Practice starts Monday for the 2011 Hoosiers and to prepare, we'll be putting up a few tidbits from players or coaches at Big Ten Media Days that didn't quite make it into articles.
Up first is senior wide receiver Damarlo Belcher. Belcher led the Big Ten with 78 receptions last year, amassing 832 yards and four touchdowns. Last Friday, Belcher weighed in on a number of topics.
One of the more interesting comments Belcher had was what he said about the new jerseys. As many may know, the Hoosiers have made a few changes to their uniforms, including removing the stripe from the helmets, leaving just a red dome with the IU logo on the sides.
"We kept the red helmets, we've just got the IU logo on there," Belcher said. "We've got the white facemask. It kind of looks like Oklahoma. I say we look like the Indiana Sooners."
IU head coach Kevin Wilson was a coach at Oklahoma from 2002-2010.
Belcher went on to say that the tighter-fitting uniforms may help the team on the field. He hinted that without a loose jersey, his touchdown total may have been a little higher.
"Last year I know I could have broken a few touchdowns and they got hold of my jersey," Belcher said. "It was kind of loose."
When talking about the departures of IU wideouts Terrence Turner and Tandon Doss to the NFL, Belcher admitted that he may face some difficult coverage. He also predicted that this coverage will help out the other receivers find the open field.
"It's definitely going to be different," Belcher said. "I expect a lot of double coverage since Tandon's gone. Because of that, that's why I think (sophomore) Duwyce Wilson is going to have a breakout season this year. (Sophomore) Kofi (Hughes) is going to play great and we even have a couple of young fellas and once camp starts, we're going to see if they're going to be able to play."
Belcher said that he keeps in close contact with both Turner and Doss. He and Turner talked on the phone the day that Turner signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Doss returns to Bloomington often and he and Belcher often talk. Belcher said that he sometimes talks to them about the new season at IU.
"I tell them it's way different than last year," Belcher said. "I tell them if they still had a chance, they should have stayed, but (Doss) is in the NFL now. I'm glad for him and I wish him the best of luck"
