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The IU men's basketball program picked up a commitment from highly ranked 2014 guard James Blackmon Jr., according to multiple media outlets. The freshman from Fort Wayne's Bishop Luers is ESPN's No. 1 shooting guard in the class and the No. 5 overall player.
According to the Bloomington Herald-Times, the IU men's basketball team added some front court help today with the signing of Guy-Marc Michel. The 7-foot-1 JUCO transfer signed a letter-of-intent to play for the Hoosiers next season.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Rodger Saffold sat with his family and friends on Thursday night in Bedford, Ohio, waiting for his phone to vibrate. But after no team called to let him know he was chosen in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, the former IU offensive lineman went to bed unsure of his future. Fortunately for him, the wait didn’t last long.Saffold was selected by the St. Louis Rams with the first pick in the second round, No. 33 overall, on Friday night. He was not the only former Hoosier taken in the NFL Draft this weekend, as defensive end Jammie Kirlew and cornerback Ray Fisher were also picked.Kirlew and Fisher were both taken in the seventh round by the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts, respectively. Saffold said he has already spoken with No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford – the former Oklahoma quarterback he will protect on Sundays – and is ready to join his new teammates in St. Louis.“He texted me last night and said he was real excited and looking forward to playing with me,” Saffold said. “I told him I’m going to keep his jersey clean. That’s pretty much how a tackle and quarterback are supposed to be.”Saffold added that his idol, former St. Louis offensive tackle Orlando Pace, came into a struggling franchise in 1997 and helped turn it into a Super Bowl champion. With all of the Rams’ recent additions, he sees a similar story unfolding in the coming years.“It’s a dream come true,” Saffold said. “I’m really excited for what’s about to happen.”That same excitement can be seen in Fisher. He said the Colts look to make the most of his speed, especially as a punt and kick returner on special teams. The Cleveland native had two touchdowns and averaged 36.1 yards per return on kickoffs last season for IU. Fisher said the chance of contributing to a top franchise next season is unbelievable. “It’s a great thing to be able to go to a winning team that competes every year for a Super Bowl,” he said. “I’m happy where I’m at. It’s a great opportunity for me.”While Saffold and Fisher are remaining at their natural positions, Kirlew’s situation is different in Denver. He said the Broncos want to utilize him as an outside linebacker rather than a defensive lineman, and he is fine with the change. “I just think it’s going to be a great fit,” Kirlew said. “That’s something that I worked on a lot during the offseason, and I knew some teams would be looking at me at that position.”Despite the position switch, Kirlew is optimistic about his future in the Mile High City. “I fit the mold for what they are trying to do,” he said. “They have good guys who play well, are intelligent and just want to win and work hard. That’s me.”
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>When former IU offensive lineman Rodger Saffold III was a sixth grader in Bedford, Ohio, he told his father what he wanted to do with his life.“‘I’d love to play in the NFL,’” Rodger II fondly remembered his son saying. “I said, ‘Well, if you want to do that, let’s sit down and figure out what we need to do to get you there.”With today’s 2010 NFL Draft that dream becomes a reality.Saffold, who after his senior season in Bloomington was regarded as second-day pick, has recently shot up the draft boards and is one of the top offensive line prospects available. If selected in the first round, he will be the first IU player taken since wide receiver Thomas Lewis in 1994. Saffold’s overall size, natural athleticism and above-average balance and agility have NFL general managers coveting the Hoosier. A starter at left tackle since midway through his freshman year, Saffold allowed only one sack in 2009.But getting to this point hasn’t been easy. Since the age of 12, Saffold followed a daily routine: go to school, then train for football. After classes, he would lift weights and condition at the Euclid Sports Plant, as well as work on his protection skills with other offensive lineman. He also attended Ohio State football camps for years. By the time he reached high school in talent-rich Northeast Ohio, the transition from middle school competition wasn’t hard. “When football came, it was almost easy to me,” Saffold said.After starting at offensive tackle and defensive end for much of his career at Bedford High School, he finished his career on the 2005 first team All-Lake Erie League. Though his skills on the field were remarkable, former Bedford coach Brian Staats marveled most at Saffold’s leadership ability.