During the 2011 season, the Arizona Wildcats, whose offense was headed by current IU Offensive Coordinator Seth Littrell, completed 398 passes, and five receivers had more than 35 catches.
The Hoosiers attempted just 378 passes, and rising junior wide receiver Kofi Hughes led the team with 35 receptions.
If the opening weeks of spring practice are any indication to wide receivers such as Shane Wynn, the Hoosier offensive attack will produce numbers closer to those of the Wildcats.
"I love Coach Littrell," Wynn said. "He's brought a new offense in where everyone gets the ball and not one designated receiver."
Making new reads
Wynn also said the new offensive system gives the wide receivers more responsibility, as they now have to read defenses at the same level as rising sophomore quarterbacks Tre Roberson and Cameron Coffman, a junior college transfer.
Wynn said most of the plays are now based more on wideouts reading coverages, which he has never had to do much.
Now, his pre-snap thoughts include more than just what route he is supposed to run -- now he has to see if the defense is in a Cover 2 or Cover 3 or if the safety is sneaking to the line to blitz.
"It's no different than in basketball when you're playing against, for example, a zone team," IU Coach Kevin Wilson said. "A coach calls a play, and as a player, you're not free to run all over the court, but you have an area of space to get open in."
Under-center central
Sticking with Wilson's analogy, the spring practices are also including a race for who the team's point guard -- starting quarterback -- will be in the fall. Incumbent Roberson started the final five games for IU and Wynn said for now, Roberson is a little easier to play with.
"It's easier when Tre's in, but when Two-C (Coffman) is in, you just have to work with him," Wynn said. "He's just now getting here, he's still on his grind."
Wilson said he has been very pleased with the way the quarterbacks have been throwing the ball.
"We're better during practice three or practice four than any day last year at throwing the ball," Wilson said.
Wynn complimented the passers on the tight passes, but said the aim of the quarterbacks still needs a little improvement. The fight they've shown early in practice also impressed Wynn.
"They've both battled it out hard," Wynn said. "They've both been doing good, it's just a matter of time to see who's the starter"
