KelleyHoosh

Apparently they were sitting outside of a food store in a car. A cop saw holt with vodka, who yelled that there was a cop and Bryant and holt tried to hide the bottles...

I don't think anyone's mad about the drinking, they're mad about the pattern. I know the football players usually party pretty isolated amongst themselves. Does the basketball team not do their own thing as well? It doesn't make sense for high profile people to be in situations like that around random people they don't know/trust. The football team does the same stuff the basketball team does but are more guarded about it so they get far less trouble. That said I hope Holt isn't shown the door because I think he can really help the team and is a good person. Drinking offenses won't change that. The larger picture this paints is the problem with our culture. Know why we probably miss on a lot of guys? They're probably serious about getting better at basketball and want to go to a place where they'll work hard and reach their potential. A lot of IUs recruiting appeal is in its party atmosphere, but there's no balance or "work hard play hard" attitude in the basketball team. I'm curious what the UK bball players arrest records look like Mrs Bryant's fears may prove true

If you pick a single area where Indiana fans are the most nervous going into the 2015 season, the consensus would be the defensive secondary. Mark Murphy and Tim Bennett graduated and Antonio Allen was dismissed (and is now transferring to Indiana State). The fourth starter, Michael Hunter, transferred to Oklahoma State. All four of those players were among the top nine on the team in tackles a year ago. But while fans may be worried, Indiana defensive coordinator Brian Knorr did his best to breathe an air of confidence into the secondary picture Friday after practice. Only one cornerback from last season who registered a tackle is back in Rashard Fant, while the other, Donovan Clark, may be sidelined for the year with a back injury. There isn’t a lot of experience defending the pass and in a league like the Big Ten that’s a recipe for disaster. Just because they haven’t done so yet, does not mean that this unit does not have the ability to play at a high level. There will likely be growing pains, but Knorr is impressed to this point with his younger players, particularly Jameel Cook and Jonathan Crawford. “They will be in the mix,” Knorr said, “I think this is a special group as far as skill level and I think they can go out and play how we want.” Knorr stressed that it will be important for the team to get an aggressive rush on quarterbacks so that the secondary will have a margin for error. A lot of his confidence seems to come from the growth and potential he has seen in players at corner and safety. “Rashard, coming into his third year has developed more than anybody I’ve seen on this team,'' Knorr said. "He is in position to be a big contributor for us.” Some other expected contributors Knorr spoke highly of are Tyler Green and Devonte Williams. “Size wise (Tyler Green) looks as good as anybody in the country from a corner standpoint. He still needs to develop a bit but he’s shown signs at boundary corner.” Knorr continued, “Devonte has a learning curve transitioning from running back, but he is athletically very talented and not afraid of contact. You should see him in the return game and or coverage.” Of course, Williams and Green are new to the Hoosier program and will be looking to players who have some time under their belt to show them the ropes. Knorr expects Fant, Noel Padmore and Ben Bach to fill that mentor role. Fant also said that he has done his best to impart wisdom on the younger players. “I played in all 12 games last year, so I have to tell the guys how practice and games are different. I want to be an example to the younger fellas,” Fant said. Padmore also tries to be a leader, too. "I know the system and the ins and outs of the defense,'' Padmore said. "I try to watch film with the younger guys and help them.” Knorr isn’t the only one with high expectations for Green and Williams. Veterans Padmore and Fant expect a lot out of the newcomers. The freshmen have learned the playbook well enough for Fant to say he feels comfortable with them on the field. “I feel like Devonte was a corner from the beginning,” Padmore stated. Fant thinks he is a natural at cornerback. "He has quick feet and he is never scared to hit,'' Fant said. Green has shown all types of promise athletically to this point, earning high praise from his teammates in the backfield. “I thought I was quick but then I watch him,” Fant said. “I know about Richard Sherman but I’ve never seen someone so tall and so fast with my own eyes,” Padmore added with a laugh. Knorr thinks playing against the Hoosier offense will pay dividends during games. “We are tested every day by our offense, being able to cover the field and do it fast,'' Knorr said. "I think our guys are getting a lot more comfortable.” The competition in practice is something the players say has increased this year. “I know I have to go hard in practice every day so guys are ready when we play Ohio State,” Fant said while stressing how he leads this unit. While Fant is gearing up for the Buckeyes, IU knows its first substantial test should be week three in the form of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Knorr noted that teams will, “try and spread us out to test us early,” and that the Hoosiers will be ready when Heisman hopeful Brandon Doughty and WKU come to Bloomington. NOTABLE The strength of this defense will be the front seven according to Knorr. Among those in the front seven he expects fans to see a lot from is true freshman lineman Jacob Robinson from Westfield (Ind.) “I’ve been impressed with his intensity,'' Knorr said. "It is hard to believe he’s a freshman guy.” Joining Robinson on the line, or rather, returning to anchor it, is Darius Latham. Coming off a knee injury, Knorr expects a lot out of Latham this year. “Its good to see number 98 out there,'' he said. "I think this year he will be very athletic and make a ton of plays.” One luxury that the Hoosiers can enjoy across the board on defense is depth. Knorr believes it will play a pivotal role in the Hoosier’s season. “The biggest thing it does right now is let us get guys into the right position. Guys like Nick Mangieri and Zack Shaw. It also saves guys about 12-15 sprints in the course of a game.” Mangieri and Shaw are expected by their coach to be “dynamic players this year. "I think Nick needs to be a dynamic player athletically with his hand in the dirt, and be able to rush the passer,'' Knorr said. "What we do suits him great,” Knorr added that Shaw should provide explosion off the edge while rushing passers. The linebackers have a lot expected of them in the 3-4 scheme, and Knorr highlighted Marcus Oliver and Tegray Scales who provide a lot of depth and flexibility in that regard. Knorr added the team still has plenty of work to do and must work on things like learning the subtleties of an odd front defense and the best way to look pre snap.

