Flying High -- Becker Works to be the Best
By Pete DiPrimio | IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Charlie Becker soars high into the air, arms stretched well above his head, a Josh Hoover pass coming, a collision with the Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium end zone turf imminent, a defensive back powerless to stop it.
We saw it last Saturday against North Texas when Indiana’s third-year receiver caught a pair of touchdown passes. We saw it last season during his breakout performance. We’ll certainly see it again, perhaps as soon as Saturday when the No. 5/5 Hoosiers (1-0) host Howard (1-1).
The 6-foot-4, 207-pound Becker’s prowess in making difficult catches has taken on mythical-like status. Besides impressive ability, it comes from relentless work, including on the jugs machine (which delivers balls like a pitching machine) and a Monarc Seeker, (advertised as a robotic quarterback that throws balls at various angles).
“A lot of it is just kind of reaction based,” he says, “but we do have one of those Monarc machines that moves the ball around.
“The jug kind of shoots it right at you, but the Monarc will put it on your right shoulder. It randomizes balls, which helps a lot for difficult catches.”
Becker credits his teammates for his two TD catches, and team-leading four total receptions for 64 yards.
“I'm happy I was able to get in the end zone and put some points up for my team. It starts with the O-line. They did a great job of protecting, and then the center-quarterback exchange was perfect. The running backs did a great job of pass protection and protecting Josh. And Josh did a great job putting the ball exactly where it needed to be. I'm blessed to be one out of 11 and do my job.”
Like all veterans, Becker seeks to improve his leadership.
“There are always areas where I can improve as a leader,” he says. “I think I've taken a step for sure since fall camp, but I’m nowhere near where I want to be.”
Becker’s late emergence -- he finished with 34 catches for 679 yards and four touchdowns last season -- leaves him poised to be one of the nation’s best receivers, but in the offense of head coach Curt Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan, that goes well beyond just catching passes.
“I’m working on all areas,” he says. “It’s everything that has to do with a receiver -- blocking down the field, releases at the top of the routes, just all areas.”
Cignetti expects nothing less.
“He’s playing with more confidence and belief. Maybe the biggest change is how we look at him. He was just a guy who needed an opportunity.
“He was a special teams demon for us in 2024. Early in the year, when he got in the game, he took advantage of his opportunities. Then, when (Elijah) Sarratt got hurt, he was our leading receiver the last seven to eight games. He had a great summer.”
Hoover is the third IU starting quarterback Becker has played with following Kurtis Rourke and Fernando Mendoza. In each case, chemistry building started immediately.
“As soon as the season ends,” Becker says, “you're getting prepared, talking with the other quarterbacks, and starting to build that connection.
“All the receivers catch with the jugs machine every day. We catch anywhere from 100 to 200 balls. We're just trying to stay prepared. We're throwing with Josh outside of practice and keeping that connection strong.”
Watching film with Hoover also helps, Becker adds.
“We talk through the film. If (the opposition) is playing this defense -- we walk through all the plays -- he’ll ask, if you're running this route during this coverage, what are you thinking? Here’s what I’m thinking. What's the best way to get open?
“And then, outside of practice, throwing with each other, trying to build that connection."
Hoover, in his Hoosier debut after transferring from TCU, completed 13-of-16 passes for 213 yards and four touchdowns.
For perspective, Mendoza, a University of California transfer, was 18-for-31 for 193 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions against Old Dominion in his first IU game. Rourke, an Ohio University transfer, was 15-for-24 for 180 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in his Indiana debut against FIU.
“Josh's preparation for games has been unbelievable,” Becker says. “I've seen him here 24/7. He is really trying to read his opponents, read the defense, break down film, and gain any slight advantage he can on his opponents.
“Also, his leadership has been a huge point for our offense. He does a great job of commanding us, taking control, getting the boys going when we need to get going, and telling us that's not good enough when we're practicing not great.”
It’s early, but is IU’s passing game ahead of previous seasons?
“To be honest, I don't really remember,” Becker says. “We're focused on the here and now. There are definitely areas where we need to improve. It's not perfect by any means, and there are a lot of areas to improve as far as buildings connections with the quarterbacks.”
Receivers Nick Marsh and Davion Chandler also caught touchdown passes against North Texas.
Marsh’s scoring catch was a one-handed, back-shoulder spectacle.
“That was insane,” Becker says. “I mean, low back shoulder and just being able to snag that was impressive.
“Nick works hard on those with the jugs and he's got very impressive hands.”