Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Let's take a look at IU's verbals so far for the Class of 2008

As of today, Indiana has 7 verbal committments. That is a whopping total if you look at past years. Last season, the first verbal was Dane Conwell on 6/24, so to have 7 this early in the game is really outstanding. You also have to consider what these coaches have had to battle through and still some of the uncertainty about the furture, as far as who will be the coach after 2007. Never the less, this staff should really be commended on their efforts.

Also, I want to point out that Gerald Brown is really doing some great work down in the Memphis area. He was assigned to the state of Texas, but since the switch to not recruit that state as much, Gerald has really made some in roads down there, and you can check those names out in my blog about kids we have offered.

Now for the commits:

1. Marquelo Suel

Marquelo is a 6'3" 180 WR/DB prospect from Fort Wayne, IN Harding High School. As a junior, he recorded 50 catches for 959 yards and 12 TDs. He also had 80 tackles, 3 ints, and 3 sacks as a Safety. His HS team won the state 2A title last season, and Marquelo had 7 catches for 98 yards and 1 TD in that game.

Marquelo isn't the best football in the city of Fort Wayne this year, but he's probably 2nd (Jon Goodman-Notre Dame commit is first). He runs a report 4.5 and has good leaping ability and very good hands. Bill Lynch was very instrumental in securing this verbal, so don't expect Marquelo to have any 2nd thoughts about not following through with his verbal. Marquelo is also a very good track man and has ran in the state meet at both the 200 and 400 meter distances.

Marquelo is versatile, so he could play defense for the Hoosiers, though I believe he'll stay on the offensive side of the ball. However, those that have coached him believe he would be a very good Free Safety or even corner at the next level. Marquelo is very physical and isn't afraid of the middle of the field. Whatever position he plays, he'll contribute early and often for the Hoosiers.

2. Nicolas Sliger

Nick is a 6'3" 285 DT/OL from Cicero, IN Hamilton Heights HS. Last season, Nick recorced 59 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries as a DT. Nick reported runs a 5.1, and coaches really like his versatility with playing on either side of the ball in college. Nick also benched 185 pounds 20 times at the Indiana NIKE combine and was measured as having a 78" wingspan and a reach of 94.5". Nick was being recruited by several of the big programs from across the Midwest (Iowa, Notre Dame, Louisville), but pulled the trigger early when IU came up with an offer.

Nick's mom, who posts on the Rivals fball forum, has confirmed that Nick will not waver on his commitment to the Hoosier. Coach Lynch was again very instrumental here in securing his verbal to the program. Nick is currently ranked as the #48 DT in the country, which puts him just behind Warren Central's Steve Barnett for the top DT in Indiana. Steve had injury problems last season, but Nick is still battling Steve and Short (committment to Purdue) for tops in the state so far in the preseason.

As mentioned earlier, Nick has a pretty large wingspan and reach and that has excited IU's OL coaches about a possible move to that side of the ball in college. He's also pretty quick off the snap, and with his measurements and a little more bulk, Nick could very easily be a OG at IU. Time will tell, but if IU secures any more DT commits, I'd say Nick could very easily move to the OL.

3. Tandon Doss

Tandon is a 6'3" 200 WR/DB/athlete from Indianapolis Ben Davis HS. Tandon is tall, fast, and physical. He has ran a sub 4.5, and has exceptional hands and leaping ability. In a game I saw last season, Tandon out ran Warren Central, including Jerimy Finch to return a punt 75 yards for a TD. Tandon is a burner with solid after the catch moves, which should make him a #1 option in the offense as he develops. Also, he's been clocked at 10.8 in the 100, so he has very good initial and substained speed on the field.

Last season Tandon caught 29 passes for 448 yards and 3 TDs and ran for 240 yards on 23 carries. He did all that while missing 5 games due to a rib injury. While Tandon is versatile and could play DB or even LB, I believe he'll be a WR and Kick Returner all the way at Indiana. Of course, IU is also heavily involved with his best friend, Lavarus Williams, and his QB, MarQuies Gray.

Billy Lynch secured this verbal for Indiana, and just like the other 2 commits that I have profiled, Tandon is solid with IU. Tandon is currently ranked as the #8 player in the state of Indiana and #85 in the Midwest.

