By Brian Smith
Special to Under The Rock
No more underclassmen status. No more title of inexperienced signal caller.
And, let's not forget, no more Kellen Lewis.
The moment Lewis was banished from the IU football team, that's the moment Ben Chappell became its leader.
Personally, I wouldn't know Ben Chappell if he walked up to me and shook my hand. I do know, however, that as IU's starting quarterback, Chappell must take on a greater roll than that of the "just don't lose us the football game" type that's so often discussed by football pundits on ESPN and the like.
Chappell will not be forced into being the playmaker the way that Lewis was by using his feet outside the pocket, but he can make just as much an impact within the huddle while his feet are stationary.
That will be far more important; a calming influence during tight Big 10 games.
At some point, Chappell will need to make big plays via his strong right arm. He will. He's a heady player, as evidenced by last season's baptism by fire. Hoosier fans should take solace in the fact that Chappell will be the starting quarterback in Bloomington during the next two seasons.
With four talented running backs -- Bryan Payton, Demetrius McCray, Darius Willis, and Zach Davis-Walker - to hand off to, and developing talents at wide receiver to make big plays - Damarlo Belcher, Terrance Turner, and Tandon Doss - Chappell will be the distributor, not the playmaker, during most games.
That's fine. His biggest role will be directing a new offense and making sure each of the players are properly positioned before each snap.
When it's needed, Chappell is more than capable of delivering touchdown passes as well. In the end, Chappell is the leader of the IU football team. Provide leadership, get the players lined up properly, and throw some touchdowns.
If Chappell uses to his feet to gain a few extra yards here or there, nobody will complain either.
