I'm ready for 2016 IU Football

[HoosierReb01]

Ready for commits, camps, practices, games, our next bowl trip....

For the rest of you who are ready, what are your projections, freshmen surprises, key match-ups....etc. Lets start it here.

[WayneFleekHoosier]

Excited and skeptical. Hoping for best. I fear we just miss a bowl game by a game. Hoping Lagow can put the WR corps to work and that the new D coordinator shows improvement.

Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners

[akhosrof]

I'm super pumped! He's an exert from a recent ESPN Insider article that got me excited.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/insider/story/_/id/15938469/what-big-ten-coaches-say-conference-given-anonymity

Indiana has quietly churned out a physical running attack of late, with 2,000-yard rusher Tevin Coleman in 2014 and a pair of 1,000-yard backs in 2015 (Jordan Howard and Devine Redding). Howard departs, but Redding, a junior, returns to Bloomington, where he should build on his 31 runs of 10-plus yards from last year (tied for 25th among Power 5 rushers). Coach, can you talk about why the ground game has improved?

"The way they run their split-zone play and how they utilize their backs is absolutely incredible. It was way better than anybody else, and they ran it with such precision and tremendous angles." -- Big Ten defensive coach

Even with IU's runners, the Hoosiers' hallmark and primary advantage in league play has been pace. Last year they averaged 81 snaps per game, eight more than the next-busiest Big Ten team, Nebraska. Coach, can you talk about Indiana's tempo?

"They're unique in our league in that they're going to try to get 100 plays in a game and just literally outscore you." -- Big Ten defensive coach

Indiana gave up more points (37.6 ppg) than all but 11 FBS programs last year. Allen's 4-2-5 defense aims to stanch that bleeding, especially in the air, where the Hoosiers allowed 32 TDs (fourth most in the nation). Coach, can you talk about why the switch to a 4-2-5 may help?

"They gave up a lot of big plays in their secondary. Their thing may be: 'Can people get ready for the 4-2-5 in a week?' And maybe that will give them an edge." -- Big Ten offensive coach

[Crimson and Cream]

I know this is a "thank you captain obvious" moment, but my main concern is QB. If Lagow steps up and gives us a solid starting QB we can count on we're in a bowl game. If he doesn't prove to be ready, it will be close. Our running game can carry us some, but you at least have to be decent in the air. I think this is the season the defense becomes competent (not a glaring weakness).

[ThompsonHoosier]

I think our secondary will be highly improved with Wesley Green and Jayme Thompson in the mix. Plus we have Fant and Crawford returning. Hopefully we can limit the big plays and get back to a bowl game! 

Edit: Candidate for a breakout year- Mike Majette

[RBB89]

I love our run game. Redding is woefully under appreciated for how much he's improved, Majette is like a rocket (just hold on to the ball!), Enis intrigues me, and then guys like A Rod and Natee can move the pile (if you haven't, go watch his film now). And if Patrick comes back healthy...

I'm excited for Tom Allen's defense. We were apparently much more aggressive in the spring and to be honest, I'm ok giving up big plays if we at least try something different instead of sitting in a base package every play and still giving up 600 yards. The pass rush will be key. I really like our depth at LB and DB. Jayme Thompson is a stud.

[johnsoniu]

College Football Playoffs semi-finals are in Atlanta and Glendale this year. Have reservations at both to cover my bases.

Championship is in Tampa, hopefully Josh will let me camp out in his backyard

[ThompsonHoosier]

Spring Football Depth Chart Update – Defense

Spring Football is here! It’s time to update the defensive depth chart and analyze how the returners fit into Tom Allen’s new 4-2-5 scheme.

 

The focus of today’s post will be on defensive personnel as spring practice kicks into gear. In order to have this discussion, we need some understanding of the various positions in new defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s 4-2-5 and the basic responsibilities for each, but I won’t go into great detail about the 4-2-5 in this post.  If you’re looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 4-2-5, go here, here, or here.