4. Justin Pagan

Justin is a 6'4" 290 OT from Chicago, IL St. Patrick High School. Justin recently committed to the Hoosiers last week after receiving an offer after Indiana's 1-day OL camp. The IU staff really discovered Justin at the Chicago NIKE combine. Justin was named 2nd OT during that camp and he really showed very well and improved his stock. Right after that camp, he received offers from New Mexico and Wyoming. Prior to all that exposure, he was only being recruited by MAC schools.

Justin will be groomed as the LT or LG of the future. He ran a very solid 5.28 at the NIKE camp which is pretty quick for a man his size. He also recorded a 23" vertical and 7.5 broad jump. That shows he has good exposiveness to go along with his size and quickness. Like the others profiled in the blog, Justin was recruited by Bill Lynch and appears to be very solid with his commitment.

5. Cortez Smith

Cortez is a 5'10" 185 RB/DB from Detroit Cass Tech HS. Cortez verballed to IU over the weekend. Last season, Cortez ran for 1150 yards and 19 TDs with 133 carries and also played DB and LB and had 52 tackles and 3 sacks. His brother, Jason, played for Coach George Ricumstrict at Central Michigan, and that relationship proved vital in Cortez's verbal to Indiana.

Cortez has reportedly ran a 4.43 and is ranked as the #19 player in Michigan and #83 player in the Midwest this preseason. Cortez would love to be a RB and Returner at IU, but will make the switch to the other side of the field if that means getting on the field quicker. IMO, I think he'll be a CB, especially if IU secures a commit from Willis. Cortez is also playing on the same team as Michigan commit, and #1 cover corner prospect Boubacar Cissoko. As with most of the other verbals to this class so far, Cortez is another track guy and teammed with Cissoko to win the 4x100 and 4x200 state relays.

6. Larry Black:

Larry is a 6'3" 290 DT/OL from Wyoming, OH HS. He committed last night, so there isn't much out there on him. However, he's listed as DE and he runs a 4.9, so he could either be a DE, DT, or OG with that build and speed. Most likely, I think he'll be a DT and this could very well move Nick Sliger to the OL.

Larry says he has very good handwork and feetwork and I have to wonder if this kid was hurt, or is just vastly underrated. His measureable suggest that with some coaching and muscle, he could really be a force at DT, especially with his quickness.

Last season Larry played at 260, so he's put on some weight, because he weighed 287 at the Cincinnati combine. He recorded 56 tackles and 4 sacks. According to a capsule from the combine, Larry has always been known as a run stuffer, but showed some real capabilities as a pass rusher. He also seems to pass the eye test and he's pretty athletic for a big guy. I honestly believe he's very underrated right now and is a real steal for this staff.

7. Alex Hunt

Alex is a 6' 200 pound RB/DB prospect from Duluth, GA HS. Alex also commited yesterday along with Larry as both were recruited by Mike Yeager. Alex reported runs a solid 4.4 and has benched 185 pounds 22 times at the Atlanta NIKE combine, which is pretty darn impressive. Alex surprised his coach, because most thought he was headed to Wisconsin to be a Badger, but decided upon IU just recently. Some pretty impressive schools were recruiting Hunt (Notre Dame, Auburn, Georgia, but none had offered yet), and Wisconsin, Ole Miss, and Maryland had offered, so this is really a good get for the staff.

Alex is really fast, as he's been a state qualifier in the 200 meters with a top time of 22.3 seconds. Last season, he ran for 238 yards and 2 TDs on 16 carries. He only played 2 games a about 1/2 a 3rd game until he had a concussion and didn't play the rest of the season. As a Sophmore, he ran for over 800 yards. Alex is also a very good student and it appears from what I've read about him that Academics comes first and foremost to him.

With Alex verballing, I think this will push Cortez Smith to CB (which isn't a bad thing). Alex is the best committed player right now along with Tandon and Marquelo. He's a real steal, and I hope he remains committed to IU. Prospects that change their minds at the last minute, tend to have 2nd thoughts, so let's hope Alex will become a Hoosier, because he has the size and speed we really need at the RB position.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Complete list of offers that Indiana has out there so far

Thought I'd give an update and list on all the offers IU has out there so far. This doesn't mean any of these guys are going to commit, though I think some will. Anyway, I'll list names, height and weight, and competing offers and stats, if I found any. Anyway, enjoy!

