Hoosiers Spring Practice Report: 3/26

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The Hoosiers hit the practice turf behind Memorial Stadium for their sixth practice of the spring on Saturday. Image: Nick Holmes, HoosierHuddle.com

The Hoosiers hit the practice turf behind Memorial Stadium for their sixth practice of the spring on Saturday. Image: Nick Holmes, HoosierHuddle.com

Written By Sammy Jacobs and Nick Holmes 

The Indiana Hoosiers were back on the gridiron again as they put the pads on for their sixth practice of the spring under a sun splashed sky in Bloomington. Here are our thoughts following today's practice.

  • The quarterbacks have developed as a group since the first open practice a couple weeks ago. Wilson said that "we are giving the bulk of the work right now to (Danny) Cameron and (Richard) Lagow and to Austin King." 
  • The high-energy that was very apparent when we first saw IU practice was still at that level, which is impressive. The additions of Tom Allen and Mark Hagen have really brought the juice the program needs every day.
  • Both sides of the ball produced big plays all afternoon and there was a good give and take between them. Several receivers made some spectacular catches, while multiple defenders came up with big stops or takeaways, including one that defensive coordinator Tom Allen took to the end zone himself. Wilson believed "the defense, in general, has been a little more consistent than (the offense). They probably had the better day today, for sure. Won several of our competitions, tackled much better. Offensively, they were a little out of whack, out of sync and that's good to see because quite honestly, it was probably the opposite on Thursday, our first practice back."
  • As the Hoosiers were running drills and scrimmaging, one thing really stood out to us. That was the fact that the more veteran players were taking on coaching roles with the younger players. After reps, the vets would ask the youngsters what they saw and offered their guidance and advice. This is great to see because it just shows how close this team is and that they have one another's backs.
  • The defensive line will have to continue to improve. Wilson said that he would expect to need around 10 players along the line.
  • There is some injury news: DL Robert McCray has been sidelined with turf toe. Wilson hopes he will be back before the end of spring ball. Tight end Austin Dorris, who Wilson said was having a terrific spring, is out with an arm injury that requires it to be in a cast.
  • Indiana hosted numerous high school coaches as part of a coaching clinic in Bloomington.  

The Hoosiers will hold their Spring Game on Friday April 15th at Memorial Stadium. The exact time is still TBA, but it will be at night and they will open the regular season on Thursday, September 1 at FIU with the kickoff time to be announced. 

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