Positions

The positions in the 4-2-5 are described briefly below, and the measurables for the player who started at that position for Allen’s defense last year at USF and for the 2014 Ole Miss defense for which Allen was the linebacker coach are also listed.

Weakside defensive end (“WDE”) – Quickness and length appears to be valued over mass. Should be the best pure pass rusher on the DL.

• USF: 6’3, 260 lbs
• Ole Miss: 6’2, 225 lbs or 6’3, 220 lbs

Nose tackle (“NT”) – Quick and disruptive, seems pretty similar to the NT role in Knorr’s 3-4, in that both are one-gap disputers.

• USF: 6’2, 308 lbs
• Ole Miss: 6’3, 315 lbs

Defensive tackle (“DT”) – Should be the best all-around DL on the team. Must take on double-teams.

• USF: 6’1, 305 lbs
• Ole Miss: 6’4, 292 lbs (Robert Nkemdiche, you might have heard of him)

Strongside defensive end (“SDE”) – More of a run-stopper than the WDE—and accordingly should be a little heavier—but should have some pass rushing prowess as well.

• USF: 6’3, 270 lbs
• Ole Miss: 6’4, 280 lbs or 6’4, 274

Middle Linebacker (“MLB”) – Stopping the run is his primary duty. Coverage skills are secondary. Size, strength and instincts are valued over speed.

• USF: 6’2, 244 lbs
• Ole Miss: 6’1, 247 lbs or 6’0, 235 lbs

Weakside Linebacker (“Stinger”) – Has significant run-stopping responsibilities, but also must be solid against the pass and an effective blitzer. Speed and quickness is a must, and size can be sacrificed.

• USF: 6’0, 231 lbs

• Ole Miss: 5’11, 201 lbs

Hybrid safety/linebacker (“Huskie”) – More of a safety than a linebacker. Functions very much like a nickel back, with significant coverage responsibilities and run-contain duties.

• USF: 5’11, 185 lbs
• Ole Miss: 6’0, 217 lbs

Strong safety (“SS”) – More deep zone responsibilities than a strong safety in other systems because the Huskie and Free Safety frequently have run-contain assignments that force them to attack the line of scrimmage. Still, must be ready and willing to come up and make a tackle.

• USF: 5’10, 204 lbs
• Ole Miss: 6’0, 195 lbs

Free safety (“FS”) – Similar in role to the Huskie, possibly with more deep zone responsibilities.

• USF: 5’9, 186 lbs
• Ole Miss: 6’2, 217 lbs

Corners – No significant difference from previous regime.

Depth Chart

With those positions in mind, let’s look at the defensive depth chart as a whole, and then I’ll drill down into specific position groups. The depth chart involves a significant amount of guesswork based on how I think last year’s parts fit into Allen’s system. No incoming freshman are included. Bona fide starters from previous seasons are shown in green¹ Guys that saw playing time, some of it quite significant, are in yellow. Players that have yet to see the field are in red. If you think someone is in the wrong spot, read on and I’ll attempt to explain my placement decisions.²

Personnel Analysis by Position Groups

For each position group, the first issue to address is the raw number of players needed at that position. When determining the necessary number of players in a given group, we’re using 44 as the total number of scholarship players on defense. That’s a little more than half of the 85-scholarship total, but since IU almost never substitutes at quarterback or on the offensive line and almost every defensive position substitutes, a few extra defensive scholarships are justified.³ To calculate the total for each group, then, we take the percentage of the starting total at that position (i.e. for the D-line, that’s 4 of 11 or 36%) and multiply that percentage by 44. Using that formula, IU would expect to have 16 D-lineman, 12 safeties (counting the Huskie as a safety), 8 cornerbacks, and 8 linebackers.  Once the raw numbers are evaluated, the next issue is how the existing pieces fit into the new scheme.

