Sunday Football

While this blog is focused on college-level football, I cannot lie. Much of my Sunday is planned around games. This most recent Sunday was no exception; I was catching the Vikings take on the Packers, held here at our own Memorial Stadium.
Confused yet? Allow me to clear it up. Monroe County Youth Football’s AFL Championship game was held Oct. 26th at 5pm, and the Vikings team, decked out in purple and gold and led by our own Mike P. took to the field. They faced a blossoming green and gold Packers squad, coached by Mark Weddle.
I saw some nice plays on both sides, and a bunch of great kids with a passion for the game. I saw coaches demonstrate levels of sportsmanship and true affection and appreciation for their teams and each other. I saw kids that I hope to see take that field again, perhaps in about ten years, wearing the cream and crimson.
Congratulations are in order for both teams, who played a great, tight game, and to Mike and the Vikings, congrats on your MCYF-AFL Championship!
Final: Vikings-25, Packers-19.

Cardinal Red Shines Brighter than Hoosier Crimson

**Posted for Mike P.**

Saturday night was one for the ages. It was a game that you could watch your team come out, be well prepared, and execute their game plan with poise and confidence. That is, if your team is Ball State (BSU).

Before I go any farther, I want to send my thoughts and prayers out to Dante Love for a full and speedy recovery. Dante was involved in a collision in the 2nd quarter with Chris Adkins from IU. Unfortunately Dante lowered his head to try and power a couple more yards out of the play. The result of this was a very hard hit, their helmets hit off each other and the crown of Love’s helmet was hit square by Adkins’ shoulder. This hit resulted in a cervical spine fracture for Love.

Love fell limp to the ground, and was immediately tended to by members of the IU and Ball State medical and training staffs. The stabilized him on the field, he was took to Bloomington Hospital and then transferred to Methodist. Love had to undergo 5 hours of surgery to stabilize the fracture in his spin. The good news came after the surgery. Love has been able to move all of his extremities. There has not been a long term prognosis given yet, but things are look promising.

From this Hoosier fan, my prayers and best wishes to you Dante Love.

And now, back to the game.

It is hard to decide what really went on in that game. Were we not prepared, or were we truly outmatched by BSU? I think it was a little of both. Their skill guys had incredible speed and field vision, and they appeared ready for the challenge and to get their first win against IU and their first win against a BCS school on the road.

The game did start out with some promise. Ball State got the opening kick, quickly went 3 and out, and was forced to punt. Jerimy Finch from IU got around the corner and blocked the BSU punt out of bounds. This gave IU a 1st & 10 at the Ball State 31 yard line. Kellen Lewis completed 2 passes, and Thigpen was stuffed for a loss. What should have been a huge momentum push for IU resulted in a field goal and a quick swing back to BSU.

BSU was able to get in the end zone on their next 2 possessions. While IU settled for a field goal on their next one. At this point BSU had jumped out to a 14-6 lead, and seemed well in control of the game.

The next points to be scored were 6 of the scariest points any fan, player, or coach can ever witness. Nick Polk scooped a fumble and returned it 31 yards for a TD after the hit on Dante Love by Chris Adkins. Making the game 14-13 and for a blink of an eye shifting the momentum back to IU.

What happened next showed exactly the kind of character and belief that BSU has in them. They had just lost their best receiver get carted off the field and rushed away in an ambulance. In 5 plays, BSU moved the ball 80 yards on the strength of 35 and 45 yard pass plays from Nate Davis to Myles Trempe.

IU got the ball back, drove the field and brought the score back to with in 1 point at 21-20. They then forced a BSU punt (for only the 2nd time) and had the ball back to try and gain momentum. Kellen then threw his 2nd pick of the day, one that was returned for a TD and made the score 28-20 at half.

One thing to note, Kellen Lewis was 3-5 for 57 yards in the 1st quarter. He would go 0-7 the rest of the half and not make his next completion until the last play of the 3rd quarter, one of only 2 attempts for the entire quarter.

The 3rd quarter didn’t provide much action by either offense. IU had to punt the ball away twice. BSU missed a field goal and fumbled the ball away deep in Indiana territory. Entering the 4th, BSU had a 28-20 lead and there was still a slim amount of hope for IU to get the win.

IU started the 4th with the ball, after a holding penalty they were faced with a 1st & 18 on their own 8. In the next 4 plays, IU moved the ball 61 yards to the BSU 31. The drive stalled at the BSU 26 and out came the field goal team. Austin Star missed a field goal and walked away from that drive with no points.

BSU then drove the field, added a TD and made it a 35-20 ball game with just over 6 minutes left. IU comes out, gets a 4th and short, and brings out Chappell for the short yardage push. After a false start, IU is backed up facing a 4th & 5 with over 5 minutes left. Any coach knows, PUNT the ball away. You are only down 2 scores, have 3 time outs, and plenty of clock time. Instead we go for it. Lewis throws another incomplete pass and IU turns the ball over on downs at their own 27 yard line.

It only took 2 plays and the game was 42-20, and all hope was now lost.

My thoughts on the coaching staff and individual performances will be coming later this week.

Heartbreak on the Hoosier Home Turf

Ball State came into this game being touted as a top 25 team. The Hoosier Nation scoffed.

We scoff no more.

Even with the terrifying loss of Dante Love, who went down early in the second quarter, and did not move, Ball State was simply unstoppable. Man after man on the Hoosier defense fell. Even in the final moments, starters were on the field, risking injury, despite being down 22 points. Kellen Lewis took a hit with under a minute remaining that simply took my breath away.

I hate to constantly second guess coaching decisions. I’m not a “technical” football person. I’m a fan, with a fair level of knowledge of the game. I’m comfortable calling things like I see them. What I saw here was what was left of our starting lineup at risk for injury when the game was clearly beyond our reach. We had already lost a number of key players, and clearly had lost the game. Why our coaches would continue to put what was left of our starters out there was truly beyond me. The hit on Kellen was the icing on the cake for me on that thought.

Defensively, we were weak and wounded. Offensively, Kellen ran well, but at times looked injured when trying to pass. I could have thrown some of those passes. (I will bravely admit; I am the poster child of “throws like a girl”.) A number of penalties were painful, but again, a coaching decision jumps out at me on one specific flag- Ben Chappell is put in to punch us across the line for a first down on a fourth and one call. We jumped. You have a new guy with a new rhythm in there to call the snap? That’s ASKING for us to jump. Cadence means a lot, and those guys were used to Kellen at that point. Seven penalties. Nearly 80 yards worth. That’s significant.

Statistically, this game was much closer than the score would show. Total yards were neck and neck, with BSU at 461 to IU’s 414. Time of possession was also close, 31:38 vs. 28:22, with a slight advantage to BSU. Two turnovers a piece. Even the passing game looks close on the surface, with Ball State completing 16 of 25, to IU’s 12 of 26. Yardage was the difference there, at 240 vs. 168. You wouldn’t look at those stats and think you had a final score of 42-20. But we did. We got it handed to us.

Also of note: Austin Starr missed a field goal. (Hello. That doesn’t happen. Indicative of the whole game, perhaps?)

Shamelessly plugging a non-football event

Because Mike P. gave me the ability to be a part of this blog, I am taking full advantage!
This coming Wednesday, Sept. 10th, 2008, I am hosting an Alex's Lemonade Stand Fundraiser. The Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation raises funds to provide research grants for pediatric cancer, and has raised over 20 million dollars since it's inception.
This is our third year partnering with the ALSF, and we are excited to share that we will have a NASCAR, a rock climbing wall, a bungee run, as well as the Lemonade Stand and Bake Sale on site in the Richland Plaza Shopping Center parking lot in Ellettsville. Additionally, we will be selling raffle tickets for an assortment of prizes, including a 5-piece stainless steel BBQ tool set and a Tom Crean autographed basketball! (Raffle tickets are $1 each, or 6 for $5.)
This is a family friendly event, and there is no charge to participate. Your tax-deductible donations go to the ALSF, a registered 501(c)3 charity. We will be operating from 1:00pm-7:00pm. We invite you to stop by and have a cold glass of lemonade while fighting childhood cancer!
More information about the event and the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation are available on our website at www.IndianaJH.com. We hope to see you there!!

