IU Football Practice Report: Kevin Johns, Devine Redding talk offense

In recent years, offense has been a strong point for the Indiana Hoosiers, but heading into 2015 there does not appear to be a singular star at running back or wide receiver. While fans may be scared of that, IU offensive coordinator Kevin Johns actually finds comfort in it.

“There’s depth on this team that we feel great about,’’ Johns said. “It’s pretty cool when you can put the second and third guys out there and feel like you won’t miss a beat.”

Indiana struggled after quarterback Nate Sudfeld went down against Iowa last year causing preparation to be a major focus for the upcoming season.

“Last year we learned that everyone has to learn every day and be ready to go,” Johns said.

With the departure of Tevin Coleman and D’Angelo Roberts, sophomore Devine Redding looks to take over the backfield.

Redding rushed for 118 yards last year on 29 carries and should take on a much more prominent role this season. Among his new roles is the position of leader.

“I didn’t think anything of it, it’s just a role I took over,’’ Redding said. “Getting on my teammates more, firing them up.”

Redding said he did not expect to be front and center in the running back picture as a sophomore but that he “is ready to roll with it.” He said he learned a lot about leading by example from Coleman who showed him that it’s important to be consistent and try to get better every day.

The man responsible for having IU running backs at the top of their game, Deland McCollough, has brought a lot back to Bloomington after spending time in Atlanta with Coleman. Redding says McCollough has been stressing the little things.

“He has a high standard for us that we are held to and work hard to meet.”

That standard should have the backs looking their best by Sept. 5 when Southern Illinois comes to Memorial Stadium. Redding says in the meantime every back has “been doing their part, making plays and being productive... fighting and working every day.”

Besides Redding, the other back who looks to get the most playing time for the Hoosiers is UAB transfer Jordan Howard. While Howard is expected to get the bulk of the carries, Johns thinks Redding is a great option.

“We love Devine,’’ Johns said. “We’re very comfortable with Devine and love the look in his eye.”

Both backs are thought to be power backs, but that was news to Redding.

“I didn’t know I was considered a power back,’’ he said. “I think my speed is my speed and I think I got faster working with our great strength and conditioning staff. I just try to run hard.”

Johns doesn’t think that means this Indiana team will use a power rushing approach.

“We won’t necessarily be doing that, just looking for our best formations and the best eleven we can put out there,’’ Johns said.

Johns specified that Howard is a back with good speed who is heavy and has good vision, always making sure to fall forward while Redding is an outstanding pass catcher, solid in pass protection and more of a slasher.

Fans are expecting to see a different running game this year because the style of backs IU has is different than in years past. Redding was quick to point out that he still feels the duo can bring a home run threat.

“I feel like me and Jordan have some good explosion and are pretty fast,’’ Redding said.

Howard’s 4.4 40 in the winter backs that up.

There is plenty of room in the backfield for both Howard and Redding, so opponents should expect a fair dose of both. The two are pushing one another to get better; Howard has even been able to bring his experience at UAB to the table to help Redding with things such as pass protection and recognizing defenses. This is the type of quality depth that pushes a group to improve, and it may mean fans see a backfield that lost its two stars to not take any steps back.

NOTABLE

Johns said Mitchell Paige is starting in the slot right now. He has been consistent, savvy and has good chemistry with Sudfeld … The freshmen receivers are doing well and appear very talented. There has not been a lot of separation among them because they all are competing and playing well. … Saturday’s first preseason camp scrimmage went well, everyone was playing hard and was into it. Game action will be necessary to get freshmen used to the speed of the game. … Howard has to get a good feel for runs behind the O-line and an awareness of how IU’s offense works, but is expected to do very well. The coaches “know what he can do.”