Playing to ‘Standard’ Remains Football Practice Key
By Pete DiPrimio | IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Practice four took place inside Mellencamp Pavilion, where the action was hot and promising. Hoosiers deliver rigorous thumps but not punishing blows. There is no tackling or smashing guys to the ground. Good form and technique are demanded and -- mostly -- produced, with vigilant coaching offered when something goes awry.
During an 11-on-11 session, defensive lineman Mario Landino knocks down a pass. Receiver Lebron Bond dives for a catch. Running back Khobie Martin showcases more impressive explosiveness.
Watching it all is head coach Curt Cignetti, who has his team building for the Sept. 5 season opener against North Texas and beyond.
“The focus is getting 11 guys to do their job and playing to the standard so it looks more game-like,” he says from the Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium’s Don Croftcheck Team Room. “Every day we get a little better in that regard. It’s about developing players, depth and finding out about your team and who can do what.
“It’s far from perfect. There’s a lot of install going on and situations change daily.”
One thing that doesn’t change is playing to the standard that has allowed IU to go 27-2 in Cignetti’s two Hoosier seasons, including the national championship.
“We’re trying to get them to play to the standard more than anything else,” he says. “There’s a certain way we do things. We’re process driven in how we play the game.”
As far as providing a motivational edge, Cignetti adds that that will happen “as we get closer to the season. Right now, it’s getting them to play up to the standard.”
While Josh Hoover is locked into the starting quarterback position, Cignetti seeks to develop depth behind him.
Quarterback Grant Wilson started with the No. 2 offense for the first three days of practice. Tyler Cherry, a third-year quarterback out of nearby Center Grove High School who missed all of last season with a knee injury, took charge of the second offense for Practice 4.
“He’s really smart,” Cignetti says of Cherry. “He gets the ball out of his hand. He’s developing. He just has to get better every day and take advantage of his opportunities.”
Tight end remains the lone area of offensive inexperience. Miami (Fla.) transfer Brock Schott, a second-year player from Leo High School outside of Fort Wayne, along with first-year player Trevor Gibbs and second-year players Andrew Barker and Blake Thiry are the top candidates. Schott caught two passes for 24 yards in two games at Miami before transferring.
“Barker and Thiry have been out there; they were workhorses in the spring,” Cignetti says. “Schott has had some good (camp) moments, as has Gibbs from a blocking and receiving standpoint.
“We’re just trying to get them better. We’re going to be counting on Barker, Schott and Gibbs, for sure, and then we’ll figure out that fourth one.”
Defensive linemen Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt, whose seasons were cut short last year with injuries, continue to work out, but don’t participate in 11-on-11 drills, although that is coming, Cignetti says.
“I think Daley will be ready to take some 11-on-11 reps next week with Wyatt a little bit behind him,” Cignetti says. “We're not rushing either.
“Both are real good players. Wyatt was playing really good football when he got hurt, and Daley had emerged, big time. So, it gives those guys an opportunity to finish what they started. They didn't get that opportunity last year because of injury. It makes us a better team.”
Last season, in seven games, the 6-foot-2, 257-pound Wyatt had 27 tackles, eight for loss, with 2.5 sacks, two quarterback hurries and one pass breakup. In 13 games, the 6-foot-1, 273-pound Daley had 38 tackles, 19 for loss with 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
They will create intriguing matchup options for defensive coordinator Bryant Haines to exploit. Wyatt, for instance, has the ability to play defensive end or linebacker.
“I let Bryant handle the defense,” Cignetti says. “I have a pretty good idea of what he’s thinking of. Wyatt has some linebacker versatility in our trio package which we play against 12 personnel (one running back and two right ends).”