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Importance of Indiana running backs can’t be understated: ‘I want to maximize that room’

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2 months ago

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BLOOMINGTON, IN - April 15, 2023 - running back Jaylin Lucas #12 of the Indiana Hoosiers during practice at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, IN. (Andrew Mascharka/Indiana Athletics)

With spring practice ending this past weekend for the Indiana football program, one thing is clear — the running back room will be utilized in many ways.

Last year Indiana’s rushing attack was ranked 13th in the Big Ten in yards per game (110.8) and 12th in yards per carry (3.4). With a lackluster passing attack as well, the inability to provide any punch from the running back room was disappointing.

But now, with that being the strength of the offense, IU head coach Tom Allen is looking to utilize that group of backs in numerous ways.

“I want to maximize that room,” Allen said after Saturday’s open scrimmage. ” … I like that room a lot and feel like we have more flexibility. We have to run the football. We have to run it effectively. Just with different levels from that for our defense, for our offense, for the team. For late in the game finishing out late fourth quarter games. Huge emphasis, no question.”

The running back room is headlined by versatile playmaker Jaylin Lucas. The preseason All-American kick returner is not only expected to be a significant part of the rushing attack, but also in the passing game. Last year he had 271 yards on the ground, 82 receiving yards and 591 kick return yards. Those numbers are expected to see a huge uptick in 2023.

“I think Jaylin gives you some unique skill sets there regarding to have at our disposal, and obviously he is going to be a very, very critical part of all of that,” Allen said.

And throughout spring practice, Lucas proved to be that all-around back Indiana is looking for and needing this season.

“He had two of the greatest runs I’ve seen in my life. It’s a shame they were behind closed doors,” IU offensive coordinator Walt Bell said last week. “He’s done a great job mentally of doing the things we need him to do … He’s playing all over the field … he’s now really become a true multi-purpose tool. We still have to continue to evolve and develop those tools, but if he gets it — enough time, we will be in every game … he was just making a lot of people miss, fall down. He has a really special gift and one of the better ball in hand players I’ve been around.”

Getting the running back room even more involved in the passing game is another part of the offense that Indiana would like to develop. Last year, Josh Henderson had the third most receiving yards on the roster (274).

“… we know what Jaylin can do, and I think Josh is a special back. Christian Turner was one that didn’t get to practice much. He did have an injury earlier in the spring, but it’s nothing long-term. He probably could have gone later. We wanted to keep him healthy. He is a very, very talented player.”

Getting production from the running back room goes hand-in-hand with the progression of the offensive line. Something that is sill a work in progress, there have been positives from that group throughout spring thanks to the addition of new o-line coach, Bob Bostad.

“I love his approach,” Allen said of Bostad. “He is a no-nonsense guy. Doesn’t smile a whole lot, and that’s okay. He never cracks too many jokes, and it’s all ball. It’s all business. Our guys understand that. So I really appreciate his approach. I think we’re going to be a lot better because of it.

“I think the running back room offensively that sticks out to me. I love the way they come to work every day. They have a lot of group … but that’s five guys there that I really believe are really good football players and give us a lot of weapons.”

SEE ALSO: Quick Hitters: Storylines, notes, key quotes from Indiana ‘Spring Football Saturday’

Follow Hoosier Illustrated on Twitter @Indiana_FRN to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. 

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FOOTBALL

Indiana football set to add field-level premium seats in Memorial Stadium

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3 hours ago

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June 1, 2023

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Indiana football is set to unveil field-level premium seating in Memorial Stadium this season for all home games. (Indiana Athletics)

The Indiana football program has unveiled a new experience at Memorial Stadium. Set to roll out this season, Indiana will provide premium suites for game-day experiences.

Memorial Stadium will have  eight field level suites on the stadium’s south end behind the end zone.

Each suite costs $20,000/season, which includes 16 tickets to each of IU’s home games. Pricing for a single-game suite is TBD.

Below is the full release from the Indiana football program.

Bloomington, Ind. – Hoosier Football fans now have the chance to enjoy a premium suite experience at Memorial Stadium from field level.

Beginning this fall, Memorial Stadium will feature eight field level suites on the stadium’s south end located immediately behind the end zone. Each suite includes spacious, sectional furniture seating; a mounted large screen television on the suite’s awning; a drink rail with seating facing the field; high barstool seats to provide additional seating space. Other special amenities include an all-you-can-eat hospitality buffet; domestic, craft beer, and wine options; a personal suite attendant; and a unique player vantage point from field level.

Each suite costs $20,000/season, which includes 16 tickets to each of IU’s home games beginning with the Sept. 2 opener against Ohio State. Pricing for a single-game suite is TBD.