2008 Hoosiers Part 1 - Offense

Welcome to my first post of the 2008 IU Football season. I want to say thank you to those who take the time to read this, and offer my apologies that I have not posted in a long time.

The season is now through week 2 and the Hoosiers have started off with a nice 2-0 start, with that they have ten more chances to reach that magical six win mark to be bowl eligible. I’m expecting them to win at least six more games and be 8-4 minimum. To do that, Lynch and company have their work cut out for them, and lucky the have a two week lull in between games to get to it.

Right now it is difficult to predict what this team will do from here on out. Starting next week against Ball State, the schedule goes from friendly to hostile in the blink of an eye. If this team is going to avoid a let down against a solid opponent, they need to buckle down and get to work.

With the loss of the Lewis to Hardy connection that produced many big plays and scoring opportunities for this team the last two years, the running game and their success is now a critical aspect that has no choice but to improve if this team wants to win. Right now it appears that Lynch and company seem set on this three back rotation of Thigpen, McCray and Payton. This actually is something that plays to their favor. These are three different styles of backs that bring their own unique skills.

Thigpen is the speed back. Make a hole, give him a seam, and watch why he is considered a track star as well. His ability to blaze a defense in the open field is amazing, his problem is the lack of field vision and that he is still hesitant to run in a hole that isn’t big enough for a Mack truck to make it through clean. The coaching staff needs to create plays that will allow Thigpen the ball in places where he can use his speed to break free. They try this with the screen, except this team does not have a receiver that can (or is willing?) to block down field.

McCray is the finesse guy. Follows his blockers and takes what develops. At times McCray can be a bit hesitant, though not as bad as Thigpen. He is that 2nd down back that is going to net 3 to 6 yards and set up a more manageable 3rd down play. He lacks the explosiveness of the other backs, if he can maintain his 4.8 yards per carry average he has now, he will be a useful back this season.

Now for Bryan Payton, my personal favorite of the three backs. Payton is the bruiser type back. Give him the ball, he is heading for the first crack he can see, and is going to pound the ball right past you. He is an explosive player that can break the big play, he doesn’t do this with super speed or by fancy foot work, he does this with power. Payton is still a 2nd or 3rd and short back when they need that push for the first down or when they need a push into the end zone. With the departure of Josiah Sears and the lack of a true full back, Payton will be a major component in the running game.

Of course we all know that the running back can only do so much, they need a push up front and an open hole. That is the job of the offensive line. This team is young on the line starting a new center, right guard and right tackle. While the push for the running game looks better, the line still needs to get better against the pass rush and give Kellen more time to work. Each game the line has got better as the game goes on, and that is a credit to the no huddle that doesn’t allow the defense to breath. The good news is the line is coming together, the bad news is they no longer have time to learn from their mistakes. They have to be solid from here on out or it could make for a long season for Lewis and the backs.

Speaking of Lewis, this year we will really get to know just what Lewis can do. Once again he has a young line with little experience, while we have a decent three back rotation and they still don’t have an every down feature back to relieve some pressure on him. The last two years these issues created problems for Lewis, but he had a experienced receiving crew that was anchored by Hardy. This year he doesn’t have that threat, he has returning experience in Means and Fisher, but neither of them are deep threat over the top players. Lewis does have two very good freshmen in Belcher and Doss, as these two see more time on the field, and adjust to the quicker speed of collegiate play, look toward them to become go to play makers. Lewis is still not 100% with his receivers, his timing was better this week, this has got to improve, he can’t expect his legs to bail him out all season.

Bottom line to the 2008 IU offense is improvement needed at every position. There is no position that is solid. Improvement will need to come 1 day at a time in practice, and 1 play at a time during games. If they can take steps forward, and not go back, this offense can score points on anyone and help give us that 8-4 season I’m predicting.

Quick Update: Zachery commits to IU

Mike P just interrupted my lunch to ask me to throw on the following:

Nick Zachery of Sheridan H.S. has committed to IU's '09 class. Mike states:
"He plays both sides of the ball, has 3 campionships, and he's awesome."

Mike will update with better details when he has appropriate access!

Hoosier Standouts Drafted in Second Round

First, I apologize for the delay in this post, as this is obviously "old news", but the basketball fan in me has been somewhat distracted by the activities at Assembly Hall.

Just in case you were not already aware, Tracy Porter and James Hardy were drafted back-to-back last weekend in the second round of the NFL draft. Porter, picked 40th, was selected by the New Orleans Saints, and Hardy went 41st to the Buffalo Bills. Two day-one picks could be a huge boost to this program, especially if either man gets the opportunity to be a starter this season.
Porter is my vote for a potential starter, based on the needs of the Saints program. He needs to focus some on his tackling - be less concerned with the pick, and just make the solid play. It'll take him a long way. Tracy does get to enjoy a homecoming of sorts with his pick, having graduated from Port Allen H.S. in LA.

Hardy elected to forgo his senior season and go pro this year, and personally, I think it was a solid move for him. He needs to bulk up, and I fully expect it to take a year or two for him to truly develop, but I anticipate James will become a high-caliber player at the professional level. He's grown a great deal personally over the last few years, and I know the loss of Terry Hoeppner was especially hard for him. Given the strides he's made over the last 2 years, I can't wait to see what the next 2 (and more!) years hold in store for him.

I also want to mention that Josiah Sears and Tim Bugg have also been invited to attend mini-camps over the next few weeks. Sears will spend the weekend with the Chicago Bears, while long-snapper Bugg will be with the Bengals this weekend, and the N.Y. Giants next weekend. We hope to be able to report contracts for them in the near future!

My congratulations to all of these young men! We, as Hoosier fans, thank you for the last few seasons, and your part in reaching the dream of playing 13. Here's to long and fruitful careers!

Spring Practice Photo's 4/5/2008

Ben Chappell (4) winds up to
deliver a pass in spring
practice as head coach Bill Lynch
looks on. 4/5/2008


Ray Fisher (7) fields a punt
during spring practice.
4/5/2008


Bryan Payton (27) tries to
turn the corner and is met
by a gang of Hoosier tacklers.
4/5/2008



Punter/QB Chris Hagerup booms a
towering punt during spring practice.
4/5/2008



Jake Kocal(34) tries to
haul in a pass while being
guarded by Adrian Burks(23).
4/5/2008

Hoosier Turmoil

It is spring time, college football teams all over the country are on practice fields gearing up for the 2008 season. It is a chance to start new, the records are all 0-0, oh what a great time of year for most.

Unfortunately it has not been that way for us Hoosier fans this year. Turmoil off the field has and will lead to turmoil on the field. We start this spring minus our two senior leaders on defense, both of those players were in the skill positions, and not easily replaced. Then an athletic and talented safety gets moved from defense to offense. Why you may ask? Well that has to do with missing personnel on the offensive side of the ball.

Oh the offense. What a mess this is. James Hardy decided to skip his senior season and become eligible for the NFL draft. Who can blame him, after all he already owns the records in most major categories for an IU receiver, and is projected to be a mid to late 1st round draft pick. He will be missed, but the coaches have always talked about the depth at receiver, so we should be fine.

We should be, but will we? The depth at receiver looks shallow to me. It was reported yesterday that James Bailey has decided to transfer from IU to another school that has not yet been named. While Bailey had his problems on and off the field, the experience of a 5th year senior and 3 year starter can’t be replaced easily.

But we have Andrew Means who played in Bailey’s slot last year! Well, maybe. Means is a college baseball player who runs routes and catches passes in the off season. He is currently lighting up pitchers all over the Big Ten with a near .400 batting average, and is not sure about his return to the team this fall. His dream is to play in the Majors, and if a MLB team is calling, Means is going to answer.

