IU Football Fall Camp Update: The Quarterback Competition is Far From Over

Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers were back on the practice field on a sun-splashed Tuesday morning as they continued to prepare for the 2018 season. All eyes are on the quarterback competition as all three candidates (Brandon Dawkins, Mike Penix and Peyton Ramsey) have shown flashes of traits that would land them the starting position.

After practice quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan spoke to the media and said, "We have been intentional in breaking up the reps, so everybody is right in the thick of it." Sheridan played the politician well and refused to name a leader of the group, but added that, "They’re all competing, they’re all still getting reps and every day is important. Every rep matters and that has been emphasized to the guys. As far as guys taking a step forward or backwards, those types of things, they’re all doing some good things and we are trying to build on that every day."

The Hoosiers worked on red zone and goal line offense today as the quarterbacks worked on throwing on a more condensed field. Each quarterback made throws that turned heads on the practice field, highlighted by a nice touchdown to tight end Peyton Hendershot. Most importantly the Hoosier QBs protected the ball, an aspect of the game that offensive coordinator Mike DeBord says will be the "number one" determining factor in who wins the starting quarterback job "because our quarterbacks are involved in the run game as everyone knows then also in the throw game."

As far as the quarterbacks go each one faces unique challenges as they try to wrestle the job away from one another.

Brandon Dawkins, the grad transfer from Arizona, is still adjusting to his new surroundings. Dawkins said after practice that he is focused on "getting out there and getting real reps and trying to get on install every day. We install almost every day, so I am just trying to understand everything and make sure I don’t fall behind." However, Dawkins strength is that he brings experience and wisdom to the position. 

Mike Penix is just a true freshman and the youngest player on the team, but he says that "confidence, in not only himself, but in the team" and his work ethic are his biggest strengths. Penix, who participated in spring practiced, possesses the strongest arm of the three and really have injected his name into the discussion for the starting spot with his ability to digest what is going on on the field quickly.

Peyton Ramsey, the quarterback most familiar with this program, has improved in the offseason. He has upped his arm strength and increased his speed in the offseason with the help of personalized workouts from strength coach David Ballou and Dr. Matt Rhea. Ramsey believes that his leadership skills can be the difference. He leads by example and is not afraid to speak up either. Ramsey, a son of a coach, puts his all into every aspect of the game including in the film room where he digests what happened last season.

Other Notes

• DL Gavin Everett has been awarded a scholarship
• WR Luke Timian has been named to the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List which recognizes the top offensive player in Division I football who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell: integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community and tenacity; specifically, tenacity to persist and determination to overcome adversity and injury in pursuit of reaching goals. In addition, the nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria: born in Texas and/or graduated from a Texas High School and/or played at a Texas-based junior college or four-year college.