The new premium suite experience is the result of a new partnership between IU Athletics and REVELXP. REVELXP partners with sports and entertainment brands across the U.S. to provide fans with an elevated experience on game days. To date, REVELXP has partnerships with nearly 100 collegiate and professional properties nationwide. Among its active partnerships are Auburn, Arkansas, Baylor, Florida, Florida State, Kentucky, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Texas, Texas A&M, USC, and the College Football Playoff.

“We continue to look for ways to enhance and expand the game-day experience alternatives for Hoosier football fans, so we are excited to offer this new premium seating opportunity beginning this fall,” said IU Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Dolson. “REVELXP has a proven track record of providing the highest level of service and experiences at a wide array of events, college football included.  I expect this to be a very enticing opportunity for our fanbase for not only this year, but for years to come.”

SEE ALSO: Indiana football opens 2023 season against Ohio State with primetime afternoon CBS time slot

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated on Twitter @Indiana_FRN and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. 

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Indiana football opens 2023 season against Ohio State with primetime afternoon CBS time slot

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1 day ago

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May 31, 2023

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The Indiana football program will open the 2023 season at home against Ohio State at 3:30 pm on CBS on Sept. 2. (Indiana Athletics)

The Big Ten has announced game times and tv designations for the first three weekends of the 2023 season. That includes a prime afternoon time slot for the Indiana football program in its season opener.

On Saturday Sept. 2, Indiana will open the season at home against Ohio State at 3:30 pm on CBS.

This is the first year of the Big Ten’s new television contract which includes NBC and CBS tv designations.

Below is the full release from the Big Ten.

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference has announced times and television networks on Wednesday (May 31) for the first three weekends of the 2023 season along with the time for the Indiana football homecoming game.

The conference office announced the following for the Hoosiers:

Saturday, Sept. 2 | Ohio State at Indiana | 3:30 p.m. | CBS
Friday, Sept. 8 | Indiana State at Indiana | 7pm or 8 p.m. | Big Ten Network
Saturday, Sept. 16 | Louisville vs. Indiana | Noon | Big Ten Network
Saturday, Oct. 21 | Rutgers at Indiana | Noon

The 2023 season marks the first season with new broadcast partners to distribute the conference’s television broadcasts. Games will be distributed to fans across broadcast, cable and direct-to-consumer platforms on CBS, FOX and NBC, along with the Big Ten Network and FS1. NBCUniversal’s direct-to-consumer platform, Peacock, will also carry Big Ten games for the first time.

All games televised on NBC will also be available for streaming on Peacock. Games exclusive to Peacock will only be available on that platform.

SEE ALSO: Indiana football enters phase two of prep work as a critical summer approaches

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated on Twitter @Indiana_FRN and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. 

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Indiana Football: DeQuece Carter among highest rated returning WRs in Big Ten

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1 day ago

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May 31, 2023

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DeQuece Carter starts his Indiana football career as one of the top returning wide receivers in the Big Ten after transferring from Fordham. (DeQuece Carter / Fordham Athletics)

The Indiana football program landed one of the most productive wide receivers in the transfer portal this offseason. DeQuece Carter, transfer from Fordham, arrived in Bloomington this spring looking to make an immediate impact on the Indiana football program.

The 5-foot-11 Carter had 1,166 yards with 56 receptions and 13 touchdowns last year. He had five 100+ yard receiving games and averaged 20.8 yards per catch.

As a junior, Carter finished with 48 catches for 872 yards and 11 touchdowns. As a freshman, he was named a Freshman All-American after totaling 53 catches for 723 yards and five touchdowns.

Now, heading into the 2023 season, Carter is ranked among the highest wide receivers in the Big Ten.

According to Pro Football Focus, Carter is the fourth highest graded receiver who returns from last year. He has a rating of 80.8. The three wideouts in front of Carter include Dante Cephas of Penn State and then two Ohio State wide receivers at No. 1 and No. 2, Marvin Harrison and Emeka Egbuka respectively.

After a lack of explosive plays in 2022, the Hoosiers are looking for that with Carter this season.

“Super, super productive … that’s one of the things you go through. Let’s go find a guy who has been highly, highly productive maybe at a smaller level but he has a chip on his shoulder because he wants to prove he belongs with the big boys. And that’s what he brings,” IU head coach Tom Allen said after Carter’s signing. “… He knows how to get open and has tremendous ball skills to be able to make plays. He’s got that swagger, that confidence that when he steps on that field he’s going to make plays.”

Indiana looks to bounce back after a 4-8 season and Carter’s ability to make explosive plays is a reason for some offensive optimism.

Indiana football opens its 2023 season against Ohio State on Sept. 2 in Bloomington.

SEE ALSO: Storylines to follow for the Indiana football program following spring practice

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated on Twitter @Indiana_FRN and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. 

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