QBs:

1. John Weinke a 6'5" 215 pro-style QB from Illinois. Threw for 3,221 and 33 TDs; IU not in top 5; Probably Michigan bound

2. Justin Tuggle, 6'3" 205 dual-threat QB from GA; IU in top 3; Dad Jessie was a LB for Falcons

3. MarQuies Gray, 6'4"205 and runs a 4.6; IU in top 3

4. Tyler Pass, 6'3" 200 dual-threat QB from GA; runs 4.7; Wants North Carolina offer; IU and Purdue have offered; 2006 rushed for 595 yards and 6 TDs and passed for 1200 and 16 TDs with 2 ints.

5. Sal Battles, 5'11" 210 dual-threat QB from OH; runs 4.6; Wants to play QB in college and IU is only school to offer that will let him do that. A Kellen Lewis clone.

6. Orhian Johnson 6'4" 185 dual-threat QB from FL; funs a 4.5; Kansas, South Florida, & Cincinnati. IU very much in mix.

7. Matt Roark 6'6" 190 dual-threat QB from GA; Kentucky leads with Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, and IU in the mix

RBs:

1. Darius Ashley 5'8" 190 that runs a 4.45 from OH; Ran for 1633 yards and 28 TDs last year; IU competing with West Virginia, Tennessee, and Louisville

2. Santuan McGee 5'8" 160 that runs a 4.4 from FL; IU only offer; CB prospect

3. Mike Shaw 6' 185 that runs a 4.4 from OH; Probably Michigan or Penn State bound

4. Isaiah Pead 5'10" 185 that runs a 4.4 from OH; Ran for 1700 yards and 24 TDs last year; IU, West Virginia, and Cincinnati battle

5. Darius Willis 6' 200 that runs a 4.5; Ran for 1200 yards and 15 TDs last season; IU leads

6. Frank Green 6' 200 from GA; Ran for 1920 yards last year; Florida, South Carolina, and Rutgers lead

7. Albert Evans 6'1" 195 from IN that runs a 4.5; IU, Purdue, and Illinois in top 3; DB prospect

8. Cortez Smith 5' 10" from MI; Ran for 1150 and 19 TDs last season; CB prospect; IU only major offer

9. Chris Anderson 5'9" 190 from FL that runs a 4.65; Ran for 1700 and 20 TDs last season; Kansas and Georgia are battling IU

10. Marcus Hightower 6'1" 175 from TN; Miami, FL and Oklahoma State have offered as well

11. Mark Ingram 5'10" 180 from MI; Michigan State, Illinois, and Cincinnati are battling IU

WRs:

1. Jarmon Fortson 6'3" 22o from GA; 673 receiving yards and 9 TDs last season; Alabama, Auburn and Louisville lead

2. Mike Shanahan 6'3" 200 from PA that runs a 4.6; 700 receiving yards and 8 TDs last season; Duke, West Virginia, Stanford, and Georgia Tech are battling IU

3. Tyler Adetona 6'1" 190 from GA that runs a 4.6; 780 receiving yards and 8 TDs last season; IU and Marshal are only offers

4. Nick Bass 5'11" 2oo from GA; 525 receiving yards and 13 TDs last season; IU competing against Tennessee and Vanderbuilt

5. Bakari Bussey 6'2 200 that runs a 4.4 from OH; Dad played as DB for Bengals; 360 receiving yards and 5 TDs last season; Safety prosect; IU and MAC schools only at this point

6. Cameron McKinnon 5'11" 175 that runs a 4.4 from FL; Central Florida leads

7. Lavarus Williams 6' 185 that runs a 4.3 from IN; Favors Ohio State, but they won't offer; IU's to lose I believe

8. DJ Woods 6' 165 that runs a 4.3 from OH; IU in top 3 with West Virginia and Pittsburgh

9. Marcus Rucker 6'3" 180 that runs a 4.5 from TN (same HS as RB prospect Hightower); Tennessee and Memphis battling IU

10. Jon Lockhart 6' 185 that runs a 4.5 from FL; IU in top 4 with Central Florida, Vandy, and Georgia Tech

TEs:

1. Landon Davis 6'4" 255 from IL; Most Big 10 and Big 12 school after him

OTs:

1. Mike Goodman, Jr. 6'5" 270 from FL; Boston College, Wisconsin, and IU in top 3, but has 30+ offers; Will be visiting IU in July

2. Chad Hounshell 6'5" 300 from OH; MAC, Cincinnati, and IU at this point

3. Emmett Cleary 6'6" 250 from IL; Boston College, Purdue, and Northwestern

4. Ryan Tunley 6'5" 295 from PA; Duke, Georgia Tech, Maryland, and Penn State

5. Marc Damisch 6'6" 270 from IL; MAC and IU at this point

6. David Young 6'6" 280 from IL; Kansas, Kansas State, Purdue, and Nebraska battling

7. Ron Byrd 6'5" 260 from GA; Arkansas, Clemson, and Louisville; DL prospect as well

OG:

1. Harold Coates 6'1" 315 from OH; Illinois and West Virgian and IU at this point

K:

1. Trent Mossbrucker 5'11" 195 from IN; Long of 49 yard FG last season; Northern Illinois, Wyoming, and Army have also offered

Athlete:

1. Leonard Johnson 5'10" 180 from FL; Illinois, Iowa, West Virginia, and IU; IU will use him at CB first

DEs:

1. Nick Perry 6'4 220 from MI; 75 tackles and 11 sacks last season; Michigan, Michigan State, and Wisconsin battle as this point

2. Anthony Mains 6'6" 210 from FL; 67 tackles and 9 sacks last season; Louisville, West Virginia, and Central Florida battling IU

3. James Moore 6'4" 270 from Missouri; IU, Iowa State, and Kansas State battling

4. Joe Washaby 6' 210 that runs a 4.8 from FL; 52 tackles and 8 sacks last season; IU in top 3 with Central Florida and South Florida

5. Kaleb Ramsey 6'4" 260 that runs a 4.7 from PA; 90 tackles and 2 sacks last season; Pittsburg, UCONN, and Maryland are battling

6. Chaz Sutton 6'4" 235 runs a 4.8 from GA; 85 tackles and 6 sacks last season; Florida, South Carolina, and California have all offered

7. Dex Heyman 6'4" 215 that runs a 4.6 from KY; IU battling Louisville, Kentucky, and Cincinnati

8. Andrew Smith 6'3" 235 that runs a 4.65 from FL; IU in top 3 with Troy and Florida Atlantic; May be looking for a Florida or Florida State offer

DT:

1. Cordian Hagans 6'4" 265 from GA; IU battling Auburn, LSU, Miss. St., North Carolina, and South Carolina

LB:

1. Ebele Okakpu 6'1" 200 that runs a 4.6 from GA; 92 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 4 fumble recoveries last season; Georgia, Miami, FL, Louisville, and Purdue have offered as well

2. Leonard Hubbard 6'2" 225 from IL; IU competing Iowa, Colorado, and Minnesota

3. Taylor Hill 6'2" 205 from OH; LSU, Oklahoma, and IU only offers

4. Brett Nagel 6'4" 225 from IL; Colorado, Northwestern, and Stanford battling IU; 4 ints last season

5. Justin Staples 6'4" 215 from OH; UCONN, Pittsburgh, Purdue, and Michigan State have also offered

6. Doug Rippy 6'2" 220 from OH; 148 Tackles, 13 TFLs, and 6 sacks last season; Illinois, Nebraska, Michigan St, and Louisville have also offered

7. Fred Craig 6'2' 210 from OH; 80 tackles last season; Cincinnati, Louisville, West Virginia battling IU; Also a safety prospect

8. Steve Gardiner 6'1" 205 from OH that runs a 4.45; 125 tackles, 6 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 3 ints last season; IU in top 4 with Cincinnati, Pittsburg, and West Virgina

9. David Blackwell 6'2" 210 from FL that runs a 4.7; Central Florida, Florida Atlantic, and Florida International

10. DeAndre Jones 6' 215 from GA; 68 tackles, 13 TFLs, and 2 sacks last season; IU, Ole Miss, and Standford only offers

CBs:

1. Donnie Fletcher 6' 170 that runs a 4.5 from OH (same HS as Ray Fisher); IU in top 5

2. Dominique Battle 6' 165 that runs a 4.5 from FL; Purdue leads everyone right now

3. Rashaard Reid 5' 10" 180 that runsa 4.5 from FL; IU only offer

4. Carlos Holton 6'2" 180 that runs a 4.6 from FL; IU only offer

Safeties:

1. Tommie Thomas 6'2" 175 from IL; 85 tackles and 10 Ints last season; Cincinnati, Colorado, Illinois, and Purdue have also offered

2. Khiry Battle 5' 11" 205 that runs a 4.55 from GA; Arkansas, Michigan State, Minnesota, Central Florida

3. John Lejiste 6' 180 that runs a 4.4 from FL; Illinois, Pittsburg, Wisconsin, and Rutgers battling IU

4. Quincy Quetant 6' 195 that runs a 4.8 from FL; 7 Ints last season; Cincinnait, Kansas, and Iowa State battling IU

5. Travis Arnold 5'10" 190 that runs a 4.3 from FL; Florida, Florida State, LSU, and Clemson have all offered

6. Bryden Trawick 6'2" 210 from GA; Boston College, Ole Miss, UCONN, and IU at this point

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

It's going to be a tough day today.

Today started out with a rescue run around 6:50 Am this morning on I-70. Nothing unusual as we got disregarded enroute, however, my cell phone was ringing off the hook as we were responding. I didn't think to much of it, but once I checked my messages, I just couldn't believe it. First, 9 firefighters were killed in South Carolina last night. While not directly affecting me, it still does because of what I do for a living. Second, the message was clear, Coach has died.

I cried on the way back to the station, not because I had lost a friend, but because my prayers, and others prayers had been heard. Terry was healed! I heard Coach testify of his faith, and I knew that when he passed away, he'd be in Heaven. I beleive the second after he drew his last breath, he was healed before the Lord! For me, I will see him again, and I can't wait to do so.

Terry called IU his "dream job". Now we are used to hearing that on bball side of things, but for football? Terry breathed life into this program like no ever did before him. He inspired kids to do some pretty amazing things, to play beyond their abilities, and to believe in each other. Though his time with us was short, a foundation was built, a symbol (The Rock) was made, and those in and around the program began to believe that Indiana University could have a consistant, winning program that has lacked for decades.

I will blog more, but for now, I want to leave you with this poem. John Barada sent it to me this morning, and like him, I can remember how moved I was to hear Coach quote this poem. It was probably his favorite and it fits well today. Also, keep Hep's family in your prayers. They will need strength to get through these next few days and beyond. However, there faith is strong and they will endure, until they are reunited with Coach in Heaven.


Don't Quit Poem
by anonymous
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest! if you must; but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow;
You might succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer thanIt seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup.

And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit;
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit

Friday, June 15, 2007

In the end, Terry's health just wasn't getting better.

Today I'm sad. Not because IU football lost it's best coach that it's probably ever had, but because a personal friend has to give up one thing he truly loves, and that's coaching Indiana University football. Football is secondary at this point, when it comes to a person's health, and when that activity takes what little energy you have, then you have to step away.

Terry's condition isn't improving, in fact, it's getting worse. I finally got more information this morning and Terry's in Stage 3. His condition is serious, and it just made sense for him to step down and allow the current staff to step up and continue what they have started. Bill and Billy Lynch, as well as Matt Canada have been doing a fabulous job with recruiting and they will continue to do that. I honestly don't see this effecting recruiting much, because assistant coaches are the ones that build the relationships and get the kids comfortable.

I will use today as a springboard, because that's what my friend Terry would want me to do. He wants this program to succeed more than anyone involved. His efforts have laid a foundation that we will build the future of this program on. Greenspan will not allow this program to fall, as he's proven he wants winners, and one of his biggest missions when he came to IU was rebuilding the program.

There are only 2 things we as fans can do now. The first is to continue to pray and lift up Terry and his wife and his family through this trying and difficult time in their lives. The second thing we can do is support the heck out of this football program, it's coaches, and the kids. Especially, the kids, because they are just kids. However, this program is blessed with some major leaders, and I have no doubt that the kids will prevail from this and be better people and players because of it. They are excited about this season and a pending bowl game. They have the talent, the schemes are there, as is the motivation. All they have to do is go execute.

