Hoosiers snag 1st recruit for 2006

Looking back at last year's recruiting efforts for the football team, the Hoosiers lacked any signings from offensive linemen. IU instantly solved that problem by getting their first commitment of the 2006 class from offensive lineman Pete Saxon. \nIU coach Terry Hoeppner used his connections in Ohio with the recent commitment of Saxon, a 6-foot-6-inch, 290-pound product of Jonathan Adler High School of Plain City, Ohio. Saxon was an honorable mention all-district pick as a junior last season. \nSaxon said that several programs were recruiting him before the Hoosier coaching staff entered the race, which was near the beginning of his junior season. Schools other than IU offering Saxon a scholarship included Kentucky, Miami University of Ohio, the University of Cincinnati, and several other universities in the Buckeye State, Saxon said. \n"Originally, I was seriously considering Miami for awhile because I discovered my brother was transferring there and his girlfriend would be there too, so I'd know people there and I'd be close to home," he said. "But IU has everything I'm looking for, so I just hopped on.\nSaxon was impressed by the scenery of the IU campus, the University's prestigious standing in many academic fields, and even its football program. \n"Everyone says IU's not a good team," he said. "But they have some really great players, several twice as good as those guys on Miami." \nThe Hoosier coaching staff also played a crucial role in Saxon's decision to commit with the Hoosiers, he said.\n"Those are just good guys," he said. "And Coach Hoeppner was a huge factor in my decision process. If I'm playing football, I want to play for a good coach."\nJonathan Adler's football coach, Berry Blackstone, made several comments on what Saxon will bring to the table for IU. He said Saxon has the talent and potential to play for any program in the Big Ten. \n"I think Indiana hit the jackpot," he said. "He's a great athlete with great desire and determination. You can't teach or coach that." \nBlackstone said he feels that Saxon could have a bright future at IU.\n"I think he's only scratched the surface in terms of his potential," he said. "Players like him sure don't come along that often in a small town like this."\nRight now Saxon's focus is on performing well in his senior year and maintaining his strenuous routine in the weight room to better prepare himself for his transition to the college level. \nHe understands that Hoeppner will likely redshirt him during his first year at IU. \n"I'd love that year just to get better," he said. "I just want to make the coaches glad they recruited me." \nDespite IU's struggles the past few seasons, Saxon feels the sky is the limit as far as he's concerned for the IU football program. He alluded to the defeat of Ohio State by Northwestern last year to support his claim that anything is possible. \nThe positive attitude that Hoeppner has brought to the program so far will be important as the team attempts to get back to a bowl game, Saxon said. \n"Hoeppner is a good coach with a good attitude, which is going to transfer into the team," he said. "I believe (the members of the coaching staff) can accomplish anything, and that's what they're shooting for"