“Especially his senior year, he really grew into a leadership role,” Staats said. “He would take the bull by the horns, so to speak. He really made sure guys did the right thing.” When Saffold reached the college ranks, he wasn’t the prototypical offensive lineman. But according to IU coach Bill Lynch, his progression throughout four years was unmatched.“He physically wasn’t the size you are looking for in a Big Ten tackle at the time, but you knew he was going to get bigger,” Lynch said. “As he has gone through the years, he has gotten bigger, stronger, worked very hard in the weight room and developed himself not only into a great college player but someone who could get drafted early in the NFL Draft.”After earning many accolades during his senior season at IU, Saffold focused this offseason preparation on the draft. He trained six days a week at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., to work on every aspect of his game. In the East-West Shrine game — an all-star game featuring many of the nation’s top prospects — and the NFL Combine, his hard work was on full display. In practices leading to the East-West game, Saffold dominated all individual drills and proved his skill against defensive linemen of other top conferences. During the NFL combine, his scores were among the highest of all offensive line participants.“It showed that I could go against speed rushers and go against defensive ends from all over the country,” Saffold said. “That was definitely a big turning point.”On Thursday night, Saffold will watch the NFL draft with family and friends at a local sports bar in Bedford. It will be a night, he said, he will never forget. “It’s been a real process from beginning to end,” Saffold said. “Instead of looking at the final picture, I have to look at all of the things I’ve gone through to make it here. I’ve just taken it a little bit at a time.”
According to the Herald-Times, former Colorado assistant coach Steve McClain has been named to the same position for IU. McClain, who has been an assistant coach at Colorado for the past three years, also was head coach at Wyoming for nine years.
Dustin Brown, assistant brewer at the Bloomington Brewing Company, takes his job seriously.
According to Inside The Hall's Zachary Osterman, 6-foot-9 IU target Moses Abraham will make his college decision late tonight. Abraham, rated a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, plays for Progressive Christian in the Washington D.C. area and is being looked at by many of the nation's top programs.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>He stands at midcourt, surveying each angle of the hardwood floor that bears his name. Wearing olive green pants below a black adidas sweatervest, he calmly watches the high school basketball players in faded purple and white practice jerseys work on shooting drills.His six assistants stand at different baskets spread out in the Bloomington High School South gym. With a small group of players in front of them, they relay the head coach’s message on how to properly execute the fundamentals.For J.R. Holmes — the head coach of the No. 1 team in Indiana and 2009 State Champions — continued success is built at practice.
According to Mike Dyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer, former top IU football recruit Jibreel Black will be back in Bloomington.
The IU football schedules for the next three years have been made official, according to the IU athletic department.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>As the final whistle blew in IU’s 31-20 loss to Penn State on Nov. 14, the players walked out of Beaver Stadium knowing any shot of going to a bowl game was gone. Well, except for senior defensive end Jammie Kirlew.The second-team All-Big Ten performer was recognized at the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 as a member of the Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team. The honor, given to student-athletes for their extraordinary efforts off the field, was presented to 22 players out of the record 106 originally nominated. He is a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and recently graduated with a double major in management and public financial management from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Kirlew is also an active member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program and has volunteered in the past at the Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington. In addition, he studied abroad in Italy during the summer of 2006 and worked with President Obama’s campaign in 2008 by registering voters. IU junior wide receiver Terrance Turner said Kirlew is a guy who “everyone looked up to.”“That would be the first guy I give it to,” Turner said of the award. “He is someone who can be the face of a program. He lets everyone know what a true college athlete should be in and out of the classroom and on and off the field.” Former IU running back Bryan Payton echoed Turner’s sentiments. “He was a guy that was really essential to the maturity of the team,” Payton said. “He is always going to be looking out for others, and I have no doubt in my mind he is going to be successful in football and whatever he wants to do afterwards.” In addition to being honored at halftime of the Bowl Championship Series game in New Orleans, the award recipients took time to help in the community.The day before the Sugar Bowl, the players woke up early to visit Andrew H. Wilson elementary school, which has been closed since Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. Kirlew and his teammates helped clean and prepare the school, which is set to reopen later this month.