IU's fall training camp got started on Monday and it has been a busy week for the Hoosiers. There have been some big changes to the IU football squad since last seen in Tempe at the Insight Bowl. Here are a few things to keep an eye on throughout the month of August:
The battle for quarterback is the top story as camp kicks off. Kellen Lewis is the incumbent starter coming off a very strong season in which IU went to its first bowl game in over a decade. However, Lewis found himself in trouble this spring, resulting in an indefinite suspension that has only recently been lifted. In his absence, sophomore Ben Chappell performed well throughout spring practice and has earned himself the right to battle for the starting spot this fall. I would expect Kellen to come out with guns blazing to win back his gig, but it will be interesting to follow the situation as we get closer to the home opener on August 30th.
Another topic of interest will be the no-huddle offense. Head coach Bill Lynch implemented the no-huddle during spring ball and plans on getting after it this season. This new offense will play a role in the quarterback competition, as Chappell has proven a more accurate passer, perhaps offsetting Lewis’s ability to turn a sack into a 20 yard rushing gain. Coach Lynch hopes to keep opposing defenses on their heels and short on air as the offense marches down the field. Fortunately IU will have early games against recently upgraded Western Kentucky, in only their 2nd season in the bowl subdivision, and FCS Murray State. The Hoosiers should be able to work out the kinks in the offense between those two early games and an off week prior to a showdown with another high-powered offense in Ball State.
The wide receiver position will be closely monitored, as we look to find out who will help fill the shoes of 2nd round NFL draft pick James Hardy. The Hoosiers lost another wide receiver in the offseason in James Bailey due to transfer. Andrew Means is back this fall after a summer of minor league baseball in the Cincinnati Reds organization. Also back with some experience are speedster Ray Fisher and Brandon Walker-Roby. Chris Banks and Terrance Turner are expected to get their first opportunities to contribute, and there is some talk that true frosh Tyler Adetona and Tandon Doss might have what it takes to make a difference in his first year.
So much to learn about the 2008 Hoosiers and I’ve only barely touched on the offense. Come back for more in the near future regarding the IU defense and a potential freshman contributor at running back.
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Comments
Finch and IU have applied for an appeal or a waiver of some kind that could allow him to play this year. He is practicing now, after sitting out the first day or two of camp. However, I doubt that he'll get any special help from the NCAA to allow him to play this year. Most likely he'll redshirt this year and cause serious havoc for the first team offense during scout team prep. I would expect him to start at one of the two safety positions in 2009. I think he and Nick Polk would be quite a safety tandem.
Any chance of beefing up for an outside backer spot?
I really don't think he'll be a LB at IU. I think his natural and best position is being back at safety and that the only reason he was moved to LB at Florida was due to the fact that they had already recruited the #1 safety in his class when they brought Finch on board. I think otherwise he would have remained safety there as well.
What is the status of Jerimy Finch? Is he going to be fully cleared? Will he get a chance to get into the starting jarb?