Defensive Line

As recently as last week, there were officially only 12 scholarship defensive linemen, and that number assumed that 3-4 Bandits Greg Gooch, Nile Sykes and Brandon Wilson would be considered defensive ends and that former offensive lineman and University of Cincinnati transfer Ja’merez Bowen’s bowl practice switch to the defensive line was permanent.⁴ It stood to reason that another body or two would be added during spring ball. Sure enough, when the updated roster was released on Friday, redshirt freshman Omari Stringer – originally recruited as a linebacker – was listed as a defensive end. Given the premium put on long, quick guys at weakside defensive end, Stringer, at 6’4, 219, is a natural fit.

Once 2016 recruits Jerome Johnson and Allen Stallings arrive in August, the defensive line will be close to full strength at 15, which I’m guessing the staff is probably comfortable with for 2016. If they wanted to move another player currently on the roster, junior linebacker Chris Covington would make sense. He has the size and frame for WDE (6’2, 232), and he’s  currently buried at Stinger.

In terms of roles within the defensive line, there’s a bunch of different ways the coaching staff could go.  Defensive line is fairly unique as a position group in that these large humans can gain or lose 20 pounds or so that can make them a better fit at a given position along the line.  This gives the coaches some flexibility in moving guys from defensive end to defensive tackle, from defensive tackle to nose tackle, etc.  My theory in putting together the DL depth chart was to start the best four guys, while still respecting positional roles in the 4-2-5. If the defensive tackle is supposed to be the best player on the DL, that’s Ralph Green.  He could play nose tackle as well, but Nate Hoff’s skillset fits well there. Jacob Robinson and Robert McCray should be co-starters at strongside defensive end, as both have the size to stand up against the run and enough speed to rush the passer.  On the weakside, I don’t think there’s a true speed rusher on this roster, but the combination of Greg Gooch and Nile Sykes can be solid, if not spectacular.

Looking to the 2nd and 3rd teams, there’s potential to burn, with the underclassmen quintet of Ja’merez Bowen, Brandon Wilson, Derrian Meminger, Mike Barwick and Joe Belden all seemingly ready to take on expanded roles. IU needs a solid rotation of at least 8 defensive linemen in place by the start of B1G season. A somewhat soft first 3 games affords the defensive staff some time to evaluate in game situations.

Linebackers

At the other end of the experience spectrum, the IU linebacking corps. IU has 4 guys that have logged significant time (TJ Simmons, Marcus Oliver, Tegray Scales and Clyde Newton) and a couple guys with a little experience (Damien Willis and Chris Covington). Clyde Newton and Chris Covington played an outside linebacker position in the 3-4 that really doesn’t exist in the 4-2-5⁵, but I think both have the skillset to play Stinger in Tom Allen’s system. Add in redshirt freshman Raekwon Jones and we’re up to 7 linebackers. Barring injury, IU should be fine with 7 linebackers in 2016, especially considering that some combination of Oliver, Simmons, Scales and Newton will see virtually all of the playing time.

With respect to roles, T.J. Simmons, in size and skillset, fits the profile of a MLB in the 4-2-5 to a tee so I expect him to remain there, but the tougher question is what happens to Marcus Oliver. He’s the right size to play MLB, but could he lose a few pounds and play Stinger? Maybe. He has more skill against the pass than Simmons, but he seemed a little overbulked in 2015 and could stand to lose 10 lbs or so.⁶

Tegray Scales should excel at Stinger. If I’m picking one guy who should thrive in the new system, it’s Scales at Stinger, especially if he slims back down to his 2014 playing weight (which was maybe 10 lbs less than his 2015 weight). Clyde Newton is in somewhat of a tricky spot, as he will be asked to move inside to Stinger in his last year of eligibility.  At the worst, though, Newton will be an experienced reserve in 2016.

There’s depth, experience, size and talent here. IU’s linebackers should be the strength of the defense.