That leaves us with only two receivers who have seen playing time in more than 5 games at IU. Couple this with injured lineman, running backs running track, and the fact the starting QB for the past two seasons is currently suspended and his return to the team at this point is not certain, makes you wonder just what the spring practice is worth this year.

On the upside, you don’t prepare for an entire season in the limited practice time you get in the spring, and with the injuries, departed and suspended players, the coaching staff will get a chance to plug in some younger guys, get to evaluate some redshirt players, and hopefully build more depth at each position.

While other schools are polishing the edges, Coach Lynch and his staff are working with grinders. Hopefully the long spring won’t lead to a longer fall.

Spring Practice

Here we go, time for some spring football. As you may already know, spring practice opens up tomorrow (March 25th). This will prove to be an interesting spring for the Hoosiers.

Coach Lynch enters his second year at the helm of the Hoosiers after being elevated to the head coaching spot after the death of Coach Hep. There have been minor changes to his staff, one is the lost of running backs coach Gerald Brown and the other is the new hire of Dennis Springer from Western Kentucky. Other changes are internal responsibilities. While Springer played for and coached under Lynch, his record as a running backs coach lead a little to be desired in my opinion.

Not only is Coach Lynch dealing with staffing changes, but the identity of his team has changed. Gone is the Lewis to Hardy connection. Hardy decided to jump early and head to the NFL, and Lewis is dealing with off the field issues that will cause him to miss spring practice. This elevates James Bailey as the likely #1 receiver and Ben Chappel as the #1 QB. He will also see McCray and Payton fight to become the starting tailback, before the addition of Darius Willis. This will also mark the first go round for the "7 block of limestone", coach Hep's line he started building. The senior leaders are gone, time for them to step up.

FYI - Mark my words, Thigpen WILL BE playing in the slot this season.

The defensive side of the ball will be strange, no Tracy Porter, no Majors, Evans will move back to QB from playing safety. I have decided to wait and see who is on the field on defense, before I make an opinion on what needs to be done.

I will attend the open practices on April 5th and 11th and the spring game on April 19th. Please check after those days for my thoughts, and some spring football photos. I bought a new Digital SLR and can't wait to get some action shots on the field. Thanks for reading.

Josiah Sears

This will be short, but I felt it was worthy of posting. I spoke with Josiah Sears this afternoon, he participated in the Pro Day at IU and has had interest shown from a few teams to move on to the NFL. He is patiently waiting on the NFL Draft, as will I to hopefully see his name called. His hard nose style of play, dedication to IU and to his team has made him one of my favorite players on and off the field.

I personally feel he would be an assets running behind an NFL line on short yardage and goal line plays. His straight forward, punishing style of running should get him a job playing on Sundays, his work ethic and dedication will keep that job.


Good Luck Josiah!

QB Kellen Lewis Suspended

Details are sketchy at best, but "indefinitely" and "suspended" are partnered with Lewis' name for "violation of team rules".

Makes you wonder if he's made to many cell phone calls too.

(Sorry.) Hope to know a great deal more about this in the very near future.

2008 NFL Combine Q&A with IU Players

Tim Bugg

Growing up, who was your favorite NFL player and why?
William 'The Refrigerator' Perry. He was a beast.

What TV-show marathon will keep you on the couch all day?
"Seinfeld"

What is one thing your teammates don't know about you?
I played the saxophone in middle school.

What reality TV show would you like to be on and why?
Dancing with the Stars. I would love to be able to dance like that.

What's your proudest moment in football? Proudest moment off the field?
Being able to overcome a season-ending knee injury and come back stronger the next season; Graduating from the Kelley School of Business.

Who has been the biggest influence on your football career and how?
My dad has served as my advisor since coming to college. Any advice I need, I can count on him to give me support and guidance.

Tracy Porter


Growing up, who was your favorite NFL player and why?
Terrell Davis, because I loved the way he ran the ball and how he carried himself off and on the field.

In college, what player hit you the hardest? Who was the recipient of your best hit?
My own teammate, Greg Brown. It was helmet-to-helmet. He knocked me out; WR from Ball State.

What TV-show marathon will keep you on the couch all day?
Family Guy

What are the five most-played songs in your iPod? What's the one song you hope nobody ever finds out is in your iPod?
I'm so hood - remix (D.J. Khaled), 100 million dollars (Birdman), Dey know (Shawn Lo), I'm raw (Lil' Wayne), I feel like dying (Lil' Wayne); Sisqo - Thong Song.

What celebrity would play you in the movie version of your life and why?
Denzel Washington - he can act like anybody.

What is one thing your teammates don't know about you?
I would like to learn how to fly a helicopter.

What reality TV show would you like to be on and why?
Making the Band - It seems like everyone wants to be a singer/rapper these days, so why not?

What's your proudest moment in football? Proudest moment off the field?
Winning the bucket from Purdue and at the same time going Bowling. Playing 13 for Hep; Proudest moment off the field was attaining a 3.175 GPA

When you play Madden, what team do you use? Do you put yourself on the team?
New Orleans Saints (hometown team). No, because my goal is to have EA Sports put me on the game by making it to the NFL.

Who has been the biggest influence on your football career and how?
Coach Terry Hoeppner, because he inspired me and taught me to become a better player, student and man.

James Hardy
No Q&A listed.

Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange.

Tim Bugg: NFL Scouting Report

Overview

The NFL continues to search for players who can perfectly place the ball in the hands of the punter or holder.

One of the pivotal reasons behind Indiana making it to the postseason in 2007 was that they had what many scouts felt was the best long-snapper in the collegiate game -- Tim Bugg. As a senior, he was responsible for the team's success in the kicking department, as they made all 49 extra-point attempts, 21 of 23 field goals and 59 flawless punts. He is held in such high regard, that he was recently invited to the Senior Bowl, a contest that features only the elite seniors in college football.

With Bugg about to embark on his professional career, Tim's younger brother, Brandon, is expected to take over those chores, putting Indiana's snapping duties into very capable hands.

Bugg was a standout snapper and lineman at Mishawaka Penn High School. He was an All-Northern Indiana Conference honorable mention team during his senior campaign, adding Class 5A All-Area honors. During his first season with the varsity, the team captured the 1999 5A state championship.

In addition to playing football, Bugg lettered in golf during his freshman and sophomore years, where he perfected his hand quickness needed for his snapping chores. In his last three years at the school, he also lettered on the rugby team.

Bugg enrolled at Indiana as a walk-on in 2003, but spent the next two seasons performing on the scout team. He was shifted to tight end briefly in 2004, but never got to see game action.

In 2005, Bugg finally was given his opportunity. He handled long-snapping chores in six of the team's first seven games (did not play vs. Illinois), but suffered a left knee torn anterior cruciate ligament vs. Ohio State, missing the team's final four games to undergo surgery. Prior to his injury, he handled 47 of 48 punt snaps cleanly, along with 25 snaps for extra-point attempts (team made 23) and six more for field goals.

Bugg returned to action in 2006, with his younger brother serving as his backup on the scout team. He handled a total of 66 snaps for the punting game and 47 more for the field goal and PAT unit (15 on field goals). He also showed his tackling form, registering three tackles for the punt-coverage unit.

Bugg was named All-American and All-Big Ten Conference first-team by The NFL Draft Report in 2007. The team's kicking game had drastically improved in his two-plus seasons of handling snapping chores. To say that the Hoosiers snapper was flawless would be an understatement. His blocking up front kept the kick blockers at bay, as he handled 61 snaps for the punting unit and 70 more for the placement kick teams, with only one Indiana punt being blocked for the year.

Indiana kicking specialist Austin Starr recently told the media prior to the Insight Bowl.

Career Notes

Bugg has never had an errant snap in 30 games at Indiana...He snapped the ball 326 times during his career -- 175 on punts, 107 on extra-point attempts and 44 field goals...The team made 81.82% of its field goals (36 of 44) and 94.39% of its point after conversions (101 of 107) with Bugg snapping the ball...They were also successful in getting off 97.22% of their punts (175-of-180) during that span.

