THE IUP Football Thread

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Scrimmages -- especially intrasquad -- certainly have their limitations. Both sides pretty much know what the other is doing, QBs usually aren't allowed to run or get hit, etc.

That said, what's the word out of Miller yesterday?

[PSAC Fan]

All the parts are in place. Only need time to work together as a unit. Defense is a little ahead of the Offense at this point. I don't think the smaller D-line will have any problems. They looked fantastic. The DB's looked good as well. If they can compete with these receivers, they should be in great shape. I believe the coaching staff has really pushed this team over the first 1.5 weeks. Seems the offense is making the defense better and vice versa. Mid-second week comes with a lot of soreness and dead legs. Offensive line missed some assignments which caused some hurried throws and sacks but we know Campola will have them geared up and ready. QB and RB positions will be fine as well. Looking forward to next weeks scrimmage and seeing the improvements.

[EyeoftheHawk]

All the parts are in place. Only need time to work together as a unit. Defense is a little ahead of the Offense at this point. I don't think the smaller D-line will have any problems. They looked fantastic. The DB's looked good as well. If they can compete with these receivers, they should be in great shape. I believe the coaching staff has really pushed this team over the first 1.5 weeks. Seems the offense is making the defense better and vice versa. Mid-second week comes with a lot of soreness and dead legs. Offensive line missed some assignments which caused some hurried throws and sacks but we know Campola will have them geared up and ready. QB and RB positions will be fine as well. Looking forward to next weeks scrimmage and seeing the improvements.

You did a great job of pointing out the positives. That said, you’re being generous in your comments on the O line. It was awful, especially the first group. Miscommunication and slow, although not knowing where to be makes you slower so I’m sure that’s part of it. That said, no need to fully press the panic button a few days into the first fall practices. As was pointed out, the defense looks great but also likely knows what’s coming.

IF they can’t get the O line to gel, and I’m not saying they can’t, it doesn’t matter what kind of other weapons they have. All I know is yesterday the QB, running backs, and receivers looked pretty darned ordinary because the line performed poorly. I’ll admit it’s not fair to make too many judgements based on the first live scrimmage of the fall but this is something to keep an eye on.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

You did a great job of pointing out the positives. That said, you’re being generous in your comments on the O line. It was awful, especially the first group. Miscommunication and slow, although not knowing where to be makes you slower so I’m sure that’s part of it. That said, no need to fully press the panic button a few days into the first fall practices. As was pointed out, the defense looks great but also likely knows what’s coming.

IF they can’t get the O line to gel, and I’m not saying they can’t, it doesn’t matter what kind of other weapons they have. All I know is yesterday the QB, running backs, and receivers looked pretty darned ordinary because the line performed poorly. I’ll admit it’s not fair to make too many judgements based on the first live scrimmage of the fall but this is something to keep an eye on.

I suspect the OL will be much better by the next scrimmage. Those are all proven guys. They need reps in this system. They are likely 'thinking' too much rather than simply playing. That's the purpose of camp. I suspect they will look much different a week from now.

Don't forget, this IUP DL, while being questioned because it lacks the 300 pounders, just may be scary good. Logan Danielson, the most hyped up player to ever be on campus for four years and not take a snap, had two sacks yesterday - and is a real handful. Tyrone Fowler is just on a different level and will make many OL look foolish this season.

The DL is smaller than we are used to seeing but will also be much, much faster. We keep hearing about how massive the IUP OL is ... well, it seems speed won the day yesterday.

I will say this, if that OL doesn't get up to speed come opening night, well, anybody on the home side offended by choice language better wear ear plugs. That's one of the more entertaining sideline huddles around to listen to.

It's also my opinion the defenses have a massive, massive advantage in intrasquad scrimmages. They know the calls. They know the formations/plays. Heck, in a dead quiet stadium they probably hear the play call. They know the QB probably isn't going to take off.

[Predatory Primates]

I suspect the OL will be much better by the next scrimmage. Those are all proven guys. They need reps in this system. They are likely 'thinking' too much rather than simply playing. That's the purpose of camp. I suspect they will look much different a week from now.

Don't forget, this IUP DL, while being questioned because it lacks the 300 pounders, just may be scary good. Logan Danielson, the most hyped up player to ever be on campus for four years and not take a snap, had two sacks yesterday - and is a real handful. Tyrone Fowler is just on a different level and will make many OL look foolish this season.