SECONDARY HAS PROMISE When Indiana football fans look at their secondary on paper, they are nervous but defensive coordinator Brian Knorr breathed an air of confidence into the secondary picture today after practice. Only one cornerback from last season who registered a tackle is back in Rashard Fant, while the other, Donovan Clark, may be sidelined for the year with a back injury. There isn’t a lot of experience defending the pass and in a league like the Big 10 that’s a recipe for disaster. Just because they haven’t done so yet, does not mean that this unit does not have the ability to play at a high level. There will likely be growing paints, but Knorr is impressed to this point with his younger players, particularly Jameel Cook and Jonathan Crawford. “They will be in the mix,” Knorr said, “I think this is a special group as far as skill level and I think they can go out and play how we want.” Knorr stressed that it will be important for the team to get an aggressive rush on quarterbacks so that the secondary will have a margin for error. A lot of his confidence seems to come from the growth and potential he has seen in players at corner and safety. “Rashard, coming into his third year has developed more than anybody I’ve seen on this team. He is in position to be a big contributor for us.” Some other expected contributors Knorr spoke highly of are Tyler Green and Devonte Williams. “Size wise (Tyler Green) looks as good as anybody in the country from a corner standpoint. He still needs to develop a bit but he’s shown signs at boundary corner.” Knorr continued, “Devonte has a learning curve transitioning from running back, but he is athletically very talented and not afraid of contact. You should see him in the return game and or coverage.” Of course, Williams and Green are new to the Hoosier program and will be looking to players who have some time under their belt to show them the ropes. Knorr expects Fant, Noel Padmore and Ben Bach to fill that mentor role. Fant also notes that he has done his best to impart wisdom on the younger players. “I played in all 12 games last year, so I have to tell the guys how practice and games are different. I want to be an example to the younger fellas,” said Fant. Padmore added, “I know the system and ins and outs of the defense. I try to watch film with the younger guys and help them.” Knorr isn’t the only one with high expectations for Green and Williams. Veterans Padmore and Fant expect a lot out of the newcomers. The freshmen have learned the playbook well enough for Fant to say he feels “comfortable” with them on the field. “I feel like Devonte was a corner from the beginning,” Padmore stated. Fant thinks he is a natural at cornerback thanks to his, “quick feet and because he is never scared to hit.” Green has shown all types of promise athletically to this point, earning high praise from his teammates in the backfield. “I thought I was quick but then I watch him,” Fant said. “I know about Richard Sherman but I’ve never seen someone so tall and so fast with my own eyes,” Padmore added with a laugh. Knorr thinks playing against the Hoosier offense will pay dividends during games. “We are tested every day by our offense, being able to cover the field and do it fast. I think our guys are getting a lot more comfortable.” The competition in practice is something the players say have ramped up this year. “I know I have to go hard in practice every day so guys are ready when we play Ohio State,” Fant said while stressing how he leads this unit. While Fant is gearing up for the Buckeyes, IU knows their first substantial test should be week three in the form of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Knorr noted that teams will, “try and spread us out to test us early,” and that the Hoosiers will be ready when Heisman hopeful Brandon Doughty and WKU come to Bloomington. DEFENSE NOTES The strength of this defense will be the front seven according to Knorr. Among those in the front seven he expects fans to see a lot is freshman lineman Jacob Robinson from Westfield, Indiana. “I’ve been impressed with his intensity. It is hard to believe he’s a freshman guy.” Joining Robinson on the line, or rather, returning to anchor it, is Darius Latham. Coming off a knee injury, Knorr expects a lot out of Latham this year. “Its good to see number 98 out there. I think this year he will be very athletic and make a ton of plays.” One luxury that the Hoosiers can enjoy across the board on defense is depth. Knorr believes it will play a pivotal role in the Hoosier’s season. “The biggest thing it does right now is let us get guys into the right position. Guys like Nick Mangieri and Zack Shaw. It also saves guys about twelve to fifteen sprints in the course of a game.” Mangieri and Shaw are expected by their coach to be “dynamic,” players this year. ‘I think Nick needs to be a dynamic player athletically with his hand in the dirt, and be able to rush the passer. What we do suits him great,” Knorr said before adding that Shaw should provide explosion off the edge while rushing passers. The linebackers have a lot expected of them in the 3-4 scheme, and Knorr highlighted Marcus Oliver and Tegray Scales who provide a lot of depth and flexibility in that regard. Knorr added the team still has plenty of work to do and must work on things like learning the subtleties of an odd front defense and the best way to look pre snap.