High School

Attended Penn (Mishawaka, Ind.) High School, playing football for head coach Chris Geesman...All-Northern Indiana Conference honorable mention team during his senior campaign, adding Class 5A All-Area honors...During his first season with the varsity, the team captured the 1999 5A state championship...In addition to playing football, Bugg lettered in golf during his freshman and sophomore years, where he perfected his hand quickness needed for his snapping chores...In his last three years at the school, he also lettered on the rugby team.

Analysis

Positives: Has a thick lower-body frame with strong legs to anchor, good arm length and large, soft hands to snap the ball cleanly and with above-average velocity...Has very good accuracy on his deep snaps and has shown marked improvement maintaining that velocity on his short attempts...Gets his hands up quickly and with good placement to neutralize defenders coming off the snap...Intelligent athlete who makes good adjustments before snapping and hits the mark with his snap placement, not taking the punter out of his stance to field the ball...His deep-snap average time ranges from 0.64-0.68 seconds (from 14 yards out) while his short snaps have improved from a 0.43-second average to the .038-.041-second range (fastest of any snapper in college)...Puts very good zip on his snaps, making sure to get it back exactly how the punters and holders like to field it at the laces...Practices his trade and plays with confidence, showing good determination to get downfield and help support the coverage unit...Has a low center of gravity and good arm flexibility...Comes off the snap to drive defenders off the line with his leg drive...Effective blocker who will hit a defender before releasing off the line and gets downfield quickly to help cover, showing adequate speed down the middle lane...Has a low center of gravity and good arm flexibility, doing a solid job of coming off the snap to drive defenders off the line with his leg drive...Fluid dropping back to pick up the gunner...Snaps looking at the ground and generally gives a look to his target prior to his snapping motion...On punt snaps, his accuracy is such that he can consistently getting the ball right into the punter's chest and places lots of zip on the ball to allow his teammate to field the ball cleanly...Runs with a normal stride and comes through with quality snaps, even in pressure situations...Quick to pick up defensive schemes...Shows the skills to attain perfect height and get the ball back directly to the holder on field goal and placement snaps...Has never had a field goal or placement blocked due to his snapping...Shows good short-area quickness coming out of his stance and generates decent explosion on the rise, playing with proper knee bend and hip roll... Takes smart blocking angles in the open...Shows good recoil, especially when there is a gap charge when he snaps...Finds a way to maintain balance, keeping his body in proper position, keeping his feet moving upon contact and has the ability to reach a "three" technique with consistency...Might not have great timed speed, but in the trenches, he has light feet and knows how to use his large hands to snap the ball with good technique...Can stop the rushers with his forceful hand punch.

Negatives: Lacks muscle tone and has a soft midsection, but his frame can carry at least another 20 pounds of bulk without having it impact his foot speed or snap quickness...Is a willing tackler, but lacks the foot speed needed to get downfield after the snap to make the play...His short snaps lacked trajectory in the past, but in 2007, he seemed to have corrected executing those low balls...Lacks fluid hips to generate much quickness running downfield, but plays on his feet with a solid base when blocking in-line.

Compares To: MIKE MORRIS-ex-Minnesota...The measuring stick for all long snappers is Morris, who was regarded as the best to ever perform at this position in the professional ranks. Bugg has the same explosive hand quickness. He keeps his head on a swivel to neutralize defenders after the snap and can always be found working on improving his craft. He has a very good spiral on his attempts with excellent trajectory and has also become a proficient angle blocker. While he is not able to play another position, his long-snapping duties are superior enough to see him be the first (and possibly only) player that will be chosen at his position in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Injury Report

2005: Tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee vs. Ohio State (10/22), missing the team's final four games vs. Michigan State (10/29), Minnesota (11/05), Michigan (11/12) and Purdue (11/19) after undergoing surgery.

Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange.

Tracy Porter: NFL Scouting Report

Overview

One of the nation's top playmaking defensive backs, Tracy Porter became the first player in school history to return a punt, interception and fumble for touchdowns in his career.

The team captain has always been known for his ball-hawking skills, but after years of reluctance to perform vs. the run, Porter showed good determination in stopping the run his final season.

As a senior, Porter became the first Hoosier since Mark Sutor in 1982 to record six or more interceptions in a season. He would close out his career with 16 interceptions, three short of the school record of 19 by Tim Wilbur (1978-82). Ever the opportunist, he amassed 413 yards on those interception returns, breaking the previous Indiana record of 360 yards by Wilbur. He also became just the third player in Big Ten Conference history to gain over 400 yards on interception returns, joining Jamar Fletcher of Wisconsin (459, 1998-2000) and Tom Curtis of Michigan (431, 1967-69).

It took a few years for Porter to warm up to playing football. At Port Allen High School, he was more noted for his basketball talent than for his football prowess. He played only two seasons of football during his prep days, but earned first-team All-District 3A honors as a senior and second-team laurels as a junior.

Porter played quarterback, running back and wide receiver on offense and made 93 tackles, 11 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and 14 pass breakups as a cornerback during his senior year. He also returned two punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns, averaging 47.0 yards per kick return and 28.0 per punt return. He also started at point guard for the basketball team and clocked a personal best 10.4 in the 100 meters for the track team.

Porter joined Leslie Majors as the only true freshmen to letter at Indiana in 2004. He was named to The Sporting News' Big Ten Conference All-Freshman Team. He started the first seven games at right cornerback before he was sidelined for the final four contests with a left shoulder injury (clavicle fracture). He posted 22 tackles (19 solo) with six pass breakups and also intercepted three passes, returning one for a touchdown.

As a sophomore, Porter started all 11 games, 10 at right cornerback, and in the season finale vs. Purdue, he shifted to strong safety. He delivered 48 tackles (42 solo) with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He picked off three more passes and also batted away six other throws.

Porter added punt return duties to his resume in 2006. He was a second-team All-Big Ten Conference pick, starting all 12 games at right cornerback. He was in on 59 tackles (51 solos), as he recovered a fumble, caused another and knocked down eight balls. He had four interceptions and a 27-yard kickoff return while also blocking one kick.

In 2007 preseason camps, Porter excelled and the coaching staff felt that he had the ability to be the Big Ten's elite cornerback. Coach Bill Lynch was impressed by Porter's play and maturity and predicted a big year.

In 2007, Porter became the first Indiana cornerback since Mike Dumas in 1989 to earn All-Big Ten Conference first-team accolades. He shifted to left cornerback, ranking second in the league and tied for 18th nationally with six interceptions. He ranked tied for third in the Big Ten with an 11.0-yard average on 23 punt returns. He totaled 83 tackles (63 solo), with a sack and 5.5 stops for losses. He recovered two fumbles, returning one for a score and had four pass breakups.

Porter started all 43 games in which he played at Indiana, lining up at right cornerback for 29 contests, at left cornerback for 13 games and once at strong safety. He ranks second in school history with 16 interceptions for a Hoosiers all-time record 413 yards in returns (25.8-yard average) and a touchdown. He recovered four fumbles for 147 yards in returns, including a score. He added 477 yards and a touchdown on 35 punt returns (13.6 avg) and had a 27-yard kickoff return. He finished with 212 tackles (175 solo), a nine-yard sack and 5.5 stops for minus-18 yards. He also caused two fumbles, deflected 24 passes and blocked a kick.

Career Notes

Porter's 16 interceptions rank second in school history, topped only by Tim Wilbur's 19 (1978-82)...His 413 yards on interception returns broke Wilbur's previous school all-time record of 360 yards and rank third in Big Ten Conference annals behind Jamar Fletcher of Wisconsin (459, 1998-2000) and Tom Curtis of Michigan (431, 1967-69)...First player in school history to return a punt, an interception and a fumble for a touchdown in his career...First Indiana cornerback since Mike Dumas in 1989 to earn first-team All-Big Ten Conference honors (2007)...Had six interceptions in 2007, tying Mark Sutor (1982), Tim Wilbur (1978), Milt Campbell (1955) and John Cannady (1946) for third on the school's season-record list, surpassed only by Wilbur's eight pass thefts in 1979 and seven by Dave Abrams in 1977...Gained 137 yards on interception returns in 2007, the fourth-best season total in Indiana history behind Tim Wilbur (167 in 1979 and 138 in 1978) and Mike Dumas (152 in 1990)...His 98 yards in returns via interceptions vs. Central Michigan in 2004 is the second-best game total in Hoosiers annals, topped only by Mike Dumas (99 vs. Purdue, 11/24/90)...His 96-yard interception return vs. Central Michigan in 2004 is the fourth-longest in school history behind Mike Dumas (99 vs. Purdue, 11/24/90), Tim Wilbur (98 vs. Michigan State, 10/21/78) and Alfonzo Thurman (97 vs. Miami, Ohio, 9/10/94)...His punt-return average of 13.6 yards rank seventh in Big Ten Conference history and set a school career-record.