Next year and beyond is just that, and we as fans cannot look beyond this season. Sure, there will be bumps in the road, but in all honesty, we as fans can make or break this. If we complain, whine about Coach Lynch, and what not on the boards, this season will be a long one. But, if we are positive, take the good with the bad, and support the players, we'll be okay.

Sometimes life throws up a curve ball that we were not expecting and it stinks, but IU football will go on. The program isn't made of one man, it's made up of many, and though several will need to step up, things will be okay.

Today, I'm sad, not because of what happened to IU football, but because my friend is sick.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Indiana offers local placekicker and Mike Goodman

Indiana has offered Trent Mossbrucker a kicker from Mooresville High School. His other offer is from Wyoming. He's got a pretty good leg and is very athletic, as he led the basketball team in scoring last season.

Also Indiana is really making strides with Mike Goodman, Jr. a 6'5" 275 OL from Miami, FL. He's got over 30 offers, including Florida State, yet Matt Canada is really keeping IU in his top 2 or 3. Indiana only plans to take a couple OL this class, and this kid is a 4-star, so he'd be a huge get for the staff. Education is first and foremost with this kid, so don't be shocked if IU gets a visit and even a commit. Indiana is really working in Florida, as Coaches Pacic and Canada are really making headway down there, and in Georgia.

Indiana has offered a lot of kids recently and I'll try and get some updates up over the course of this week. Also, for those with Scout subscriptions, John Decker has a running list with profiles going on his site. It's not completely updated, but it's pretty close.

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Don't think for an instant that Greenspan doesn't know what he'll do.

Well after another update on Coach Hoeppner with quotes from Rick Greenspan, and still nothing concrete about Coach's future either way. The Indy Star ran an article yesterday and Greenspan basically said he's standing by Coach and he doesn't want to make a change unless he has too. He also indicated that he didn't know what Coach was going to do, which sent fans into a frenzy on message board, and brought about more questions and what IU would do without Hoeppner in control.

Well, let me be the first to tell that Rick Greenspan is very much in control of this situation and he knows just exactly what he'll do. For now, until such time that the Coach's doctors say that he can't coach, Terry Hoeppner is the coach at Indiana. The plan that Rick, Terry, and Terry's doctors have created is this. First, Terry's health and future is the MOST important thing right now. Rick Greenspan is doing the media interviews and Bill Lynch and the assistants are coordinating the recruiting. Greenspan is basically keeping the masses happy by doing these updates and saying the company line that we are standing by Coach, we still expect him coach this fall, and Terry is the best thing to happen to IU. While all that is true, the current plan calls for the staff to stay intact this season, and if Terry can't do a practice, or a game a stretch of games, or even the season, then Bill Lynch is the man.

Second, since this season's plan is pretty much concrete, Greenspan has put together a committe of individuals, in the event that a search for a coach is needed after this season. Basically, this committee is just there to look into names, monitor and track who's out there, and what not. The consensus has always been, and I've said this on several emails, is that Coach Hoeppner will retire after this season. So the process has kind of started, but this is pretty hushed stuff, as you NEVER hear Rick Greenspan or the President or any Trustees say that this is the case. Coach Hoeppner promised a bowl team to the administration, the fans, the alumni, and the players, and he believes that this year's team will make that a reality. Coach wants to finish what he started, and I think he's earned the right to stay at the helm and try to make that a reality if at all possible.

However, don't think for a second that Rick Greenspan doesn't have a plan in place to move forward. While it's just to premature to mention any names or anything, it's a positive thing in my mind that Greenspan has a back up plan and is looking around and getting his ducks in a row in the event Coach can't go on as IU's coach or Coach retires. Rick has laid a pretty good foundation in making sure that he's got his "I's" dotted and "Ts" crossed, so that nothing will come as a shock to everyone.

As from all I've heard recently in regard to Coach is that he will not be doing anything related to coaching until right before Fall practice begins. I don't expect him at the camps, other than just spot appearance and pretty much all public speaking engagements and appearances have been cancelled. Coach is working from home, as I have mentioned earlier, and that's where he'll be until practice begins. The hope is to get Coach "charged up" enough to make it through the season and then a final decision will be made.

Time will tell, but I'm 99.9% convinced that IU will go with Coach Hoeppner for the season and then have a new coach for next season.

Don't think for an instant that Greenspan doens