Indiana University Athletics
Quoted: Fall Camp Edition - Joe Brunner & Joe Hjelle
8/11/2026 1:00:00 PM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Following the fifth day of the Indiana football program's fall camp on Tuesday (August 11) offensive lineman Joe Brunner and defensive lineman Joe Hjelle spoke with the media in the Don Croftcheck Football Team Room.
Below is a partial transcript, while video of the full media sessions can be found in the links above this story or at IUHoosiers.com/watch.
Joe Brunner | OL | Fifth Year
On the move from guard to tackle...
JB: I think going from left to right - especially interior - it's not really challenging. You kind of bounce around as a young player, playing both sides, so I am used to that. Going out to tackle, it is new. You are facing a different type of player, a speed, not as much strength, not as big. But, it's also fun. It's a part of the experience of learning a new position and just learning how good of a football player you are yourself. I have the confidence in myself to play tackle. Learning from coach [Bob] Bostad every day, I am getting better every single day thanks to him and thanks to the guys next to me. It's been an experience and I am here to do what is best for the team.
On the last time he took consistent reps at tackle...
JB: My freshman and sophomore year [at Wisconsin] I played both guard spots and then I would bounce out at tackle every now and again. Obviously, in high school I played right tackle only. The past two years I was only at guard. I went and played in a game one time at left tackle. I have the experience, just not at length. But, I know what I am doing out there, but it has definitely been a bit.
On if he has leaned on Carter Smith at all during spring ball...
JB: One hundred percent. When you have a gut like Carter Smith in your offensive line room - one of the best players in the country - you gotta lean on him. For me, taking on a new role in this offense, to have that source there, it is every single day: in the film room, on the field asking him questions. We are bouncing things off of each other. We have two different play styles, so just bouncing information off of each other. You know, older guys, it has been really helpful in my development as a tackle.
Joe Hjelle | DL | Fifth Year
On working with the returning guys on the defensive interior...
JH: Coming in, you said it, I am the new guy. Learning this new system has been, at first, a little challenging. It is a lot to learn. It's a very detailed defense. I think that is what makes it so effective. Being able to learn from guys like Tyrique [Tucker] and Mario [Landino] has been really helpful because they have been in the system. They know the plays and a lot of the little things that have helped me become a better player and just understand the defense better.
On the addition of Stephen Daily and Kellan Wyatt
JH: It is great to have them back. Obviously, I wasn't here last year, but from what I have seen on tape and what I have heard, they've done a lot of great things. It is really nice to have them back because the deeper we are the easier it will be to get to the quarterback and have more fresh legs and bodies to throw at the offense.
On if his experience at defensive end in high school has helped in this scheme...
JH: Like you said, I did play some defensive end in high school and having that experience from an edge perspective has kind of helped me better set up stunts and know what is effective. What to do and what not to do. Just trying to keep my teammates free and to have free rushes and all of that.
Below is a partial transcript, while video of the full media sessions can be found in the links above this story or at IUHoosiers.com/watch.
Joe Brunner | OL | Fifth Year
On the move from guard to tackle...
JB: I think going from left to right - especially interior - it's not really challenging. You kind of bounce around as a young player, playing both sides, so I am used to that. Going out to tackle, it is new. You are facing a different type of player, a speed, not as much strength, not as big. But, it's also fun. It's a part of the experience of learning a new position and just learning how good of a football player you are yourself. I have the confidence in myself to play tackle. Learning from coach [Bob] Bostad every day, I am getting better every single day thanks to him and thanks to the guys next to me. It's been an experience and I am here to do what is best for the team.
On the last time he took consistent reps at tackle...
JB: My freshman and sophomore year [at Wisconsin] I played both guard spots and then I would bounce out at tackle every now and again. Obviously, in high school I played right tackle only. The past two years I was only at guard. I went and played in a game one time at left tackle. I have the experience, just not at length. But, I know what I am doing out there, but it has definitely been a bit.
On if he has leaned on Carter Smith at all during spring ball...
JB: One hundred percent. When you have a gut like Carter Smith in your offensive line room - one of the best players in the country - you gotta lean on him. For me, taking on a new role in this offense, to have that source there, it is every single day: in the film room, on the field asking him questions. We are bouncing things off of each other. We have two different play styles, so just bouncing information off of each other. You know, older guys, it has been really helpful in my development as a tackle.
Joe Hjelle | DL | Fifth Year
On working with the returning guys on the defensive interior...
JH: Coming in, you said it, I am the new guy. Learning this new system has been, at first, a little challenging. It is a lot to learn. It's a very detailed defense. I think that is what makes it so effective. Being able to learn from guys like Tyrique [Tucker] and Mario [Landino] has been really helpful because they have been in the system. They know the plays and a lot of the little things that have helped me become a better player and just understand the defense better.
On the addition of Stephen Daily and Kellan Wyatt
JH: It is great to have them back. Obviously, I wasn't here last year, but from what I have seen on tape and what I have heard, they've done a lot of great things. It is really nice to have them back because the deeper we are the easier it will be to get to the quarterback and have more fresh legs and bodies to throw at the offense.
On if his experience at defensive end in high school has helped in this scheme...
JH: Like you said, I did play some defensive end in high school and having that experience from an edge perspective has kind of helped me better set up stunts and know what is effective. What to do and what not to do. Just trying to keep my teammates free and to have free rushes and all of that.
Players Mentioned
Tuesday, August 11
Tuesday, August 11
Monday, August 10
Thursday, August 06