The DL is smaller than we are used to seeing but will also be much, much faster. We keep hearing about how massive the IUP OL is ... well, it seems speed won the day yesterday.

I will say this, if that OL doesn't get up to speed come opening night, well, anybody on the home side offended by choice language better wear ear plugs. That's one of the more entertaining sideline huddles around to listen to.

It's also my opinion the defenses have a massive, massive advantage in intrasquad scrimmages. They know the calls. They know the formations/plays. Heck, in a dead quiet stadium they probably hear the play call. They know the QB probably isn't going to take off.

Most defenses seem to have gone to 1 or 2 big guys and more speed at exterior dl, and LB these days.

[Wallst]

He was a player that teams had to prepare for in the RMAC last year. He's a good player so I hope he continues it for you.

Why is IUP having to hit the portal for qb instead of developing internally, at least recently? Sexton last year, Karst this year? I applaud IUP for branching out and hitting the portal especially in the Midwest. But, there is something to be said for program guys especially at QB.

[IUPNation]

Why is IUP having to hit the portal for qb instead of developing internally, at least recently? Sexton last year, Karst this year? I applaud IUP for branching out and hitting the portal especially in the Midwest. But, there is something to be said for program guys especially at QB.

It's been something IUP has done for the most part over the past 40 years.

[IUP24]

Why is IUP having to hit the portal for qb instead of developing internally, at least recently? Sexton last year, Karst this year? I applaud IUP for branching out and hitting the portal especially in the Midwest. But, there is something to be said for program guys especially at QB.

I can't answer the question outside of saying that it seems like this is what Paul Tortorella (head coach) prefers, and Curt Cignetti before him. If he sees an upgrade at the position externally, he goes after that individual.

I actually couldn't tell you the last time IUP has had a "program guy" take over the reigns at QB as the next year's starting QB. I think that's hurt their ability to recruit guys out of high school, however, people will tell you that the #2 and #3 QBs on the roster this year are immensely talented. They are high school recruits, but will they be here next year or will either be the QB next year? Who nows...

Going through history of the fabled IUP transfer QB storybook.

Karst Hunter is the next in line. Prior to him joining the fold, in descending order:

-Mak Sexton (2022)
-Harry Woodberry (2021)
-Quinton Maxwell (2019)

The above three were all one-year guys that transferred in and have been their last three QBs prior to Hunter. Prior to those three going through the talented revolving door:

-Lenny Williams (2015-2018) - (He was the IUP QB for four years, but people forget he actually transferred into the program from Temple after his redshirt freshman season. So he too was not a high school recruit)
-Chase Haslett - (2014) - (the son of IUP legend Jim Haslett, Chase transferred in from Illinois as a grad student - it didn't go well)
-Mike Box - (2011-2013) - (was a UCONN transfer; officially became the starter early in the 2012 season)

Pat Smith, who was a high school recruit, and a sophomore QB in 2011, was the starting QB for most of 2011. It was clear that he wasn't the future at QB though, and Cignetti began giving Box a lot of game action as the season progressed in 2011. In 2012, Smith entered the year as the starter. Box quickly supplanted him.

So dang... It's been since 2011 since IUP has entered the year with a high school recruit as their QB. That's wild. I wish they would put emphasis on getting and developing their own guys at the position, but I suppose you can't argue with the results.

[IUPalum]

Why is IUP having to hit the portal for qb instead of developing internally, at least recently? Sexton last year, Karst this year? I applaud IUP for branching out and hitting the portal especially in the Midwest. But, there is something to be said for program guys especially at QB.

Supply and demand my friend. The NE region is saturated with schools of all levels unlike the Midwest. Not easy to get and develop a QB.

[IUPNation]

I can't answer the question outside of saying that it seems like this is what Paul Tortorella (head coach) prefers, and Curt Cignetti before him. If he sees an upgrade at the position externally, he goes after that individual.

I actually couldn't tell you the last time IUP has had a "program guy" take over the reigns at QB as the next year's starting QB. I think that's hurt their ability to recruit guys out of high school, however, people will tell you that the #2 and #3 QBs on the roster this year are immensely talented. They are high school recruits, but will they be here next year or will either be the QB next year? Who nows...

Going through history of the fabled IUP transfer QB storybook.