“I didn’t come here with a four-year thought process about where we want to be. We want to get better right now.” That was the sentiment of head coach Kevin Wilson at his press conference Wednesday when asked about how long it takes to build a program. “You always want to be as good as you can be, and as fast as you can because you have kids sacrificing their bodies for 3, 4, 5 years,’’ Wilson said. Wilson went on to give detail on those sacrificing their bodies for this year’s Hoosier team and delivered good news for fans: the defensive backs look good. Indiana’s secondary has been doing a number of drills that range from one on ones to full group work. Wilson said he wants to expose his players to multiple situations. “You want them to feel what it’s like to be on an island and make tackles in space, because that’s the difference between a tackle and a big play,’’ Wilson said. In years past, opposing offenses have been able to gain a lot of momentum through plays with chunk yardage, but this year that could change. Wilson said that Noel Padmore has been playing well at corner as well as Rashard Fant, while Chase Dutra continues to “set the tone in the secondary.” He also mentioned that newcomer Jonathan Crawford will be in the mix at safety, that Jameel Cook should contribute as well, but must work on tackling better and that Devonte Williams has been playing well. LATHAM GETTING EXTRA REST Wilson said that Darius Latham has been working out well this summer and is down to around 300 pounds which should help his conditioning. He appears physically ready, but the IU coaches want to give him extra time to be ready. “We are trying not to overdo it right now, but the more reps he gets, he will go from a talented player to a productive player,’’ Wilson said. The strength of this IU team is its front seven, and Latham figures to play a huge role in it this season as a veteran leader. WILSON HAPPY WITH OFFENSE Offense has clearly been the strength of the team since Wilson arrived and looks to be again this year. “The offense looks like it did a couple of years ago,’’ Wilson said. “The timing and rhythm (in the receiving game) can be better but it’s better than it was this time last year.” A lot of that is probably thanks to a skilled and experienced offensive line that Wilson qualified as “tight.” In a recent scrimmage, Nate Sudfeld completed 21-of-23 passes thanks to great offensive timing. PRACTICE SCHEDULE MOVING FORWARD IU starts classes on Monday and Wilson talked this week about how he will organize practice moving forward. He said the team will be off on Thursday, and then practice Friday, Saturday and Sunday. He said they will be off on Monday, as they normally are during the school year. He said next Tuesday and Wednesday will be what he called “Meat and potatoes” practices. Thursday he said IU will polish things up. Friday they will continue making preparations for the season opener which will be a week away. CAMION PATRICK UPDATE Wilson said there should be a Camion Patrick update on Thursday. Stay tuned.