High School

Attended Port Allen (La.) High School, playing football for head coach Paul DeStifanto...Played only two seasons of football during his prep days, but earned first-team All-District 3A honors as a senior and second-team laurels as a junior, despite missing seven games with a right forearm fracture that year...Competed as a quarterback, running back and wide receiver on offense and made 93 tackles, 11 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and 14 pass breakups as a cornerback during his senior year...Returned two punts and two kickoffs each for touchdowns, averaging 47.0 yards per kick return and 28.0 per punt return...Started at point guard for the basketball team and clocked a personal best 10.4 in the 100 meters for the track team.

Analysis

Positives: Has good arm length, a bit high-cut, but has large, natural hands to make the interception...His speed is his best asset, evident when returning interceptions or kicks or getting downfield to cover on the punt team...Runs with a smooth stride and has exceptional quickness and burst...Possesses good change-of-direction agility and body control, as well as quick feet to redirect (does struggle to come out of breaks cleanly, though)...Competes hard as a gunner on punt and punt-return teams...Does a fairly good job in tight man coverage, giving his opponents little stabs and showing good athletic ability...Needs to react to the plays with better urgency, but takes good angles to close...Adequate reading routes, but can be disruptive with his hands on the press and is better when he mirrors the receiver throughout the route rather than when playing off the man...Shuffles his feet most of the time in his backpedal, but does build to top speed well as the route extends, showing decent hip sink and balance...Better to see plays develop when in a Cover-2 or "quarters" coverage...Has the speed to catch up and close the cushion with the ball in flight and shows good ball skills and hands to reach and extend for the ball away from his frame...Needs to develop cleaner feet to stick in his breaks, but shows good hand usage in attempts to reroute his opponent...Has the rare speed to run with his opponent on deep patterns and, if given room, he can slip and avoid blocks with his quickness...Has exceptional leaping ability to compete for jump balls (will get knocked around a bit) and catch the pass at its highest point...Able to extend and make plays on the ball over his head and has good vision running with the pigskin, knowing when to get "skinny" in order to slip through tight creases...Does good things with the ball in his hands as a return specialist, showing run instincts and flashing elusiveness, with good production...As a gunner, he eludes blockers one-on-one and gets downfield quickly, showing good competitiveness.

Negatives: Has a slender build with a thin chest and smooth legs, but if he adds more bulk, it will impact his overall quickness...Has shown better courage playing vs. the run, but his lack of strength will see him get rag-dolled by bigger blockers often...Has decent ability in press coverage, but gets lots of balls caught on him underneath, as he prefers to give up a big cushion...Durable athlete, but lacks toughness and it is rare to see him stick his hat into the action (prefers to make plays in the open than in closed quarters), but did show better tackling effort as a senior than he did earlier in his career...Has good hip snap, but needs to open them quicker to come out of his breaks cleanly...Has had problems academically and will need more than a few reps to retain plays...Has matured off the field, but does not handle tough coaching well...Slow to read and react to the ball and his low test score indicates he might have problems digesting a complicated playbook...Must play with better urgency when he sees the play develop (does not close in a hurry)...Best when he stays tight on the receiver's hip, as he lacks the recovery quickness to get back into the action when the receiver gets behind him (has great timed speed, but poor cutting ability negates his explosion)...Needs to be monitored in the training room and pushed in practice (not a self-starter)...Must work on improving his backpedal, as he doesn't stay in it long enough and uses a straddle-and-bail technique that allows speedier receivers to gain good separation...Tends to get up on his toes when backpedaling, causing him to struggle to turn cleanly...Just adequate playing in the zone, as he lacks urgency to handle switch-offs and waits for the play to come to him rather than initiate contact...Too inconsistent tracking the ball in flight and would much rather make a big play on the ball than attack a target...Even with his impressive leaping ability, his timing is off and he does not show good urgency to ride up over the receiver to compete for jump balls...Has natural hands, but struggles to locate the ball with his back to the quarterback...Made considerably more plays vs. the run as a senior than his first three years combined (in the past, he would not come up in run force, letting others make the play)...Generally takes a side or will swipe at the ankles when tackling, as he either lacks courage or knows he doesn't have the power to generate pop on contact and must also show better hand technique to wrap-up and secure...Gets engulfed by bigger blockers when playing near the line and has marginal strength, getting washed out often when asked to take on the lead blocker in run support...Never really embraced the fact that he is a football player until his senior year (just seemed to be going through the motions too often in the past)...Needs to play with better control, as he had a high amount of foolish penalties (nine) in 2007 that proved costly.

Compares To: RICARDO COLCLOUGH-Cleveland...Like Colclough, Porter's timed speed and natural hands are his best assets. Both have been productive returners and Porter shows good ability as a gunner on special teams. Neither is known for tackling ability, or a desire to make plays vs. the run. Porter is rail-thin, but additional weight would take away his best quality -- speed. He lacks consistency recognizing the play as it develops and will never be more than marginal in run support. Yes, he has great hands and a good eye to make the big play, but he's more of a sub package type of defensive back than one who can play all four downs.

Injury Report

2002: Missed seven games during his high school junior year after suffering a right forearm fracture.

2004: Suffered a left clavicle fracture vs. Ohio State (10/23), missing the final four games vs. Minnesota (10/30), Illinois (11/06), Penn State (11/13) and Purdue (11/20).

2008 NFL Combine Results

Top 10 Performer in:

40 Yard Dash - 4.37 Seconds, 4th overall for Cornerbacks

20 Yard Shuffle - 4.07 Seconds, Tied for 1st overall for Cornerbacks

60 Yard Shuffle - 11.22 Seconds, 2nd overall for Cornerbacks

Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange.

James Hardy: NFL Scouting Report

Overview

James Hardy was a coveted basketball prospect. A 185-pound Elmhurst High School product arrived in Bloomington intent on taking part in IU's hoops legacy in 2004. After one season with that team, the lanky athlete decided to commit to the gridiron. By the time he decided to leave for the National Football League three years later, he had shattered the school's season and career receiving records.

Hardy is the only wide receiver in Indiana history to surpass 2,500 yards, 175 receptions and 35 touchdowns. He finished his career with 36 scores on 191 catches, good for 2,740 yards. He also made a significant contribution on the basketball team as a freshman. During the 2004-05 campaign, he played in 23 games, starting three times, as he averaged 1.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 10.7 minutes per contest.

Hardy was a two-sport standout at Fort Wayne Elmhurst High School, where he was named All-SAC as a wide receiver after making 34 catches for 731 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior. Following his final campaign, he was a Class 4A All-State selection by the Indiana Football Coaches Association.

Hardy is the all-time leading scorer in Fort Wayne high school history. He was a two-time recipient of the Tiffany Gooden Award, given to the most out-standing male or female player in The Summit Athletic Conference, as chosen by The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette.

Hardy led the team to a Class AAA state runner-up finish in 2002-03 after averaging 23 points, nine rebounds and four assists. As a senior, Hardy averaged 27.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists, as the team finished with a 16-8 record. He was rated the 78th-best prep basketball player in the nation on the Insiders.com Top 100 squad.

After spending the 2004 football season with the scout team and the 2004-05 campaign with the basketball squad, Hardy concentrated strictly on football in 2005. He earned second-team All-Big Ten Conference honors, in addition to being a member of Rivals.com's Freshman All-American team.