Karst Hunter is the next in line. Prior to him joining the fold, in descending order:

-Mak Sexton (2022)
-Harry Woodberry (2021)
-Quinton Maxwell (2019)

The above three were all one-year guys that transferred in and have been their last three QBs prior to Hunter. Prior to those three going through the talented revolving door:

-Lenny Williams (2015-2018) - (He was the IUP QB for four years, but people forget he actually transferred into the program from Temple after his redshirt freshman season. So he too was not a high school recruit)
-Chase Haslett - (2014) - (the son of IUP legend Jim Haslett, Chase transferred in from Illinois as a grad student - it didn't go well)
-Mike Box - (2011-2013) - (was a UCONN transfer; officially became the starter early in the 2012 season)

Pat Smith, who was a high school recruit, and a sophomore QB in 2011, was the starting QB for most of 2011. It was clear that he wasn't the future at QB though, and Cignetti began giving Box a lot of game action as the season progressed in 2011. In 2012, Smith entered the year as the starter. Box quickly supplanted him.

So dang... It's been since 2011 since IUP has entered the year with a high school recruit as their QB. That's wild. I wish they would put emphasis on getting and developing their own guys at the position, but I suppose you can't argue with the results.

Rich Ingold was a transfer from South Carolina...and when he transferred to IUP it was a big deal for a program trying to get out of the mud. That was like 1983 I believe.

Scott Woods on the 93 team was a transfer.

Frank had a few transfer QB's and few he recruited.

IUP and transfer QB's is pretty much a tradition.

[Wallst]

Wow, that is really interesting that IUP has lived for at least the last decade plus solely on transfers and it has been a way of life for almost 40. As someone said you can't argue with the results. Some coaches and programs are better at developing certain positions more than others. Nothing wrong with it just how programs and people are wired.

[EyeoftheHawk]

Wow, that is really interesting that IUP has lived for at least the last decade plus solely on transfers and it has been a way of life for almost 40. As someone said you can't argue with the results. Some coaches and programs are better at developing certain positions more than others. Nothing wrong with it just how programs and people are wired.

I know many IUP fans will argue it has been good for the program, but I’ve never been a fan of it. If IUP is willing to go out and find a transfer QB anywhere in the country, why not a recruit outside the state? For example, they went all the way to South Dakota (hometown) to find Karst Hunter. At the same time, I’m sure an outstanding high school junior by the name of Bart McAninch out of Mankato West (MN) who just committed to Bemidji State never got a look. The kid was willing to leave the Midwest to play and has family (who I know) reasonably close to Western PA. Pittsburg State was one of his many offers along with a lot of FCS interest. He is essentially the same build as Karst Hunter and plays exactly the same style. On top of that, he’s an outstanding student with a killer work ethic that isn’t the type of kid that will hit the portal at the first opportunity. His junior year he threw for 2,423 yards, 28 TDs and 0 INTS and a 126.1 QB rating while leading his team to the state championship game. Yes, that’s 28 TDs and NO picks. Who doesn’t at least throw a pick or two just due to bad luck?

At the same time I’m typing this I know the answer is budget and time constraints for being able to recruit all over the country. It’s less expensive and risky to allow a kid to prove himself in another program and bring him in for a visit than it is to chase a high school kid too far from home. To be fair, I think the way IUP does it is probably the most effective route given the resources, and Tort and company have landed some big fish over the years despite the lack of budget and facilities. That being said, in a digital world it should be a little easier to see and get feedback on a kid than ever before. I know IUP and most DII schools can’t afford to recruit a lot of out-of-state players, but QB is the one position I’d spend a few bucks on. Since I mentioned Pittsburg State, the majority of their roster comes from states other than Kansas. Ferris State does have a lot of Michigan players on the roster, but they’ve done well in other areas of the country too including Florida. You stand a chance of catching bigger fish in deeper waters. I suppose this is why they look more like an FCS program than DII.