Safety (strong, free, huskie)

At safety, assuming former undersized SLBs Zeke Walker and Dawson Fletcher slide to Huskie⁷, there are currently 9 scholarship safeties, and all but JuCo transfer Jayme Thompson have seen game action. With 3 incoming safety recruits – in addition to Thompson – (Khalil Bryant, Marcelino Ball and Brandon Drayton), the 3 safety positions should be fully staffed by August. Right now, I also have Andre Brown listed at strong safety because I think his size and physicality – and lack of high level speed and quickness – play better at safety than corner, but the numbers might dictate that he stays at corner, especially now that Devonte Williams has moved back to running back.

Like the D-line, who ends up at which safety position is a guessing game at this point. The positions in the depth chart above are based on (1) Jayme Thompson’s statement during a recent interview that he was working at the Huskie and free safety positions and (2) my rough understanding that in the 4-2-5, the strong safety is more likely to have deep zone coverage responsibilities, while the Huskie and free safety are more likely to have force/contain responsibilities in the run game. Based on his play last year, it seems to me that Jonathan Crawford is more suited to strong safety, coverage-heavy role, while Chase Dutra is a little better suited to a more run-centric role, at whichever spot Thompson doesn’t occupy. The reserves follow the same principle – I think Kiante Walton, Dawson Fletcher, Zeke Walker and Will Dawkins fit well in the run and short zone Huskie or free safety role. Jameel Cook, Tony Fields and Andre Brown could probably fit in any of the 3 spots.

Corner

The analysis is simplest at corner: it’s Rashard Fant at one spot and…someone else at the other. My best guess is South Carolina transfer and former 4-star recruit Wesley Green will be the other starting CB, but there’s a group of alternatives with playing experience, including Leon Thornton, Tyler Green, Noel Padmore and Ben Bach.⁸ With freshman A’Shon Riggins joining that group of 7, this position group should be at full capacity in 2016.

Look for an updated offensive depth chart and personnel analysis next week.

 

-Dan

 

This was an article that I found on Puntjohnpunt.com (which is really great in terms of going into the analytics of IU football) a while back. I'm excited to see how coach Allen uses the pieces available to implement the 4-2-5 scheme.

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

Will Dawkins and Tim Gardner are no longer with the team.

http://indiana.247sports.com/Bolt/Two-IU-players-no-longer-with-program-45898398

 

[ThompsonHoosier]

Any specific reasons for leaving? Playing time maybe?

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

30 minutes ago, ThompsonHoosier said:

Any specific reasons for leaving? Playing time maybe?

The Indpls. Star has now posted the following article.  Reading between the lines with respect to Gardner might suggest some non-football related issues, but there's no specifics mentioned for either player so it may be solely related to playing time they don't expect to get.

 

BLOOMINGTON — Safety Will Dawkins and offensive lineman Tim Gardner, both entering their sophomore seasons, have left Indiana University's football program, according to a program release.

“We thank Will and Tim for their contributions,” IU football coach Kevin Wilson said in a two-paragraph release. “They are leaving IU in good academic standing and we wish them the very best moving forward."

Gardner, a Lawrence Central alumnus, was expected to be in the mix for playing time at one of a number of spots along Indiana's offensive line this fall.

An Ohio State signee originally, Gardner landed at a prep school after some off-the-field trouble. He then returned to the Big Ten, this time with the Hoosiers. He appeared in 11 games in 2015 as a redshirt freshman.

Indiana lost left tackle Jason Spriggs and center Jake Reed to graduation last offseason, but returns All-American Dan Feeney, plus Dimitric Camiel, Jacob Bailey, Wes Rogers and Wes Martin, among others, along the offensive line.

Dawkins, a Florida native whose playing time increased significantly because of injuries late last season, recorded 17 tackles and a pass break-up in 2015 after redshirting the 2014 season.

After spending the nonconference portion of the schedule in the background, Dawkins' influence grew as his redshirt freshman campaign wore on. He made his IU debut against then-No. 1 Ohio State. With the Hoosiers depleted through injury in the defensive backfield in November, he started the season's final three games.

