap, we need that depth there for sure.” That depth could also be bolstered by the rumblings that the Hoosiers are still in the market for a graduate transfer quarterback. Either way, a starter has certainly not been declared and it will be a competition we continue to watch.
On the defensive side of the ball, the graduation of standout cornerback Rashard Fant was a hole the Hoosiers knew they would have to replace both in terms of talent and leadership. Doing their best to fill the shoes of Fant this season have been cornerbacks A’Shon Riggins and Andre Brown. Riggins described this saying, “we haven’t been vocal these past couple years because we’ve had Rashard Fant to rely on. We’re still working on communication. But me and Andre Brown have really tried to step up and lead in that group.” In terms of younger defensive backs, sophomores Raheem Layne and LaDamion Hunt have impressed Riggins simply because of their “improved knowledge of the playbook.” While definitely a work in progress, the defensive backfield shows a lot of promise and has the perk of being anchored by veteran Jonathan Crawford at the safety position. Coach Allen also raved about being “two-deep with starter’s mentalities” at the safety position, allowing for less reliance on one group of safeties and rather having strength in numbers in the form of Crawford, Bryant Fitzgerald, Khalil Bryant and Juwan Burgess.
In the final aspect of the game, the scrimmage allowed for special teams to be put on display, primarily the field goal team. After the graduation of two-time Big Ten Kicker of the Year Griffin Oakes, the team needs another reliable leg to tack on 3 points and PATs. Today, the performance of Logan Justus impressed me. While likely helped by the indoor conditions of Mellencamp, Justus displayed powerful and accurate kicks both in and outside of the redzone.
The Hoosiers will be back in spring practice action next week on Tuesday, Thursday, and will cap the week off with another scrimmage a week from today on Saturday.
Other Notes
Luke Timian
The always reliably-handed wide receiver Luke Timian spoke with the media after practice today. While he continues to make good catches, Timian described two changes to his role on the team this year. First, is his increase in leadership responsibilities. Timian mentioned he knows he “has to step up as a leader of the group,” and Coach Allen added on by saying, “he’s such a good player for us, he makes so many plays. But now my challenge for him is, lead.” With Simmie Cobbs headed to the NFL and receivers Donovan Hale and Nick Westbrook returning from injury, senior Luke Timian must rise to a leadership role for the receiving corps. Secondly, Timian mentioned his versatility, as he is now taking reps both as a slot and outside receiver. “I can see why people would label me as a possession receiver from last year, not going for the home run ball, that was just kind of my role. But this year that will definitely change,” said Timian. With the already dangerous Hale and Westbrook, the addition of Timian as a deep-ball threat will only add another level of versatility to the offense.
Speed
Coach Allen has praised the importance of speed all offseason, and two players stood out in my eyes as perfect displays of this trait today. First, was running back Cole Gest. Gest could be seen today getting the ball out of the backfield and bursting outside for a (my estimate) 20-yard touchdown in which he outran everyone on defense. While Gest was already known for his speed, it seems the focus on it this offseason by Coach Ballou has only helped him. The second player who flashed incredible speed was receiver Whop Philyor. He was constantly seen flying across the middle of the field catching passes. Additionally, Luke Timian singled him out by saying, “Whop is stepping up for sure,” in terms of leadership. Whop served as @IndianaFootball ‘s featured and mic’d up player of the day on Twitter and capped practice off with a cartwheel and backflip, “in the pads, cuz,” as he put it.
Nick Linder
Mentioned in our previous tweet, Miami graduate transfer center Nick Linder underwent an undisclosed surgery before Indiana University’s spring break. He will remain out for the remainder of spring practice but will be ready to go by fall camp.
Player Interviews
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