“The greatest thing is we knew we were doing good,” Kirlew said of his experience at the elementary school. “This school was going to open and there was a lot they needed to do. It is definitely something that we will remember for the rest of our lives.” Later that day, the players attended the Allstate Fan Fest, where they were recognized for their efforts on stage before a Lady Antebellum concert. That night, some of the players watched New Years fireworks on the waterfront. “We all had a great time,” Kirlew said. “To have a lot of good guys together, doing good things, it was really motivational.” But while his time at IU is complete, his football career is anything but finished. Kirlew will participate in the Pro Football Hall of Fame “Texas vs. Nation Challenge” on Feb. 6. He is also preparing for the NFL Scouting Combine in February and the NFL Draft in April. He is currently at IMG Academies in Bradenton, Fla., where he works on agility training, weight training and his specific position on the defensive line. Kirlew is also being taught how to improve his mental conditioning, nutrition, vision and preparation for the media. “The whole program is just amazing,” he said. “The goal by them is to make sure you are not surprised by anything you might see. I think they are doing a phenomenal job.”
After a victorious showing at last week's Southern Scuffle, multiple members of the No. 13 IU wrestling team climbed in the national rankings.
- By Connor O'Gara
Darryl Hicks, a 6-foot-4 guard from Shelby County High School in Kentucky, confirmed yesterday to the Louisville Courier-Journal that he received a scholarship offer from IU.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>As IU senior linebacker Matt Mayberry sat in the locker room after his team’s 38-21 loss to Purdue, he struggled to take off his jersey for the final time.“Just knowing that this is going to be last time I am ever going to play here at Memorial Stadium, its very tough,” Mayberry said. “The whole game, I tried to give it my best and leave it all on the field.”For 21 seniors on Saturday, their time under the lights against Purdue was not only the culmination of a 4-8 season. It was also the end of their collegiate careers.And unfortunately for the Hoosiers, it had to come against the rival Boilermakers.“Purdue just being our rival, playing for the Old Oaken Bucket, it was a special moment,” Mayberry said. “Disappointing it didn’t go our way.”In a game with nothing more than pride on the line, Purdue appeared to want it more.Boilermaker quarterback Joey Elliot found three different receivers for touchdowns in the first half as Purdue went into the visiting locker room leading 21-7.Running back Al-Terek McBurse immediately added to his team’s total to start the second half when he took a kick return 87 yards into the end zone.“It was the worst thing that you could have happen to you,” IU coach Bill Lynch said. “You dig your way back into it and it’s 21-7 at half and you come out and all of sudden you’re down three scores. But we kept battling.”Despite the large deficit, IU didn’t back down as it was strengthened by the senior class.Junior quarterback Ben Chappell found junior wide receiver Mitchell Evans in the end zone from 12 yards out to bring the Hoosiers within 14 points. IU responded again after a field goal by Purdue’s Carson Wiggs.Chappell connected with sophomore wide receiver Damarlo Belcher for a 28-yard touchdown to make the score 31-21 with 8:04 remaining in the game.But Purdue’s next drive left little time on the clock, leaving IU no chance for a last-minute comeback.Although IU did not earn the victory, senior defensive end Jammie Kirlew said he was pleased his team did not give up early.“We could have gone so many different directions being the last game,” Kirlew said. “We went into the locker room and got our minds together and fought hard. I’m proud of the way the guys finished and I hope they take the progress from this season.”For Evans, what hurt most was sending the senior players out with another loss.“I think everyone is just thinking about the seniors,” Evans said. “The things they have done in the offseason for this team. They changed where the program is going.”Even with a finish at the bottom of the Big Ten standings, there was noticeable improvement from years past.The Hoosiers were predicted to have a last-place finish in the conference, but battled tough in close losses to Michigan, Northwestern, Iowa, Wisconsin and Penn State. Multiple games this season came down to a final play or a particular call deciding the outcome.This development can be traced to the hard work of 21 seniors, senior offensive lineman Rodger Saffold said.“We basically have been trying to put this team back on the right path after really being in shambles last year,” he said. “We wanted to make sure everyone knew how relentless and tough we were, and how we were willing to fight to the very end.”
