Donaven McCulley ready to step up for Indiana in year two at WR: ‘I’m kinda just coming into my own at the position’

Indiana concludes its spring practice this weekend with its Spring Game. With that will come the first time fans will see the ‘new and improved’ Donaven McCulley — an important piece to the Indiana offense in 2023.

Making his transition from quarterback to wide receiver last year, McCulley flashed some of the athletic potential that made him a highly sought-after recruit in high school. But, with that came growing pains.

Now in year two at wide receiver, Donaven McCulley is down eight pounds and is working harder than ever to make a consistent impact on the field this season.

“My first season I just tried to take everything as I could and be a sponge,” McCulley told reporters earlier this week. “Getting out of my breaks is really something that’s big for me (and something I’m working on). Switching positions, you’re not used to that. Just working on that, getting out of breaks and everything, staying flexible.”

In 2022, McCulley had 16 receptions for 169 yards and one touchdown. He had at least one reception in nine of 12 games played. His ability to be a playmaker on the outside for Indiana is now something head coach Tom Allen is expecting heading into year two at the position. And, it’s something he needs out of the talented McCulley.

At 6-foot-5 and 200-pounds, McCulley is an ideal threat at the wide receiver position. So while making sure he continued to learn the aspects of the wide receiver position on the field, the off the field training was just as important.

And that is his diet, nutrition and work in the weight room.

“I felt like I was too heavy, felt like I couldn’t run,” McCulley said of last year. ” … just talked to coach (Aaron) Wellman and the staff, and our nutritionist, Isaac (Hicks III) to make sure I’m eating the right things, monitoring my weight. I was kind of a big sweets guy. I had to cut out a little bit of that.”

That progression he’s making off of the field is having an immediate impact on the field.

“Releases,” McCulley said of what he’s noticed improving from last year. “Last year I wasn’t good on release. This year, I’m working hard on those, even after practice. Working with Cam (Camper) and Kamryn Perry.

“Getting out of my breaks is really something that’s big for me. Switching positions, you’re not used to that. Just working on that, getting out of breaks and everything, staying flexible.”

Part of McCulley’s development this spring and summer will be his continued learning alongside new wide receivers coach Antony Tucker.

“He’s gonna make sure you get get everything right. He’s gonna make sure you do everything correctly. He’s gonna coach you extremely hard. He’s not gonna let you be lazy or loaf, none of that,” McCulley said cracking a smile. “I like coach Tucker. He pushes you to the max … he really gets on us.”

With all of the hard work that Donaven McCulley has put in this offseason, he’s not only starting to get comfortable, but also confident. And with the talent already there, that confidence could be the only missing piece that could unleash him this season.

“This year I’m way more comfortable, even with the playbook. With the alignment, what a receiver is supposed to do,” McCulley said. “I’m kinda just coming into my own at the position.”

SEE ALSO: Video: Donaven McCulley discusses his role in second year as WR at Indiana

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