Hardy started five of 10 games he appeared in at split end, missing the Michigan clash with a strained Achilles tendon. He led the Big Ten with an average of 89.3 yards per game receiving in 2005. His 61 catches rank third on the school's single-season record list, as he totaled 893 yards with 10 touchdowns.

On the field, Hardy had an equally impressive performance in 2006 as he did during his redshirt freshman season. But off the field, trouble followed. He was arrested on May 19 on charges of domestic battery and interfering with the reporting of a crime, after his girlfriend accused him of hitting her and the couple's infant child.

Hardy pleaded not guilty to the charges and later accepted a court's offer in Fort Wayne to settle his case through a pretrial diversion agreement. By accepting the program, he had to comply with the conditions of the agreement and pay court costs. He also apologized to his teammates and IU in his statement.

There were problems with Hardy and Indiana's late head coach Terry Hoeppner. After the second game of the 2006 season, the two met privately, resulting in the coach suspending Hardy for two games (vs. Southern Illinois and Connecticut).

When Hardy returned to the lineup, he was rusty from his layoff and was flagged for critical offensive pass interference on the Hoosiers' opening drive of the Wisconsin clash, finishing with an eight-yard catch for the day. He soon got back into his rhythm, catching at least five passes in six of his last seven games, finishing with 51 receptions for 722 yards (14.2-yard average) and 10 touchdowns.

As a junior, Hardy received several All-American first-team honors, in addition earned All-Big Ten Conference accolades. He led the team and ranked second in the league, as he set school season-records with 79 catches for 1,125 yards (14.2-yard average) and 16 touchdowns.

In 36 games at Indiana, Hardy started 26 contests. He finished his career by hauling in 191 passes for 2,740 yards (14.4 avg) and 36 touchdowns. He also scored 216 points and recorded one solo tackle.

Career Notes

Hardy's 36 touchdown receptions set a school record, topping the previous mark of 30 scores by Jade Butcher (1967-69)...His 36 touchdown catches rank third in Big Ten Conference history behind Braylon Edwards of Michigan (39, 2001-04) and Anthony Carter of Michigan (37, 1979-82)...His 36 scoring grabs rank fourth on the school's overall touchdown record list, topped by Anthony Thompson (68, 1986-89), Antwaan Randle El (45, 1998-2001) and Levron Williams (38, 1998-2001)...Hardy's 16 touchdown receptions in 2007 set a school record and rank tied with Taylor Stubblefield of Purdue (2004) for third on the Big Ten's annual record list behind Desmond Howard of Michigan (19 in 1991) and Terry Glenn (17 in 1995)...His four touchdown catches vs. Michigan State in 2004 set a Hoosiers game-record and rank tied for third in league annals behind Omar Douglas of Minnesota (five vs. Purdue in 1993) and Lee Evans of Wisconsin (five vs. Michigan State in 2003)...Scored 96 points in 2007, tying Pete Stoyanovich (1988) for fourth on the school's single-season list, ranking behind Anthony Thompson 156 in 1988; 154 in 1989) and Levron Williams (114 in 2001)...His 191 receptions broke the previous school career-record of 170 by Courtney Roby (2001-04)...Hardy's 79 catches in 2007 surpassed the old Indiana annual record of 66 grabs by Ernie Jones in 1987, as Hardy's 61 catches in 2005 rank third on that list...Gained 2,740 yards receiving during his career, topping the old school all-time record of 2,524 yards by Courtney Roby...His 1,125 receiving yards in 2007 rank second on Indiana's season-record list behind Ernie Jones' 1,265 yards in 1987...Became the fourth player in school history to gain over 200 yards receiving in a game, amassing 203 yards vs. Iowa in 2005 to join Thomas Lewis (285 vs. Penn State, 1993), Tyrone Browning (258 vs. Western Michigan, 1998) and Nate Lundy (256 vs. Colorado, 1980) on that lofty list...When Hardy caught three touchdowns vs. Iowa in 2006, he became the first Hoosier to catch three passes for scores in a game since Duane Gunn in 1983.

High School

Attended Elmhurst (Fort Wayne, Ind.) High School, where he was a standout in both foot-ball and basketball...Named All-SAC as a wide receiver after making 34 catches for 731 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior...Following his final campaign, he was a Class 4A All-State selection by the Indiana Football Coaches Association...For the basketball team, he is still the all-time leading scorer in Fort Wayne high school history...Two-time recipient of the Tiffany Gooden Award, given to the most outstanding male or female player in The Summit Athletic Conference, as chosen by The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette...Led the basketball team to a Class AAA state runner-up finish in 2002-03 after averaging 23 points, nine rebounds and four assists...As a senior, Hardy averaged 27.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists, as the team finished with a 16-8 record...Rated the 78th-best prep basket-ball player in the nation on the Insiders.com Top 100 squad.

Analysis

Positives: Has that rare-sized frame with an impressive combination of long limbs, excellent leaping ability and timing to high-point the ball...Has just adequate speed, but is deceptively quick getting into his routes...Needs to get stronger, but is a playmaker who uses his tall frame and long arms to get to a lot of off-target throws...Will struggle to defeat the press, but if he gets a clean release, he builds his acceleration steadily...Not the type that will separate after the catch, but can elude to get extra yardage...His height poses a great challenge for smaller defenders, especially on fades and post patterns...Gathers to make his cuts and while he lacks blazing speed, he is light on his feet...Moves well in space, showing smooth comeback running ability in the zone...Tough in a crowd, using his size to wall off and shield the ball from the defender...Sticks his foot in the ground to change direction and does a nice job of setting up the defender with good stutter-step moves after the catch... More of a shifty route runner than sudden, but he has loose hips and the juke moves needed to make the initial tackler miss...Quite effective on the bubble screen, as he uses his long arms well to look the ball in...Too tall to sink his pads as well as the other receivers, but uses his deceptive speed to generate movement...When he maintains good concentration, he is very effective at catching in a crowd...Does a good job of tracking the ball in flight while making proper body adjustments to get under the pass...Snaps off his route and comes back for the off-target throws...Has large, soft hands, plucking the ball out of the air with his long fingers properly extended...Has excellent arm extension to maintain position for the high passes... Like Keyshawn Johnson, he has the ability to keep his feet inbounds working the sideline and the flexibility to catch the over-the-shoulder passes...Runs with good body lean and while he won't win many open field foot races, he has the stride and stop-and-go action that allows him to suddenly freeze the defender after the catch...Shows a decent burst running the flash screen, but it is ability to adjust in stride that lets him get into position to make the catch.

Negatives: Needs to add bulk and more muscle tone to his body, as he has the linear build of a basketball player...His lanky frame poses problems, as he struggles vs. the more physical cornerbacks to get off the line due to marginal upper-body strength in attempts to get a push off the jam...Not a sharp route runner, as he does take some soft angle cuts...Best on controlled or intermediate routes, as he lacks the timed speed to gobble up the cushion and get behind the speedy cornerbacks on deep routes (would be more effective if he shortened his stride coming out of his cuts)...Has had concentration problems, resulting in a fair share of dropped balls...Lacks aggression and desire as a blocker...Needs to show better awareness on corner and post routes as it seems he wants to turn and run before properly securing the ball...Shows some wasted motion trying to accelerate and burst when running underneath routes...Has some character issues and one off-field problem that needs further clarification, and he must be upfront in interviews at the Combine... Despite his size and leaping ability, he only caught 79 of 144 balls thrown to him in 2007, as the opposition managed to deflect 21 of those passes.

Compares To: HAROLD CARMICHAEL-ex-Philadelphia...You might have to ask your dad who Harold Carmichael was, but Hardy is in the same mold -- a tall, lanky receiver with a great reach and excellent leaping ability whose jump ball skills will create nightmares for smaller cornerbacks. Those defenders generally get into lots of trouble trying to stop Hardy from getting to the jump balls, evident by the 10 pass interference penalties charged to those covering Hardy in 2007. Some say he is like the Giants' Plaxico Burress, but he lacks the bulk, strength and explosive burst that Burress brings with his game. Use him on fades or bubble screens and he is sure to move the chains, but he is going to have to dedicate a few hours to the weight room, as his lack of ideal strength could become an issue, especially trying to beat the jam.

