15 spring practices certainly aren't enough to master new formations, but at least there's some instruction before summer. In fact, I thought this spring looked a hell of a lot better than last. Remember the negativity and questions surrounding the football program in 2008 - Kellen Lewis was suspended, Greg Middleton was having issues with coach, Ben Chappell was running an offense he wasn't sure if he'd work with in September and IU introduced the no-huddle offense (which, did not work out at all).
Things definitely were more positive in 2009's installment: (But realize there was a lot of change like we saw in 2008) . . .
1. Lewis to wide receiver (officially)
2. Chappell leads Pistol formation (IU went from the spread to the no-huddle to the pistol) You may see the spread when other quarterbacks other than Chappell are taking snaps.
3. Ray Fisher flips to defense, specifically cornerback
4. Jeremy Finch gets playing time at Safety (My guess, he starts on Sept. 3rd against Eastern Kentucky)
5. Injuries, injuries, injuries (too many to name, but here's a few - defensive end Jammie Kirlew, linebacker Will Patterson, offense lineman Justin Pagan, safety Austin Thomas, offense lineman Alex Perry, etc.).
6. Here's a simple one- more maturity, over 20 seniors on the roster and a good number of juniors. No excuses this year boys for not having experience, especially against the perennial powers like Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State.
Change is a good thing. But as we all know too much can kill a team's chemistry. I personally am happy with all the moves. Still, I have concerns (and I know its early, but just hear me out).
Concerns for fall:
1. Defense - the offense always looks somewhat powerful in spring practice. The running backs looked good and, at times, so did Chappell. Honestly, though the defense allowed some easy scores in the three scrimmages, one including the annual spring game. Even though there's no Javon Ringer or Jewel Hampton this season, can IU stop the run effectively? Patterson was out this spring so Justin Carrington and Matt Mayberry had to pick up the slack. I thought they didn't do terrible, however work still needs to be done.
As for the secondary, Ray Fisher looks like a first-year corner, no doubt about it. It's unfair to him but Demarlo Belcher and Tandon Doss have huge height advantages. Fisher is listed at 5'9. We all know there are plenty of corners in the NFL, who are under 6-foot. Still, Fisher needs more reps on defense.
2. Offensive Line - IU coach Bill Lynch keeps reinterating how much improvement the line has made. I've noted before on this blog that several lineman including Pagan, Saffold and Saxon have increased their bench presses dramatically (some by over 100 lbs.). Keep in mind, if the running game falters, first examine the line then look at the backfield. I think the o-line is going to work ten times as hard this year than last because Lynch says he's going to run the ball more. And, I believe it.
3. Special Teams - We overlook so much, but its true - IU needs help. The punting game is shakey. It seemes like Chris Hagerup can only get off 1 good punt out of five attempts. The kicking game is up in the air too. Freeland and Kligensmith have looked decent, but a recruit from Illinois named Mitch Ewald is supposedly the next Austin Starr. We'll see. . .
Questions, comments, concerns? Please vent here.
How do you feel about the '09 squad? I've listed some concerns above. On the flip side, anybody have any positives they've seen or heard about?
