Notes and Quotes from Curt Cignetti After Fall Camp Practice Four
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Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times
Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)
Indiana head football coach Curt Cignetti addressed the media in Bloomington on Monday after his team’s fourth fall practice. Here are some notes and quotes from the head coach.
Notes:
WR EJ Williams has been dealing with a hamstring issue that happened in summer conditioning
The Hoosiers have not put on full pads yet
Quotes:
Opening Statement:
“Four (practices) in the books and goal is to improve daily, increase the workload, sustain, compete, play at a high level, give good effort every play. Competition was good at the end of practice today. We'll be back out tomorrow.”
Cignetti Addressed the Health and Return of DB Jamier Johnson
“He’s got talent. He’s got the ability to be a really good football player. He’s got to put it on the field, stay on the field, and play consistently day in, day out.”
On What Stands Out About D’Angelo Ponds
“ Mindset and talent. I don’t know if we have beat him yet on a pass route. He’s just swallowing that side of the field. He’s a good guy for everybody else to watch in terms of how to do it.”
Cignetti Dodged a Baiting Question from Gregg Doyle on His Energy Levels
“I guess I need a little more pep. I didn't mean to come off as that tired. I woke up. Yeah, it was hot today. And I'll be fine. I'm more concerned about the team.”
And Another Question from the Indy Star Columnist
"Right now we're in practice. You know, it's all about developing the team, this isn't a time for talking. Now, this is a time to put it on the field. So, you know, I'm not going to put a show up, show up every time I'm up here at the podium. Now if I have to make a point, I will. But you know, right now we're really focused in on developing this football team. And 115 guys on this football team and all three phases ODK so, you know it's a grind. Right?”
Cignetti Addressed His Views of the Kick Return Game
“We’ve worked punt return; we haven’t worked kick return yet. Not many kicks get returned if you look at, 30-something percent, but we’ve got guys that are good with the ball in their hand. And the most important thing to me is that at the end of the play that we have possession of the ball. I think we’ve got three really good punt return candidates, (Myles) Price, (Solomon) Vanhorse and Ke’Shawn Williams. And those guys are good kickoff return guys, too. Of course, it helps when you’re doing a good job of blocking, so I think we’ve got a chance to be pretty good there.”
Finally, Cignetti Addressed if there has Been Any Camp Surprises Yet
“I think it’s too early to say that. Your first two days you don’t have any pads on, it’s not how you play football. We’ve only had shoulder pads on for two days. We’ll have a better idea in about a week.”