Injury Report

2005: Sat out the Michigan game (11/12) after suffering an Achilles tendon strain the previous week vs. Minnesota (11/05).

2007: Suffered a left ring finger fracture early in August camp and had the finger placed in a splint for two weeks.

2008 NFL Combine Results

Top 10 Performer in:

Bench Press - 18 Reps, 9th overall for WR

Broad Jump - 10'5", Tied for 8th overall for WR

3-Cone Drill - 6.84 seconds, 7th overall for WR

20-Yard Shuttle - 4.20 seconds, Tied for 7th overall for WR

Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange.

IU Hires Dennis Springer to Replace Gerald Brown....

As everyone knows by now, the IU running backs coach Gerald Brown has left the team and is heading to become an assistant coach in the NFL for the Falcons. Congratulations to Coach Brown, as we wish him the best for his future. The Hoosier nation will be watching.

What this does is leave an open position for Coach Lynch to fill, and fill it he has. Last Thursday (2/14/08) Dennis Springer was named as the new running backs coach. Springer played two years for Lynch at Butler, was a graduate assistant for 2 years, then an assistant at Ball State for 8 years.

In his 8 years as a full time assistant at Ball State, Coach Springer was the wide receivers coach for 4 years, linebackers for 2 years, and his final 2 years at Ball State he was the DB coach. Notice that he was NOT a running backs coach.

After leaving Ball State, Coach Springer got a position as a Running Backs coach for the Bowling Green State University Falcons. He started his campaign as RB coach in the 2003 season. At the end of the season BGSU had averaged 196.4 yards per game on 4.7 yards per carry to gain 2750 yards and score 29 TD’s. Looks very impressive huh? It would be until you look at 2 years later, his 3rd season as RB coach where they averaged 143.7 yards per game off of 3.8 yards per carry on their way to 1581 rushing yards and only 19 TD’s. His next and last season he was the Safeties coach for BGSU.

This last season he spent as the DB coach for Western Kentucky University, a team who gave up 184.6 passing yards per game last year.

So let me recap, we have a former player and assistant who is a friend of Coach Lynch who has 13 years of coaching experience, only 3 years experience at the position he has been named.

While Coach Springer is well respective by his peers, and has been slated as a very solid recruiter, I personally am not sold on him in this position. I mean if you’re looking for an assistant, there is a better qualified assistant on the Western Kentucky staff in Kevin Wright, the Hilltoppers’ Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks’ coach.

For those of you who are not familiar with Indiana High School football or with Coach Wright, I will give you a short background of why he would have been a better pick. Kevin Wright is the son of Indiana High School Football legend Larry “Bud” Wright, the 9 time (and past 3 straight) Class 1A State Champion coach of the Sheridan Blackhawks.
Kevin Wright made a name for himself when he took Warren Central (Indianapolis) from whipping boy to State Champions. They won 3 straight under Coach Wright, and their 4th straight the season after Coach Wright moved on. His predecessor who was the coach for the 4th state title has since been fired just 2 years removed from Kevin Wright.

Coach Wright and his ties to football in the state of Indiana and especially the factory that is Warren Central would have made him an extremely valuable member of the staff.

However, Coach Springer is now our man, we need to rally behind him, and hope he does the best job for our running backs, and hopefully makes the push to make Thigpen a slot receiver and concentrate on Payton and Willis as the two feature backs.

Go Hoosiers!

5 Players Arrested

Five of IU's football players were arrested for various charges over the weekend. If you would like you can read the story on the Hoosier Scoop by clicking this link: http://blogs.heraldtimesonline.com/iusp/?p=1529

I have mixed emotions on how this should be dealt with, on one hand these are still young men, they are in college, and they are having fun. I remember being that age, doing crazy stuff, even will admit now to some under age consumption. I also think about if these were 5 regular college kids that we would never read or hear about this.

Now out comes the fan, ex-player, and coach inside me. These 5 boys get a free education to play a game. They get to put on a set of pads and a jersey and represent this school and the over 1 million alumni every Saturday in the fall. Rather they like it or not, they are representatives of Indiana University, there are young kids up to high school players who desire to be like them, to get a scholarship to a Big Ten school, to play in College Football's top level. They have to hold themselves to a higher standard than their peers, they have more to lose.

We will see what kind of Coach and what kind of integrity Bill Lynch has. Will this be handled internally (I.E. extra laps after practice 1 day) or will he handle this in the open, show the IU nation that he is serious about building a solid and reputable program.


How would I handle this?

This is where my reputation for being a hard ass comes to light. From now till the end of spring practice, these boys would go through hell after everyone else is done for the night. There are a whole lot of stairs for each one of their feet to touch in Memorial Stadium every night!

That would just be the start. All 5 would be suspend from the first two games of the 2008 season. Not just suspended, but not allowed in the locker room, or on the field with their teammates!

After each of the first two games, all 5 would be brought to Memorial Stadium in Orange jump suits. They would be handed a set of gloves and a trash bag. These five young men would be responsible for picking up every nacho tray, plastic cup and hot dog wrapper left behind in then entire stadium. Once they got every thing picked up, they would be allowed to run every step in the stadium. They could then return home where they would check in with the coaching staff to verify their return.

They would have another option, that would be to choose not to abide by the punishment set forth, forgo their scholarships, and be removed from the roster permanently.

EDIT: After some time to think, I was a little harsh. A single game suspension and clean up of Memorial Stadium without the jump suits would be fine. They would still spend time after practice running, but maybe only 2 weeks.
These are my thoughts on this, now share with me yours!

A Medical Emergency Trumps a Trip to The Rock!

In my previous post I stated that I planned to make the trip to The Rock tonight for the press conference to introduce the new recruits for the 2008 season.

I never made it.

As I was finishing up my day, and getting ready to head home to get my son, his friend, and my camera. I had just logged off my computer when my desk phone rang, I look at the number and it is my mothers phone. I answer the phone to "Michael got hurt at the Y, it is his knee, meet me at his doctor!". So of course I rush out the door, get to his doctor right when they pull up. I pick my son up and carry him inside with tears rolling down his scared face.

After 2 hours and some x-rays, the doctor determines his knee is slightly dislocated. The knee was popped back in place, and he is feeling fine.

As all of this happened right before we were to get ready to to The Rock, I was not able to get anyone to fill in for me.

Sometimes life gets in the way, but the good news he is fine.

National Signing Day is HERE!!!

I know I am late on putting up this post, but at times my real job has to take priority over things I want to do.

Today is the day that IU receives those letters of intent from players they have recruited and pushed to get. Doug and Chris on the Hoosier Scoop do a good job of updating us as these letters come in. The media press conference is at 3:30pm Eastern, with an invitation only press conference for boosters at 5:00pm.

Check out the Hoosier Scoop's coverage @ !http://blogs.heraldtimesonline.com/iusp/?p=1478

I will be attending the 5 o'clock press conference along with my son and his friend. Check back later for a report and pictures from Memorial Stadium

UPDATE: IU has received LOI's from all 19 verbal commitments.

The official press release could be read here: http://blogs.heraldtimesonline.com/iusp/?p=1480

Check back later for more.

Changes Coming.....

To all those that read this blog, there will be some changes coming in the near future. The 1st change, the new header art has already been created by Megan M., and some different art will appear in the future.

We don't know all that we will be adding yet. There will be a links section to other blogs and pages that cover and promote IU Football. I will be starting a picture album, and looking at how to incorporate videos into the page.

As always, this is a fan's blog, ran by fans, for fans. We want your input about our output. Is there things you want to see us try and do, areas you would like to see more or less coverage of. Drop us a line, let us know.

