IUSC’s Olivia Humphreys takes a look at head coach Kevin Wilson’s week 3 press conference
Cam Coffman: After being forced to step into the role of IU’s starting quarterback with the loss of Tre Roberson last Saturday, it is no surprise the sophomore was the main focus of today’s press conference. Both offensive coordinator Kevin Johns and head coach Kevin Wilson commended Coffman on his performance Saturday, noting that his solid preseason training allowed for an easy transition from second string to first. “(Coffman) has only grown,” commented Johns. “He’s gotten better, stronger, and more knowledgeable since the spring.” Johns also stated that although Coffman has gotten better, “He’s still not a finished product.” Wilson also stressed time is a key factor for Coffman to get accustomed to his new role. “He’s a calm kid. He’s a smart kid. The more he plays, the more comfortable he will get…there’s a reason we went after him.”
Tre Roberson: “Injuries are a part of the game,” was Wilson’s response to losing his former starting quarterback for the season to a broken leg. “You’ve got to move on.” And although it may sound like Wilson is throwing Roberson on the back burner, that is hardly the case. Wilson said Roberson will hopefully be back with the team tomorrow as they are going to try to use him as a student coach, if NCAA regulations allow. They also plan on setting him up with a nutritionist as well as a weekly lifting plan in an effort to increase his strength and throwing capabilities. “We need to keep him involved with what’s going on,” stated Wilson.
Coach Wilson is eager to get Roberson back on the field, so his advice for the young quarterback is simple. “Drink milk and rub dirt on it.”
Nate Sudfeld: Johns and Wilson made it perfectly clear that Sudfeld is now the second string quarterback. As to whether or not he will regularly rotate with Coffman as quarterback is still a mystery. Johns said both quarterbacks have been outstanding in practice this week, and that there is a noticeable “sense of urgency,” as the competition between them increases. “We try to create competition in every position,” explained Johns. “Competition is beautiful for us.”
Other injuries: Wilson informed the media of other injuries the team has sustained in the past week, including Jake Reed, a sophomore offensive lineman who has returned to practice after a bout of MRSA, a staph infection. Also mentioned was sophomore cornerback, Michael Hunter, who recently suffered with a sports hernia. Wilson explained Hunter’s treatment, which included flying him to a specialist in Germany to cure the injury that normally takes 6-to-8 weeks to heal. Hunter underwent surgery last Thursday and was back on the field running yesterday. Pertaining to injuries, Wilson said, “It’s not about getting healthy, but getting better.”
Upcoming game against Ball State: When asked about last year’s loss to the Cardinals, defensive coordinator Doug Mallory said, “Last year was last year,” demonstrating the Hoosiers have put the past behind them and are ready to take on the No. 8 FBS ranked rushing team. Mallory stated the difficulty in Saturday’s game lies in stopping the run, as the BSU backs are “extremely patient.” “They just sit behind the line of scrimmage, then have the speed to burst through,” explained Mallory. The only hope for the Hoosiers against the strong rushing offense will be an even stronger defensive line. Wilson also added that Ball State is an extremely well coached team with an awesome punting game, while also praising BSU quarterback, junior Keith Wenning. Offensively, Johns said this will be the “biggest challenge to date,” as Ball State is a fast and athletic group, but that they look forward to winning this game at the end of the week.
Wilson concluded the press conference by saying, “This is the greatest town in the world…and the football is getting better.“
2-0 is a good start, coach. 3-0 would be even better.
