The "Skill" Positions

This post begins the preview of the 2009-2010 Indiana Hoosiers football squad. First up, QBs, RBs, and WRs, also known as, the skill positions.

Quarterbacks

A year ago at this time, Kellen Lewis was the quarterback with a bright future. He had gotten into a little bit of trouble in the offseason but fans expected to see an All-Big Ten type of season from the talented QB. However, there was trouble brewing for Lewis and the Hoosiers. IU attempted to play Lewis at WR and Ben Chappell at QB in some situations. Lewis got banged up while playing wideout and he was never the same after the injury. Without his mobility, his passing inaccuracy was exposed and he struggled while splitting time with Chappell. During this past offseason, Lewis broke team rules again and was booted from the program (Coach Lynch made the right call on this one). That left the quarterback position, and the mantle of team leader, to Chappell.

-Ben Chappell- Junior, 6'3", 235 lbs. from Bloomington, IN.

Ben Chappell started five games last season and threw for 1015 yards. He also ran for 154. Chappell is not nearly as electric or exciting as Lewis but he is reliable and stable. I like the toughness he played with last season behind a shuffled offensive line. He is above average in the accuracy department and appears to make solid decisions. The junior took all of the snaps as the first-team QB this spring as Lewis was worked out at WR before being let go. For better or for worse, Chappell is the unquestioned leader of this team.

-Teddy Schell- Redshirt Soph., 6'5", 221, from Illinois.

Schell has limited experience. He enters the year as the clear number two. I don't see him starting a game in his IU career unless the starter is hurt.

-Edward Wright-Baker- Freshman, 6'1", 205 lbs.

Wright-Baker is a very good athlete. His quarterback skills were very raw in high school. He probably won't be asked to contribute this season but it won't be long before he will make an impact for the Cream and Crimson.

Running Back

The last memorable tailback to play for the Hoosiers was Anthony Thompson. IU has used a RB-by-committee approach and they have not been a very good running team for a while. Marcus Thigpen led the Hoosiers in rushing yards last season with 631 yards. Thigpen was a big-play back capable of taking it the distance every time he touched the ball. But those plays were far too sporadic and the constant minus-two, minus-one, and one yard plays made it impossible for the Hoosiers to get into a rhythm offensively.

-Darius Willis- Redshirt Freshman, 6'0", 219 lbs. from Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.

Willis may have been the most talented back on the IU roster last season. The coaching staff made a tough decision and held him out for a year. He says he is bigger, stronger and hungrier because of it. IU fans may have unrealistic expectations of him but I think he will be a very good player. Willis hits the hole quickly and runs with a purpose. If he can pick up the necessary blocking schemes and be a little bit of a threat in the passing game, he should be getting 15-20 touches a game.

-Bryan Payton- Senior, 5'9", 207 lbs. from Fort Wayne, IN

Payton had 339 yards last season. He is solid and should get 3-4 yards every time he touches the ball. Payton is not very explosive and he has not proven to be a receiving threat. He may enter the season as the starter but I don't think that will last.

-Demetrius McCray- Senior, 5'11", 200 lbs. from Florida

McCray ran for 214 yards last season. He has been injured on and off for most of his career. I think he has the ability to really contribute this season if he can stay healthy.

All three of these running backs are perfect for the new "pistol" offense that the Hoosiers will employ this season. They are between the tackles, downhill runners. I am worried that there are no proven "home run threats" on this roster. I think for a running game to be really dangerous, you need someone that at least has the ability to break into the second level of the defense and win a foot race for a touchdown. Willis may prove to be capable of that but for now, it is a big question mark.

Wide Receivers

Andrew Means led IU in receiving yards last season with 450. Ray Fisher was second on the team with 373 yards. Means has graduated and Fisher has been moved to defensive back. However, wide receiver is a unit that I feel will be much improved from last season.

-Tandon Doss- Sophomore, 6'3", 197 lbs. from Ben Davis in Indianapolis

-Terrance Turner- Junior, 6'3", 207 lbs from Auburn Hills, MI

-Demarlo Belcher- Sophomore, 6'5", 209 lbs. from Fort Wayne, IN

The three starters at wideout are all full of potential and capable of producing big plays. IU has very good size at wideout and I think it will come in handy around the goal line. Look for Doss and Belcher to both have breakout seasons. They looked very good at times last season and I think an offseason in the weight room will have helped them tremendously.

-Matt Ernest- Sophomore, 6'2". -Mitchell Evans- Junior, 6'3", Tyler Adetona- Redshirt Freshman, 6'1"

-Duwyce Wilson- Freshman, 6'3", 190 lbs. from Columbus, IN

IU will use some 5 WR sets and the depth they have at wide receiver will be shown. Matt Ernest has very sure hands. Duwyce Wilson is getting a lot of publicity for his performance in IU's practices to this point. He is a big target that is being favorably compared to former Hoosier James Hardy. I expect Mitchell Evans to play a little wideout and some situational quarterback. Overall, wide receiver is one of the deeper units on this team. No senior will see any snaps at wide receiver so next season should be even better.

I will move to the tight ends and the offensive line tomorrow. In the words of the great Don Fischer, stay vigilant and God bless America.