John Miller’s advice is followed by Indiana’s redesigned RB room: “Our goal is to create the all-purpose back.”
Indiana football’s revamped running backs group is under the guidance of new position coach John Miller, aiming to revive the ground game in Bloomington. At 27, Miller, who played college football at James Madison in 2017, is quickly ascending the coaching ladder. With a successful track record at James Madison, where he coached for four seasons, Miller now faces the challenge of translating his coaching expertise to the Big Ten, emphasizing the creation of versatile all-purpose backs.
Indiana, signaling an intention to prominently feature running backs in the 2024 season, added four running backs through transfers, potentially giving them a total of seven scholarship tailbacks. Miller sees this abundance of talent as a positive, emphasizing competition during spring camp and fall practice. His goal is to use running backs extensively in the offense, incorporating various run schemes, pass protection, and involvement in the passing game.
The Hoosiers targeted specific attributes in their transfer acquisitions, prioritizing experience and productivity. Miller highlights two key additions, Justice Ellison and Elijah Green, who have proven themselves at the Power-5 level. Miller emphasizes the importance of on-field production and experience in evaluating running back talent.
With the addition of transfer players and the depth in the running back room, Miller acknowledges the challenge of balancing playing time and roles. Despite the complexity, Miller is confident in the abilities of his running backs and expresses the team’s commitment to making the ground game a focal point of their offensive strategy.
In another realm of Indiana sports, associate head coach Kenya Hunter discussed Indiana basketball’s recent performances on the radio show ‘Inside IU Basketball.’ Hunter highlighted adjustments made during the Ohio State win, defensive strategies against Purdue, and the emergence of players like CJ Gunn. He also addressed challenges faced by the team and expressed optimism for the remainder of the season.
Additionally, linebacker Lance Walker from St. Louis received his first Big Ten offer from Indiana. Walker, a physical prospect, is intrigued by Indiana’s new coaching staff and their efforts to make a significant impact in the Big Ten.
Finally, Mackenzie Holmes achieved a historic milestone in Indiana women’s basketball, becoming the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,365 points. The accomplishment holds sentimental value for Holmes, who emphasizes her commitment to the team’s success over personal records. Her humble demeanor and dedication to continuous improvement are highlighted by coaches and family members, reflecting on her journey from AAU basketball in Maine to her current status as a college basketball star.
