It didn't take long for senior linebacker John Pannozzo to accommodate himself to a new position. The Hoosiers' middle linebacker was named Big Ten defensive player of the week after his performance against Central Michigan Saturday. Last season, Pannozzo started at fullback for the Hoosiers; however, IU head coach Terry Hoeppner was so impressed with the linebacker's special teams play that he decided to move him to linebacker.\n"When we asked John to move to linebacker in the off-season, it was a calculated risk for both of us," Hoeppner said in a statement. "Once we started practice in the spring, it appeared to be the right move for John and the team. Obviously, being named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week in his first game puts the stamp of approval on the move for everyone."\nPannozzo tallied six tackles, three of which were for a loss, a forced fumble and a sack in the Hoosiers' 20-13 win over the Chippewas. Even though this is Pannozzo's first season playing linebacker for the Hoosiers, he is no stranger to the position. The New York native played linebacker at Poly Prep high school in Brooklyn where he was recognized as Heisman Trophy All-State a Class C Player of the Year, all-state and two-time all-city selection.
Star lineman transfers to IU
IU coach Terry Hoeppner is still using recruiting tactics even though the 2005 season is underway. Chauncey Incarnato, a 6-foot-5, 275-pound offensive lineman, announced last Friday his decision to transfer to IU from Notre Dame. Incarnato is ineligible to play this season, however he is currently enrolled in classes and will have three years of eligibility starting in 2006.\nAs a senior at Dover High School in Ohio, Incarnato did not allow a sack all season and earned Associated Press Division III All-Ohio special mention honors. He played in the Big 33 All-Star Game after his senior year and set school single-game, single season and career records for pancake blocks. Incarnato also played nose guard and recorded 98 tackles and five sacks his senior year.\n"Indiana is just the best fit for me," Incarnato said in a statement. "The Indiana program is on the rise. Coach Hoeppner and his staff have a vision to make it one of the best in the nation, and I want to be a part of that."\nHoeppner said he recruited Incarnato while he was in high school and is pleased to have him on the Hoosier squad.\n"He is an outstanding football player, and more importantly, a quality student and person," Hoeppner said. "Not only does he have the potential to anchor our offensive line in the future, but he will play a valuable role in our practice preparation this season."
'Da Coach' to speak at luncheon later this month
Mike Ditka, former Super bowl coach and Hall of Fame tight end, will be in Bloomington to speak at a luncheon Thursday, Sept. 29. The event will be hosted by the National Football Foundation Central Indiana Chapter and proceeds will be used to start an endowment for IU football scholarships. For every ticket purchased to the luncheon, the NFF will donate a complimentary ticket to a Bloomington area youth football player for the Indiana-Minnesota game Nov. 5. Hoeppner will introduce Ditka.\nDitka played tight end and defensive end at Pittsburgh from 1958 to 1960 and was a unanimous All-American choice. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986 and played for 12 different teams in his NFL career. He later coached for the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints and won the Super Bowl in 1985.
