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The Indiana Daily Student

sports football

Two players begin to separate themselves in quarterback competition

Head coach Kevin Wilson speaks at a press conference at Memorial Stadium regarding the Pinstripe Bowl Dec. 6, 2015.

Two players are starting to separate themselves in the IU quarterback competition, but there is still a long way to go from figuring out a starter to replace the record-breaking Nate Sudfeld.

IU Coach Kevin Wilson gave a statement on the situation after practice Tuesday. Not counting junior quarterback Zander Diamont, who is missing the spring season after undergoing a procedure, transfer junior Richard Lagow and sophomore Danny Cameron have become the top two in the race.

“Based on what we’ve seen, and it’s more from just command presence and what’s going on, right now, those guys have got the bulk of the work,” Wilson said.

Wilson said the team felt a need to give those two more of the reps to prevent watering the development of the quarterback situation.

Lagow, who transferred this winter from Cisco Community College after short stops at UConn and Oklahoma State, has been credited by coaches for his big arm and throwing ability. He threw for 2,285 yards, 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season at Cisco.

Cameron, on the other hand, joined the program as a walk-on two years ago and primarily played with the scout team during his two seasons.

He had to come in Oct. 10, 2015, when both Sudfeld and Diamont were sidelined with injuries. Against a tough Penn State defense, Cameron was held to 6-of-16 passing for 65 yards and an interception.

“Danny’s been very, very competent,” Wilson said. “Again, he’s just got a lot more time on task.”

While Cameron may not possess the physical tools of 6-foot-6 Lagow, he has been credited by coaches for his command of the offense. The word on Lagow has been that he needs to work on his understanding and knowledge. Wilson said Lagow has shown signs of becoming IU's starter, but isn't as good as he needs to be.

The consensus Tuesday was that there is still a lot of work to be done at the quarterback position. Wilson said he isn’t discouraged or disappointed but knows the position needs to get better.

Two other players Wilson mentioned were freshman Austin King and sophomore Donovan Hale. Wilson was impressed of the talent of both players, but said they may not be putting in the time that is necessary. Wilson said there’s an open library and a lot of guys study in there and some go home.

Word went around last week from several outlets about Pittsburgh transfer Chad Voytik visiting IU. Voytik started for Pitt in 2014 and passed for 2,233 yards along with 16 touchdowns and seven interceptions, then lost the job in 2015. Wilson attempted to put down speculation about the visit.

“You know, we had a recruit here this week,” he said, “and I know some guys said, ‘Well, we must not like our quarterbacks,’ no, but we didn’t even offer that recruit yet.”

Regardless of who earns the quarterback spot come September, Wilson and IU Coach Kevin Johns have taken comfort in the offense that will surround the eventual signal caller.

The Hoosiers return their three primary receivers in seniors Ricky Jones and Mitchell Paige and junior Simmie Cobbs. The three combined for 2,625 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.

The offense will also have an offensive line that is considered one of the best in the Big Ten returning four starters. Then, junior running back Devine Redding is back after rushing for 1,012 yards in 2015 despite being the No. 2 back for nine of 13 games.

This may provide comfort, but Johns said the quarterbacks need a lot of live reps and game situations to improve.

“Right now, they just need months and months and months of practice," Johns said.

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