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.”

Marcus Oliver remembers the play like it was yesterday when his 2014 season came to a quick and abrupt halt in the third game of the year against Missouri. “I guess it was just a bad plant,’’ Oliver said. “I had an offensive lineman on me, trying to make a play and it happened.’’ What happened was that Oliver tore his ACL. Upon further examination it was determined he also tore his meniscus and MCL, too. Because of the other injuries, surgery was delayed nearly two months. And his rehab took about eight months before he was full go. Just like that the momentum that Oliver had started to build the week before against Bowling Green vanished. In that game, he had nine tackles including five solo against the Falcons. He also had a forced fumble and a pass break up. Thursday afternoon, BtownBanners got the chance to talk with Oliver about the upcoming year and the Missouri injury. Oliver that despite the injury he still was able to celebrate with his teammates after IU had knocked off No. 18 Missouri in the third game a year ago. He said while the physical pain of the injury was obvious, the greater pain was not being able to help his team. “The trip home from Missouri wasn’t bad,’’ Oliver said. “I didn’t feel bad for myself because it’s for the team and it’s in the teams’ best interest. Everything happens for a reason. I had to look at it as a situation that I could learn from and become faster, better, stronger, smarter. For the game I was excited for the team, for the program and the fans.” Indiana football under head coach Kevin Wilson has become known for a potent offense. On the other side of the ball, the team has left a lot to be desired. It has been frustrating in the past for the Hoosier faithful to watch big offensive performances from stars like Nate Sudfeld, Cody Latimer, Tevin Coleman and others result in losses. For that to change, the defense must make a notable improvement from its 2014 performance, which allowed 32.8 points per game. As everyone has seen, you won’t win many football games if you’re that bad without the ball. There are many players who IU will look to in 2015 to upgrade its defense. As the secondary looks thin, the performance of the front is crucial to keeping Indiana competitive. Oliver is a redshirt sophomore and one of those players who figures to be a fixture in a new and improved Hoosier defense. The Hamilton, Ohio product has found the silver lining in his injury: better leadership skills. “I see myself being more of an example leader,’’ Oliver said. “But being injured has helped me become more of a vocal leader since I couldn’t be out there playing.” In the first depth chart put out by IU, Oliver was listed as the No. 2 weak side linebacker behind sophomore Tegray Scales. He said he feels like the injury is behind him and he can focus on getting better on the field. “Whatever role I have whether it’s coming in or starting ... I’m happy to be a leader and make plays, make opportunities,’’ Oliver said. “The knee feels 100 percent, like I haven’t missed anything. Other than wearing the brace it’s really nothing.” Last year was the first year IU ran a 3-4 defensive set under new defensive coordinator Brian Knorr. The strategic differences vary from scheme to scheme, so the defense went through a transitional phase. Now that the team has a year under its belt, the Hoosiers should begin to see tangible improvement on the field. “Everybody now understands the 3-4, the jobs, the scheme, it’s a lot easier for everyone to pick up,’’ Oliver said. “Not everyone got it last year. I think we are all jelling a lot better and we understand we have to get to the quarterback when the secondary is out in coverage. Now we all know how to prepare and where to be when the ball snaps.” In Indiana’s first year running the 3-4 there was a marginal defensive improvement as it went from allowing 38.8 points per game, to 32.8, a touchdown’s difference. Indiana fans hope that in the second year of its implementation, the 3-4 will net the Hoosiers a better defensive ranking as players should have a much firmer grasp of its intricacies. Oliver has specific goals for the 2015 season. “My goals for this year are just to prove that my knee is fine, come back and have the best season I can have,’’ Oliver said. “I want to keep doing well and not take any steps back as a player or a team.” As a third year player in the program, Marcus Oliver may likely become a force in the Hoosier front seven that gives opposing offensive coordinators fits. The stars are aligning - he is talented, he is healthy, he and his teammates know their system. A much-improved Hoosier defense may have the team rolling into a bowl game. COBBS CONFIDENT ABOUT DIRECTION OF IU PROGRAM The potent offense referenced earlier has a lot to do with the talented receiving corps that Indiana has enjoyed under Kevin Wilson. After Nate Sudfeld went down with a shoulder injury in the sixth game at Iowa last year, the passing game took a step back, but with the star signal caller back under center, IU’s receivers should be back to playing at a high level. Simmie Cobbs believes having Sudfeld back will make a huge difference for the precision of the offense. “Yeah, just because he’s a veteran player and had more experience so it’s always better to have someone who has had that experience and done something for years at a high level,’’ Cobbs said. “It’s good because if you’re not doing something right he’ll tell you. He had Cody Latimer and Shane Wynn, all those big receivers so when he gives you advice on your route or your yardage or certain coverage it’s always good to learn from.” Cobbs believes he is still learning every day, but is enjoying being part of a competitive group at wide receiver. “We have been hungry,’’ Cobbs said. “We are fighting every day through heat trying to fight for spots, fighting to keep spots, just in a competitive environment. It has been good.” Adding to that competitive spirit are some newcomers that Cobbs believes may surprise people. When asked for specific players the names of the three true freshmen were the first to roll of his tongue. “Leon Thornton, Mike Majette, hes been working hard, Nick Westbrook, they’ve all been showing us a lot and competing right off the bat,’’ Cobbs said. “Marqui Hawkins has been going hard so it’s good to learn from him as well. DG (Damon Graham), DG’s been going hard, Ricky Jones, it has been good.” While the group as a whole is younger, they can still be counted on for a high level of production. Cobbs ultimately wants to become a go-to player in Sudfeld’s arsenal. “I want to run my routes, perfect them, make big gains and competitive plays,’’ Cobbs said. “I want to be accountable and be a go-to guy.” REST OF THE WEEK PLAN Indiana was scheduled to have two-a-day practices on Friday and then have the first scrimmage of the preseason camp on Saturday. The scrimmage is closed to the public. IU football will also host Monroe County Youth Day on Saturday.