Dawkins had five tackles in IU's Old Oaken Bucket victory against Purdue, and seven — plus the pass break-up — in the Pinstripe Bowl loss to Duke.

Indiana will likely look to players such as Chase Dutra, Jonathan Crawford, Tony Fields, Jameel Cook and junior-college transfer Jayme Thompson at safety, as well as a hybrid linebacker/safety role in new defensive coordinator Tom Allen's 4-2-5 scheme.

[JaybobHoosier]

On 6/14/2016 at 11:46 PM, Crimson and Cream said:

I know this is a "thank you captain obvious" moment, but my main concern is QB. If Lagow steps up and gives us a solid starting QB we can count on we're in a bowl game. If he doesn't prove to be ready, it will be close. Our running game can carry us some, but you at least have to be decent in the air. I think this is the season the defense becomes competent (not a glaring weakness).

I am very excited for some IU football.  Since I get to control the schedule now, let's say I will make sure and be off for important football games :)  I, like you, am  very worried about our QB situation.  I see the defenses stacking the line until we prove we can be decent in the air.  Really hope Lagow and Diamont really step up! I think we improve everywhere else.

[MartintheMopMan]

25 minutes ago, JaybobHoosier said:

I am very excited for some IU football.  Since I get to control the schedule now, let's say I will make sure and be off for important football games :)  I, like you, am  very worried about our QB situation.  I see the defenses stacking the line until we prove we can be decent in the air.  Really hope Lagow and Diamont really step up! I think we improve everywhere else.

I have been praising this kid since I saw his tape, so I won't stop now. Lagow has the physical tools he needs to put up insane numbers in our offense. But, it's not a simple offense to learn and it's set-up to take a lot of precision. If he takes mental reps all off-season, he can be very successful. 

[Crimson and Cream]

39 minutes ago, JaybobHoosier said:

I am very excited for some IU football.  Since I get to control the schedule now, let's say I will make sure and be off for important football games :)  I, like you, am  very worried about our QB situation.  I see the defenses stacking the line until we prove we can be decent in the air.  Really hope Lagow and Diamont really step up! I think we improve everywhere else.

Whoever the starting QB is has no excuses. We have an offense that has no weaknesses or question marks so if the QB can't succeed it's all on him. He should have plenty of time behind that o-line, a running game to force teams to stack the box, and a receiving group full of talent to throw to. No excuses. This is the best opportunity Lagow is going to get, I hope he takes advantage.

[ThompsonHoosier]

11 hours ago, MartintheMopMan said:

I have been praising this kid since I saw his tape, so I won't stop now. Lagow has the physical tools he needs to put up insane numbers in our offense. But, it's not a simple offense to learn and it's set-up to take a lot of precision. If he takes mental reps all off-season, he can be very successful. 

He won't have to do mental reps now that we have the Cuban Center for Sports Media and Technology. Now he can put on a pair of VR goggles and practice real life film!

[akhosrof]

[MartintheMopMan]

13 hours ago, ThompsonHoosier said:

He won't have to do mental reps now that we have the Cuban Center for Sports Media and Technology. Now he can put on a pair of VR goggles and practice real life film!

Oh man, I had never considered that aspect. I am so excited! I WANT MY VR GAMES!

[Josh]

College Football Playoffs semi-finals are in Atlanta and Glendale this year. Have reservations at both to cover my bases.

Championship is in Tampa, hopefully Josh will let me camp out in his backyard

If (when?) IU makes the title game this year, everybody stays free!

Sent from my SM-G920P using BtownBanners mobile app

[HoosierReb01]

In case you missed it, IUFB is having a Olympics for the team. The Btown Banners Grand Champion is Jerome Johnson for his gold medal winning performance in the Belly Buster.

[HoosierReb01]

Mike Pechac ‏@coachpechac  Jun 22
#iufb  Summer Olympics Round 3 Ping Pong Champs Chase Dutra and Devine Redding