[Ship69]

I know many IUP fans will argue it has been good for the program, but I’ve never been a fan of it. If IUP is willing to go out and find a transfer QB anywhere in the country, why not a recruit outside the state? For example, they went all the way to South Dakota (hometown) to find Karst Hunter. At the same time, I’m sure an outstanding high school junior by the name of Bart McAninch out of Mankato West (MN) who just committed to Bemidji State never got a look. The kid was willing to leave the Midwest to play and has family (who I know) reasonably close to Western PA. Pittsburg State was one of his many offers along with a lot of FCS interest. He is essentially the same build as Karst Hunter and plays exactly the same style. On top of that, he’s an outstanding student with a killer work ethic that isn’t the type of kid that will hit the portal at the first opportunity. His junior year he threw for 2,423 yards, 28 TDs and 0 INTS and a 126.1 QB rating while leading his team to the state championship game. Yes, that’s 28 TDs and NO picks. Who doesn’t at least throw a pick or two just due to bad luck?

At the same time I’m typing this I know the answer is budget and time constraints for being able to recruit all over the country. It’s less expensive and risky to allow a kid to prove himself in another program and bring him in for a visit than it is to chase a high school kid too far from home. To be fair, I think the way IUP does it is probably the most effective route given the resources, and Tort and company have landed some big fish over the years despite the lack of budget and facilities. That being said, in a digital world it should be a little easier to see and get feedback on a kid than ever before. I know IUP and most DII schools can’t afford to recruit a lot of out-of-state players, but QB is the one position I’d spend a few bucks on. Since I mentioned Pittsburg State, the majority of their roster comes from states other than Kansas. Ferris State does have a lot of Michigan players on the roster, but they’ve done well in other areas of the country too including Florida. You stand a chance of catching bigger fish in deeper waters. I suppose this is why they look more like an FCS program than DII.

Interesting. Ship hasn't been able to get the quality depth of IUP in recent seasons, but we've had very good luck in finding QBs in Pa. such as Zac Zulli, Ryan Zapoticky, and Brycen Mussina. Last year was an exception with three rotating guys and injury problems, which was relected in a drop-off at QB.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

I can't answer the question outside of saying that it seems like this is what Paul Tortorella (head coach) prefers, and Curt Cignetti before him. If he sees an upgrade at the position externally, he goes after that individual.

I actually couldn't tell you the last time IUP has had a "program guy" take over the reigns at QB as the next year's starting QB. I think that's hurt their ability to recruit guys out of high school, however, people will tell you that the #2 and #3 QBs on the roster this year are immensely talented. They are high school recruits, but will they be here next year or will either be the QB next year? Who nows...

Going through history of the fabled IUP transfer QB storybook.

Karst Hunter is the next in line. Prior to him joining the fold, in descending order:

-Mak Sexton (2022)
-Harry Woodberry (2021)
-Quinton Maxwell (2019)

The above three were all one-year guys that transferred in and have been their last three QBs prior to Hunter. Prior to those three going through the talented revolving door:

-Lenny Williams (2015-2018) - (He was the IUP QB for four years, but people forget he actually transferred into the program from Temple after his redshirt freshman season. So he too was not a high school recruit)
-Chase Haslett - (2014) - (the son of IUP legend Jim Haslett, Chase transferred in from Illinois as a grad student - it didn't go well)
-Mike Box - (2011-2013) - (was a UCONN transfer; officially became the starter early in the 2012 season)

Pat Smith, who was a high school recruit, and a sophomore QB in 2011, was the starting QB for most of 2011. It was clear that he wasn't the future at QB though, and Cignetti began giving Box a lot of game action as the season progressed in 2011. In 2012, Smith entered the year as the starter. Box quickly supplanted him.

So dang... It's been since 2011 since IUP has entered the year with a high school recruit as their QB. That's wild. I wish they would put emphasis on getting and developing their own guys at the position, but I suppose you can't argue with the results.

One of the backups in contention for No. 2 transferred in from Mars Hill (D2).

There are two freshmen QBs in camp. Both will redshirt. One will likely leave after the season.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Wow, that is really interesting that IUP has lived for at least the last decade plus solely on transfers and it has been a way of life for almost 40. As someone said you can't argue with the results. Some coaches and programs are better at developing certain positions more than others. Nothing wrong with it just how programs and people are wired.

Lenny Williams was technically a transfer but came here after redshirting at Temple. So, he was here four years. But, yes, technically he was a transfer.

They've had great success with transfer QBs. I'd have loved to see them all have an extra year in Indiana. Sexton should have been here two but left early.

That's the one position they haven't developed internally. That said, because of the track record, it's hard to recruit good high school QBs. Word is obviously out in these parts that IUP has brought in countless QB imports.