Don't make it personal fellas

I like the pick up. 6'6 and can shoot. A year to develop and take direction from the staff. Could play like Hartman or let us have mismatches at the 2 if he plays like zeisloft. Not a thunderous first commitment, but that's okay Welcome to IU Grant

Just throwing ideas out. Maybe JBJ's ball handling has significantly improved. I do think Yogi plays off the ball very well, but he's our best handler so I'd like to keep him at PG personally. 

JBJ did brand himself on Twitter as a 6'4 point guard. Maybe this move is to help his NBA stock and let Yogi play off the ball as more of a scorer. I guess that's the thought process behind that...

True, that may end up being addition by subtraction though

I know he has a better basketball IQ than hanner did, but I'm really concerned about quality depth in the front court. We have bodies, but no real proven players. Going to be something to watch develop

I don't think its unreasonable for Indiana fans to want in a four year span:    Three years of at least the Sweet 16 and one early tournament exit.    For me, I would be satisfied with    One season where we play at a high level and get to at least the elite 8 Two seasons where we reach the sweet 16  One season with a first or second round exit   The talent on this team makes me hope for one of those elite 8 type of seasons. But my expectation is a sweet 16

What really excites me about this is Latham's quote. You have to love hearing that from one of your most talented guys especially one that is a veteran who plays up front.  The front, both on offense and defense, should be the strength of this team. You need that toughness at this level of football. I hope what he says is true and that there is a mentality that we will compete with the big boys of our conference

*searches for my name* *no results found*   OK guys. I'm taking notes...I have mod powers too... and feelings

Yeah, there's been some luck issues and this season is definitely pivotal for him. But I disagree, I think he's recruiting always starts fairly slow and he's pulling kids from the south. I don't think it matters too much that we aren't locking down our state in football. I'd rather pick from Georgia, Florida etc. We could be doing a lot worse recruiting wise IMO even in this class

If you're complaining about Wilsons recruiting of all things, you must really dislike Wilson

Looks all UCLA

https://twitter.com/Justin_Albers/status/629748477224988672

https://twitter.com/Justin_Albers/status/629470643550068740

Looking for somewhere to be the feature big TJ? I know a nice school in Bloomington

High socks are in these days old man  :laugh:

Gotta love getting big defensive player from Georgia 

Wonder if we are back in it here. Would be huge