Last piece of business, Megan M. had posted about doing a web cast call in show, where you the fans call into us, and we discuss the topics that YOU want to talk about. This is a very real possibility, and I would like to give it a test run after the spring practice and game this year. The 1st attempt would set aside 1/2 and hour, but could and would go longer if needed. Let us know if you are interested in this and would be willing to call in and make it happen.

As always.....GO HOOSIERS!

Darius Willis on ABC Today....

IU's prized recruit, running back Darius Willis from Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis will play in the ESPNU/Under Armour All-American game being played in Orlando Florida at 2:00pm (eastern) on ABC. He will play for Team Red.

Hardy jumping to the next level

I have to admit, I wasn't surprised, but a little disappointed, to learn officially today that James Hardy has elected to forgo his final year of eligibility at Indiana University, and declared himself eligible for the NFL draft.
The disappointment is purely selfish. I love this football team, and would love to see him here for one more year. To be able to try one more time for a better turnout at a bowl game. Hardy is a solid player, and obviously an asset to the squad. I would have loved to see him here for that one more year.
Sadly, it's a wise move for James. He is unlikely to improve with another year here. He's ready for the next level. He will improve, but that will only come for him now by increasing the level at which he is being trained and playing at. He will be leaving IU as a graduate (always a plus!), and is a late first or early to mid second round pick. That's hard to walk away from. How many young men are going to graduate college, and then pass up a few million bucks to hang out and play with his buddies one more year, running the risk of career ending injury before the career even begins? It's the best move for him.
James leaves us with the following: (This list is in no way all inclusive!)

• Hoosiers all-time single season record holder in receptions
• Hoosiers all-time single season record holder in touchdown catches
• Hoosiers all-time career record holder in receiving yards
• 2007 first team All Big Ten selection (Coaches and Media- first Hoosier receiver since 1987)
• Biletnikoff Award semi-finalist

Not bad for a kid who just a few years ago found himself in legal trouble. It became clear to me that after some quality time with a quality man, Coach Terry Hoeppner, Hardy had matured. He made a decision to be a better man. I think he did so, and this is just the natural progression of life, now.

So James, we wish you the very best. I do ask one thing. Please, don't name your high school when you're on Monday Night Football. Tell 'em. James Hardy. Indiana University. I've lost an awful lot of respect for some guys I thought were pretty good over that.James Hardy. Indiana University. We'll see you on a Monday night.

Reflections of a Bowl Game: Part 1

A new year is a new start. This fragmented sentence has been a staple of the IU football program in all the years of losing seasons. Each year became a new chance, a new start to the same story for the past 14 years. This season the story was the same, just a slight twist on the ending.

For the first time since the 1993 season, IU went to a Bowl game, playing on New Years Eve, in Tempe Arizona. This is a middle of the road bowl, but after a 14 year drought, most of us fans would have taken the Toilet Bowl sponsored by Kohler (if it existed). We didn’t get that low of a bowl seed, playing in a Big Ten contracted game against Oklahoma State, a Big 12 school. If you were not familiar with OSU, they are coached by Mike Gundy, he is a man, and he is 40. Like Chris Korman from the Herald Times said, that joke will never get old.

Now, with all joking aside, Mike Gundy is a good coach. He had a great game plan, knew who and where to attack our defense, and kept Tracy Porter and Greg Middleton from being able to hurt them, they actually took Middleton completely out of the game. My hats are off to the entire OSU staff and their players, they came set and ready.

Our guys were not ready to play, they came out flat, playing in an atmosphere they had never seen before, and just seemed intimidated by it all. Couple that with a very fast and physical OSU team, and the formula for a blow out had came together.

As I watched the game, on a 47” HDTV by the way (sorry, new experience, go buy one), I was not one bit shocked at anything I seen. Kellen was under pressure, and again he was determined to be a passing QB, when it was evident he was faster and more athletic than the guys chasing him. His plan was force it to Hardy, or throw it away. He never saw Thigpen, Sears, Means or Bailey opening up in the flat, many times with first down yardage. The announcers as well as others attribute this to being a sophomore QB, and yes he is a sophomore QB, that was starting his 22nd or 23rd game. He is a 2 year starter, these are the basics he should have learned as a redshirt freshman, and really taught as a first year starter.

Note to Lynch: Look for a better QB coach.

My next issue was Thigpen at running back. All year long I cringe when he gets the ball, and it is for two reasons, he will either fumble it, or lose yardage the majority of plays. There are two things this team does well running the ball, either a straight forward power game with Payton or Sears, or running the weak side counter. Payton runs this better than Thigpen, though Thigpen can be effective with his speed, when he remembers to run forward, don’t dance, don’t go outside, hit the hole the play is called for, if you get 2 yards, that is better than losing 3 like you did on the first play.

2nd Note to Lynch: Move Thigpen to the slot receiver, make the running backs coach pull the shotgun draw and the sweep out of the play book. If he is caught coaching these two plays, fire him on the spot, they don’t work, they have not worked, they will not work when the front 5 can’t block 4.

Speaking of the front 5, did they miss the flight? Come on guys, football games are won in the trenches, it doesn’t matter how good a QB is, how great his receivers are, how fast your running back is, without a solid front 5, the offense goes no where, does nothing. I know it is tough, you don’t get the credit when a QB has time to complete 80% of his passes, yet you get the blame in a hurry when he is running for his life, as you should. I know you were a veteran group, many who stayed an extra year to give your younger, more talented counter parts time to mature. For that I thank you.

3rd Note to Lynch: Need to find a really good tight end to help with downfield blocking on running plays, and with the hands to be the check down to allow the HB to either block or get the screen pass with man coverage. When you find them, use them, don’t let them stand on the sidelines like you did Nick Sexton, you wasted his senior year.

Now let’s talk about receivers, and not about IU’s receivers, but about their counter parts for OSU. Everyday, every film session, download it to their iPod, burn them a DVD to watch at home, but give every single one of our receivers a copy of nothing but the blocking on the outside that the OSU receivers done all game. It was almost perfection.
I don’t really have much more to say about the receivers, even when they could get open, Lewis could not get the ball to them.

4th Note to Lynch: Use the 1 and 2 man sleds to teach the receivers to block. If you don’t have one that can be used, buy one, some Alumni member has the money. If not, email me, through this site, I will start a fund raiser myself to get one!

Note to James Hardy: You are a very good receiver, you need to learn how to play through the double team and make the catch when it hits your hands. You also should learn how to block down field, I used to think your other skills would take up for that, but I was wrong.

If I was you, I would prepare for my senior year at IU, your draft stock went from middle to low first round to high 3rd round after Monday night. You are not ready, don’t fool yourself into thinking you are. If you don’t believe me, watch the film for yourself.

Now, do we really want to talk about play calling? We need a first down to keep a drive going, it is 4th and less than a yard, Lewis is in a shotgun, rolls out, and throws it to far ahead of Fisher for him to even get a finger on it. Let me ask the coaches this, why would you not put the ball in the hands of Josiah Sears? He averaged 3.2 yards per carry this season, he carried the ball 1 time Monday, 1 damn time, and it was a 5 yard TD, and would have been more if he would have had further to run!

Note to Lynch: Never mind, you should know what to do by now.

There will be more in the near future, I have lots of things to say about the defense, and it will not be nice.

Let’s hear your thoughts.

The end

Well, it's over. It ended in a less than fantastic way, truly depressing after everything else, but it's over. A few quick thoughts..
We still can't stop a pass to the flat. Everyone we play has watched us get beat game after game after game on the 8-12 yard pass to the flat, which is why everyone does it. I hope we work on it.
We came out in the second half and played football. We went in to the locker room at halftime down 25 points, came out and played some pretty decent football. Defensively, we simply didn't have enough to stop them, or even just hold them to 3, but we looked better and did make some stops in the second half that helped a little. Offensively, we looked sharper, made plays.
We have to learn, as a team, to play 4 quarters of football. Show up for the first one, and stick around to the end of the fourth. That's been an issue for us all year. We play 2-3 decent quarters of football, but it's simply not enough. Simply not enough..