IU springs into football practice

NFL Draft hopeful Tracy Porter was there to watch his former teammates. Incoming freshman Darius Willis and other recruits were there to watch their future teammates.\nBut the story from IU’s first spring football practice wasn’t who was roaming the sidelines, but who was missing.\nThe indefinite suspension of star quarterback Kellen Lewis leaves Bloomington native Ben Chappell as the team’s starting quarterback, IU coach Bill Lynch said Lewis’s return has yet to be determined, but said the sooner the Hoosiers could get him back, the better.\nLynch praised Chappell, even indirectly comparing his strengths to those of Indianapolis Colts star Peyton Manning.\n“There’s a lot of ways to be a good quarterback,” Lynch said. “(Chappell’s) very, very smart and a really accurate quarterback. He’s got a quick release and he’s not afraid to throw an incomplete pass.” \nThe Lewis suspension, quarterback Blake Powers’ departure and the injury to redshirt freshman Teddy Schell leave sophomore Mitchell Evans, who played as a safety last season, as the backup quarterback. \nAlong with the change at quarterback comes a new wrinkle for the Hoosier offense. While the team will still be running the same spread offense it ran last season, IU will switch to a no-huddle offense in hopes of keeping opposing defenses on their heels.\nChappell said he was excited about his first day, and the first day of the no huddle.\n“It went good, better than could be expected,” Chappell said. “No huddle, we’re going fast, but under control.” \nLynch said the defense also wanted to practice against a no-huddle offense after struggling against teams that used it last season, such as Illinois and Oklahoma State. \nAlthough Chappell and Lynch both expressed excitement about the new look offense, due to the suspension of Lewis – and the surplus of injuries to the offensive line – it’s tough to predict how the offense will look in the fall. \nLynch mentioned over 10 different players currently injured, including junior offensive lineman starters Pete Saxon and Rodger Saffold.\n“A lot of these were conscious decisions to get the surgery done before spring,” Lynch said, adding that he would rather have his players healthy for the fall. \nWhile the defense currently has fewer question marks than the offense, replacing starting cornerbacks Tracy Porter and Leslie Majors is a major concern for the Hoosiers.\nSenior cornerback Christopher Phillips, who has the most experience and is one of the two likely starters, said he likes IU’s secondary.\n“Most of them are more physical, all of them have their own styles,” Phillips said, before adding what the key for the cornerbacks will be. “When you get your chance, make a play.”\nFor the first time in recent memory, the Hoosiers are returning players with significant experience – even players who have reached a bowl game before. Lynch said the team will pick new captains in August, but added there are several promising candidates.\n“Leadership grows through the year,” Lynch said. “Leadership grows and sometimes can come from unique places.”