It was three months ago today when Indiana University introduced Kevin Wilson as its next football head coach. Coming from Oklahoma, Wilson had never previously been a collegiate head coach. Now after a quarter of a year into the job, he has his staff filled out, jobs assigned, players assessed and ready to head into spring football practice tomorrow.
Monday night’s even was held at the Hoosier Den inside Gresham food court in Foster Quad. 400 Papa John’s pizza were provided free to students that were on hand. Coach Wilson took the mic at 7:15 after a promotional video was played. He then proceeded to introduce his defensive staff, followed by his offensive guys. While introducing each coach, Wilson asked a student for a question for one of the coaches.
The first questioned asked was who will be the top quarterback and replace Ben Chappell. Coach Wilson said he hasn’t watched one minute of last year’s games because he thinks it is important to evaluate them on their current skill level and what they can do in his system. Dusty Kiel and Edward Wright-Baker are the two top candidates that will compete for the QB job beginning tomorrow. (But don’t forget about incoming freshman Tre Roberson. He has a chance to be very special…Denard Robinson-like)
Coach Mallory, asked about the defensive formation, said that the team will play a base 4-3 (doing a lot of the same things that he and Ekeler did while at LSU). Wide receivers coach Kevin Johns said despite the loss of Tandon Doss, the Hoosiers return a prolific receiving core and are bringing in the top-ranked receiving class in the conference. Finally linebackers coach Mike Ekeler talked about his RV and sleeping through the tornado sirens in late February.
Coach Wilson also noted that Billy Ray Johnson, also from Oklahoma, was on the staff (4:45 mark of video) handling the football administration side.
The event only lasted about twenty minutes and Coach signed pictures and gave out “Win With Wilson” t-shirts to students. Those that attended could also have their picture taken with the coveted Old Oaken Bucket.
Below is an excerpt of tonight’s “Inside the Huddle” event I recorded. I apologize for the lack of a tripod.