In a rivalry matchup with nothing more than pride on the line, Purdue appeared to want it more.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>In a rivalry matchup with nothing more than pride on the line, Purdue appeared to want it more.The Boilermakers earned the Old Oaken Bucket with a 38-21 win against IU on Saturday.IU junior quarterback Ben Chappell was 23-39 for 266 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, while freshman running back Darius Willis led the way with 149 yards on the ground. Purdue was effective in the air with 205 yards and four touchdowns by Boilermaker quarterback Joey Elliot. Running back Jaycen Taylor added 114 yards.The Boilermakers were up 28-7 early in the third quarter and did not allow the Hoosiers to get close enough for a comeback. The telling stat was turnovers, which IU committed four of in the game.“What was uncharacteristic was what I think was the difference in the game—turnovers and the kicking game,” IU coach Bill Lynch said. “Purdue, give them credit particularly in the first half, took advantage of the turnovers. When you make those kind of mistakes, its on us.”The first drive for the Hoosiers did not start as they had hoped.On the third play of the game, Chappell rolled to his right to pass but was hit hard from behind by Boilermaker defensive tackle Mike Neal. The ball came out of Chappell’s hands and was recovered by Purdue defensive tackle Kawann Short at the IU 16 yard line. On Purdue’s fifth play from scrimmage after the turnover, Elliot found Taylor out on the flat and proceeded to run for the touchdown and a 7-0 advantage.A blocked field goal attempt by IU kicker Nick Freeland with 7:41 remaining in the first quarter gave the ball back to Purdue just minutes later.Elliot led an efficient drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to running back Dan Dierking and the 14-0 lead. The Boilermakers got on the board again with just over two minutes left before half. On the ninth play of the drive, Elliot rolled right and found fullback Jared Crank open in the end zone for the 13-yard score.But IU responded right before halftime.After a nice kick return by sophomore wide receiver Tandon Doss, Chappell directed a carefully executed final drive of the quarter. With 22 seconds remaining, he tucked the ball and ran in from one-yard out to bring the score to 21-7.IU hoped their score just before halftime would carry the momentum in its favor for the second half. Purdue running back Al-Terek McBurse had other plans.McBurse took the opening kickoff of the half 87 yards to the end zone to provide a 28-7 Boilermaker lead.“That was tough because we came out in the second half with a whole different mindset,” IU senior defensive end Jammie Kirlew said. “We were ready to go. It was tough giving up the touchdown so quickly when we were trying to come back.”Despite the quick score, the Hoosiers would not go away.With 9:25 left in the third quarter, Chappell found junior wide receiver Mitchell Evans in the middle part of the end zone to bring the score to within 14 points.IU senior offensive lineman Roger Saffold said execution on the ground was key on that drive.“We were able to open up some seams by pushing people passed and cutting other people off, which allowed (Willis) to do what he does best,” Saffold said. “The big thing for Darius is that he knows how to fight for those extra couple of yards.”Purdue quickly responded with a field goal of their own to make the score 31-14 going into the fourth quarter. But even with a late touchdown grab by IU sophomore wide receiver Damarlo Belcher, the Hoosiers were unable to overcome their rivals at Memorial Stadium.“Purdue just being out rival, playing for the Old Oaken Bucket, it was a special moment,” senior linebacker Matt Mayberry said. “It just didn’t go our way.”
In a game with the Old Oaken Bucket on the line, Purdue leads IU 21-7 at halftime.
Note: With 21 IU football seniors playing their final game Saturday, the IDS took the time to talk to all the graduating players.
2010 IU football commit and Maine South running back Matt Perez has been named the Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year.
