Switching sides

A year ago, senior John Pannozzo was catching passes out of the backfield and blocking for Hoosier running backs. Junior Troy Grosfield practiced with the special teams unit as a kicker and ran plays with the practice squad.\nBut when IU coach Terry Hoeppner and his staff took over, all of that immediately changed.\n"When we started here, we started moving guys around and shuffling spots," defensive coach Brian George said. "Those were two guys that really stepped forward as two guys that have the ability to make plays for us. So far they've done a great job of that, and they're two of our leaders."\nThe switch to defense was nothing new for either one of the first-year starters though. Grosfield said his high school experience helped create a smooth transition between positions, as well as more opportunities from coaches over the past few years. \n"I was primarily a receiver in high school and I played some corner and safety and did punt returns," Grosfield said. "When I was getting recruited, it was big for me to be able do something besides kicking, so I asked the coaches if they would let me work on some receiver drills. About midway through my redshirt freshman year, coaches let me work on some receiver drills." \nAfter making the move to receiver, Grosfield took over kicking duties and led the kickoff team in tackles. The next spring he was a new defensive back for the Hoosiers. \n"Coach (Troy) Douglas was a big reason why I got a shot to play defensive back," said Grosfield, who is fourth on the team in tackles. "I love it, and it's been going really well ever since."\nPannozzo, much like Grosfield, has also enjoyed success at his new position. The senior linebacker leads the Hoosiers with 38 solo tackles and 49 total. He is second on the team with three sacks and has forced three fumbles, while recovering two. In high school, the Brooklyn, N.Y., native excelled at both the running back and linebacker position and was named a Heisman Trophy All-State.\n"I feel real comfortable right now, and I feel like I've been (at the linebacker position) forever," Pannozzo said. "I've seen a lot of situations that are going to unfold over the season, but you can't practice everything. I think I've done the best job possible to help my team win."\nPannozzo also has a touchdown on the season, which came in Saturday's loss to Ohio State. It marked the first defensive score for the Hoosiers this season and earned Pannozzo a spot on ESPN's "Ultimate Highlight Reel."\n"I didn't see it, but that's pretty cool," Pannozzo said. "This is the second time I've been on it. Last year I had a big tackle on special teams that made it."\nThough both players have helped anchor a revamped Hoosier defense, they are still reminded of their former positions. Grosfield said he still receives criticism for being a former kicker.\n"I'll never live it down," Grosfield said. "People give me crap about it all the time. But a lot of people on this team giving me a hard time couldn't go out and kick a ball"